How To Improve The Energy Efficiency Of Your Roof
Introduction:
We all know that it’s important to keep your Ottawa home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But did you know that there are things you can do to make your house more energy efficient?
It’s true! There are many ways to improve your home so it uses less power, which will save you money on utilities. And some of these changes will even reduce your carbon footprint! You don’t need to buy a new roof or windows to get started; here are six easy fixes for an energy-efficient home.
6 Easy Fixes To Improve The Energy Efficiency Of Your Roof:
1. Add insulation to your attic, walls, and basement
Adding insulation is the easiest way to make your home more energy-efficient. You can save up to 10% of your annual heating bill for every 30 cm (one foot) of insulation you add! If you don’t think it’s necessary, consider this: you lose 50-60% of the energy in your house through its walls. Upgrading insulation will reduce that loss.
There are different types of insulation available at hardware stores; ask an expert about which type would be best for your needs. When adding new insulation now, consider using environmentally friendly materials, like cork or recycled cotton.
2. Fix air leaks around doors and windows
You should also seal air leaks in your house. Every little opening is letting energy escape and costing you money.
If you can feel outside air coming into your home around doors or windows, chances are there’s a leak somewhere that needs to be fixed. You could try using caulk or insulation foam to block these gaps and force your home to stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
3. Install an efficient furnace and water heater
Replacing an old heating system with an efficient one will reduce utility costs for years to come. Look for furnaces that have earned the ENERGY STAR label; they use less than 13% of the energy needed by typical furnaces to heat a similar size Canadian home.
4. Install solar-powered heating panels
Solar power can help reduce your home’s energy use for hot water and space heating in the summer. An effective system requires about 100 square meters (1000 square feet) of south-facing roof area, so check with an installer before buying to make sure you have enough space on your roof for the system you choose. You may want to wait until next year if you don’t have enough room; some manufacturers offer panels that can be stacked or stored elsewhere during the Ottawa winter months.
5. Look for ENERGY STAR appliances when shopping for new electronics
You should also look at what types of electronic devices are plugged into your Ottawa home’s walls. There are a lot of appliances and electronics that use energy even when they’re not in use. This is called standby power, and it can account for up to 10% of your home’s annual energy use!
To reduce the amount of electricity you use, look for ENERGY STAR-certified appliances and electronics when you go shopping. These products have been tested and found to use less energy than their counterparts, so they’ll save you money in the long run.
6. Plant trees around your house
Last but not least, planting trees around your Ottawa home will make it more energy-efficient. Trees provide shade in the summer, which keeps your home cooler, and they also act as a natural insulation in the winter, keeping in the warmth that would otherwise escape through your windows.
Conclusion:
If you follow these guidelines when trying to improve the energy efficiency of your home, you can reduce how much power it uses and save money! But remember: if you do make any changes to your house, be sure to hire a qualified contractor or electrician; there may be hidden costs or potential safety risks associated with energy efficiency projects that only a professional can identify.
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