How to Increase Energy Efficiency in Your Strathroy Home

Homeowners in Strathroy are always looking to improve their energy efficiency, as it can save them money. With the rising cost of heating and the continually cold winters and hot summers that we have here, it is more important than ever before to have an efficient home.

Decrease the power you need to run your home

If you can – build it in the right place

It is surprising how much of your home’s ability to regulate its temperature on its own is by how it is positioned when you build it. The generally followed guideline is that east-west orientation is best as it provides optimal daylight, avoids solar heat gain and breezes will provide free cooling.

Properly position your windows

A home which is built in the east-west orientation can still be messed up by windows that are built in the wrong location and size. Face your windows east for a bright and energetic breakfast area in the morning. For rooms with bright and direct sunlight, place windows on the south facing wall. These windows will typically be place higher up to block the heat of a high summer sun while still allowing for heat from a lower winter sun.

Use energy efficient windows

Speaking of windows, wood framed windows are recommended as they transfer less heat through them. Touch an aluminum framed window and then touch a wood framed window in that same building to feel the difference!

Seal up your windows and doors

Having a home which is perfectly built orientation-wise won’t mean anything at all if you freely allow heat to escape and cold to enter. Check the seals around all of your doors and windows for cool air coming in and close them up with the appropriate caulking. Also, be sure to check the more neglected areas like the basement and attic, where hot air and cold air will gather naturally.

Make sure that you are properly insulated upstairs

A little bit more insulation never hurt anyone! It has been found that about half the homes in Canada don’t have enough insulation in them. Installing another roll or two in your upstairs attic can help keep a considerable amount of heat in your home and reduce the amount of fuel you will need to buy to keep your home warm.

Seal up all of the ducts

Your heating and cooling ducts can lose heat and cool air while they are transporting it to the room that you want it in. As much as one fifth of the air that you’re paying to heat or cool can escape through small leaks in your ducts – so contact a heating/cooling repair company and be sure you’re not losing out!

Use a programmable thermostat

Why heat or cool your home when you’re at work all day? One of these programmable units can save around 10% of your heating and cooling bills – they can pay for themselves within months if you use them properly.

For more information on how to improve your Strathroy home’s energy efficiency, please contact us today!