older windows, replace them with energy
efficient windows that are properly rated
for your climate zone. You can also help
reduce heat loss with thick, energy-efficient
window treatments that act as an extra layer
of insulation.
HIGH EFFICIENCY MULTISTAGE
AIR CONDITIONERS are designed not
only to be more energy efficient, but also
provide a broader range of comfort under
extreme conditions. - Michael Grochmal, Atlas Care,
www.atlascare.ca
If you’re planning renovations, now is the
time to take steps to ensure your home is as
energy efficient as possible! Here are some
options to consider:
WALLS CAN ACCOUNT FOR 20% of
a home’s heat loss, even before you count air
leakage through cracks and gaps. Replacing
outdated, ineffective insulation is a necessity
when it comes to keeping heating costs low.
Newer types of insulation have the added
benefit of being less toxic.
WINDOWS (AND SKYLIGHTS)
can account for a whopping 30% of the
home’s overall energy loss. If you have
96
CANADIANHOMETRENDS.COM
- Mike Holmes will appear
in Season 4 of Home to
Win, premiering on HGTV
Canada this fall.
take advantage of a cool breeze, consider
running a ceiling fan instead. As much as
possible, keep blinds and shutters closed,
and curtains drawn on hot sunny days to
block the sun’s rays from heating up your
place. While we don’t recommend closing
the registers in unused rooms, you can
reduce the load on your A/C by shutting the
doors.
A SMART WI-FI THERMOSTAT
enables you to easily monitor and control
your energy usage, alerts you to potential
furnace maintenance issues and also
increases the value of your home.
IF THE HEATED AIR CAN’T REACH
its destination, the potential cost-savings
of an energy-efficient heating system are
significantly lower. Sealing air ducts properly
helps to prevent this.
The best renovation
tip I can give is
slow down, take
your time, educate
yourself and the
odds are it’s all
going to be good.
Watch This
Full Segment
And More On Demand At
MarcAndMandy.com
HOW CAN I REDUCE THE EFFECT
OF RISING ENERGY COSTS?
NEWER HIGH-EFFICIENCY
FURNACES AND BOILERS are
designed to use energy more efficiently. It’s
important to note that a bigger furnace isn’t
necessarily more efficient. When buying a
new furnace, you should always consult a
trustworthy heating contractor to help you
choose the right size of unit.
RENO TIP
WITH MIKE
HOLMES
REDUCE energy costs!
HOW CAN I IMPROVE THE
PERFORMANCE OF MY A/C UNIT?
SIZE AND LOCATION An air
conditioner that is too big will create
inconsistent temperatures throughout your
house and cycle on and off frequently. One
that is too small will work too hard trying to
cool your space and wear out prematurely.
Make sure your air conditioning unit is
located in a shady spot out of direct sunlight
and not blocked by bushes. Work with an
HVAC professional to ensure you have the
right unit, in the right location, for the best
results.
RUNNING TIPS Keeping windows open
is a good way to undermine your HVAC
system’s ability to keep your home at a
comfortable temperature. If your aim is to
THE RIGHT THERMOSTAT
A programmable thermostat can adjust the
temperature when you are not at home and
when you return. Make sure the thermostat
is positioned in a central location away from
direct sunlight or heat sources or invest in a
smart thermostat that uses multiple sensors. -
Roger Grochmal, Atlas Care, www.atlascare.ca