{"id":1564,"date":"2019-04-24T12:05:07","date_gmt":"2019-04-24T16:05:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mennosmartin.com\/blog\/?p=1564"},"modified":"2025-05-15T15:34:36","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T19:34:36","slug":"increase-energy-efficiency-with-a-home-renovation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mennosmartin.com\/blog\/increase-energy-efficiency-with-a-home-renovation\/","title":{"rendered":"Improve energy efficiency with a home renovation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A lot of the home renovations we complete happen because homeowners are unhappy with the current layout, design and function of their space. We often redesign layouts and install new cabinetry, bathroom fixtures, flooring and other features in the homes we renovate. But, did you know a home renovation also offers the opportunity to make your home more energy efficient?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

An energy efficiency home effectively controls the flow of air, heat and moisture throughout the space, making it more comfortable and your utility bills more affordable. With Earth Day celebrations happening this month, we thought this was the perfect time to discuss how a renovation can make your home more energy efficient and kinder to the planet and your pocketbook. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your home is a system <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know, all of the elements of your home \u2013 the building envelope, mechanical systems and indoor and outdoor environments – work as one system controlling air flow and moisture? That means that a change in one area can affect other areas of your home. So, it doesn\u2019t make sense to pay all kinds of money for a new furnace or windows if your insulation or heating and cooling systems are low-performing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Energy efficient elements to consider <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We recommend updating a number of elementsin<\/g> your home to make it more it more energy efficient, here they are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furnace and hot water heater\ufeff<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Lennox Furnace from Bast Home Comfort<\/a>, Waterloo Ontario<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Replacing hot water heaters and furnaces with electric heat pump models provides pre-warmed fresh air in your tightly sealed home. Efficient heating and cooling systems use less energy, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of your home. We work with the pros at Bast Home Comfort<\/a> for HVAC related projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

HRV\ufeff<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Image: Venmar<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

An HRV system<\/a> improves your home’s ventilation and reduces dust, pollen and other allergens making your home a whole lot healthier and comfortable. They offer you more control over moisture levels in your home during warm and humid weather, by keeping excess moisture out of your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Window & Doors\ufeff<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Image courtesy of Modernize.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Energy efficient windows and doors can save on bills and keep your home more insulated and comfortable. Triple-glazed windows<\/a> are a superior form of window that offer<\/g> passive solar energy keeping heat in during winter and the home cooler in the summer. All three panes are insulated between layers, making them airtight and sturdy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insulation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Image courtesy of Buildings.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Effective insulation<\/a> stops heat from escaping in the winter and helps keep your home cool in the summer. If your house has no wall insulation, and it has continuous wall cavities (such as conventional stud walls), blown-in insulation can improve comfort and save enough energy to be very cost-effective. Fibreglass and wool insulation can also offer energy efficient options. Remember, each type of insulation includes a label with the R-value per inch, a measure of resistance to heat transfer. The bigger the number, the more effective the insulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hire a professional \ufeff<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re still not sure what to update in you<\/g> home, you can hire a professional energy auditor like the pros at REEP Green Solutions<\/a> to help you identify what elements of your home should be updated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
EnerGuide Home Energy Evaluations by REEP Green Solutions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When you decide what work you want to do to make your home more efficient, it’s time to decide who will be responsible for doing the work. For example, a professional renovation company will help you manage your home renovation project. Even though we don\u2019t do all of the system installations ourselves, we are able to recommend and coordinate with trusted suppliers to get you the right products for your home, with ease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working with a professional contractor may seem like a larger investment upfront than doing it yourself, however, when you work with a team of skilled trade professionals like the team at Menno S. Martin<\/a>, the work will is done properly and to spec, saving you a lot of time, money and hassle down the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Little changes make for big savings!\ufeff<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Nest programmable thermostat
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not ready for a full renovation, here are a few small changes that you can do in your home that will help increase energy efficiencies and decrease your monthly bills: <\/p>\n\n\n\n