Winter Woes - What to do when the mercury drops

We really notice the inefficiancy of our homes construction during the colder months. The hot air just seems to fly out the window along with our money. Below are a few tips looking into how we can do our part not only for the environment but to also allow us to use the money for better purposes other than heating the outside!

Gian-Piero

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: Market Watch

If you want to stay warm this winter, one option, especially with an older house, is to increase the amount of insulation in the attic and exterior walls, but you may be better off to decrease the amount of air getting through the walls. This involves caulking and sealing your home from the inside to prevent air leakage. It's often best to hire professionals to do this job. The monetary payback is relatively short, but the payback in terms of comfort is immediate.

How do you know where the leaks are? We recommend the Natural Resources Canada program, ecoENERGY for Buildings and Houses. This residential energy assessment service provides a thorough basement- to-attic assessment of your home's energy use. The energy advisor's written report will help you plan retrofits that will improve your home's energy efficiency.

How does the residential energy assessment service work? The service includes a detailed energy evaluation of your home, carried out by a licensed energy advisor; a "blower door" test to find air leaks; a printed report that shows where your energy dollars are being spent and what you can do to improve your home's energy efficiency; and an energy efficiency rating label showing you how energy efficient your home is compared with others in your region.

Drafts, cold spots and frosted windows.
Once your house has been "ecoASSESSED," you will have found the source of problems and have information about repairing them, and not just caulking and weather-stripping. Whether you are renovating or retrofitting your energy advisor uses state-of-the-art evaluation practices and can advise on the best techniques and types of products.
If you are thinking about upgrading your heating and cooling system, your advisor can suggest improvements that can make a difference to the size of the heating and cooling system that your home needs.

Selling your house?
After you've made upgrades and improvements, the energy efficiency rating label shows potential buyers how much you've improved your home's energy efficiency and how it compares to other homes in your area.

Worried about conflict of interest?
Natural Resources Canada's energy advisors provide unbiased advice on how to improve your home's energy use. The service is also quality assured by the Government of Canada to ensure the integrity of the service.

Short on loonies?
As a bonus, homes that have had pre- and post-retrofit evaluations from a Natural Resources Canada licensed energy advisor are eligible for grants, based on each of the recommended retrofits you have completed and the relative impact the retrofits have on your home's energy efficiency. Your energy advisor can suggest the retrofits that are your best options.

For More Information goto:Http://oee.nran.gc.ca/residential/personal