Archive for the ‘Tips for Green Living’ Category
Homebuilders lining up to become licensed for energy efficiency
Posted by: editors note in First time home buyers, New Homes and Condos, Tips for Green Living on November 4th, 2009
(NC)—It’s easy being green, at least for builders of new homes in Canada. The trend towards building energy-efficient homes has never been hotter as more and more builders across Canada are calling Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to become licensed builders under their energy-efficient new homes initiatives.
Top five ways to winterize your home and save energy
Posted by: editors note in Home improvement tips, Tips for Green Living on September 23rd, 2009
Canadian winters can be cold and unpredictable so there’s every reason to winterize your home before the cold season starts. With the long periods of time that you and your family will be spending indoors, it’s important that your home is both warm and comfortable throughout the season.
Water heaters eligible for federal incentives
Posted by: editors note in First time home buyers, Home appliances, Real estate industry news, Tips for Green Living on June 16th, 2009
(NC)-If you own your water heater or rent it from a utility, now may be an excellent time to consider replacing an older unit with a new, energy-efficient model. Not only will you save money on utility bills, you may also qualify for assistance from the Government of Canada.
Real Wood Floors: Environmental Impact is Minimal
Posted by: editors note in Home decor, Home improvement tips, Selling your home, Tips for Green Living on May 28th, 2009
If you are looking for products for your home that will reduce your impact on the environment, look no further than real wood floors.
Two Thirds (65%) of Ontario Homeowners Oppose McGuinty Government Proposed Mandatory Home Energy Audit Program
Posted by: editors note in First time home buyers, Real estate industry news, Resale homes, Tips for Green Living on May 28th, 2009
A poll released today by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) indicates that two-thirds (65%) of Ontario’s principal residence homeowners oppose the recently proposed McGuinty government mandatory home energy audit program and instead overwhelmingly favor voluntary audits (92%).
Moreover, the poll found that 70 per cent of Ontario homeowner’s think
that mandatory home energy audits will deter homeowners from selling their home, having a detrimental effect on the real estate sector and the Ontario economy.
First ever “Canadian Green Home Index” reveals room for improvement in homes across Canada
Posted by: editors note in New Homes and Condos, Real estate industry news, Tips for Green Living on April 14th, 2009
The road to environmental consciousness is paved with green intentions, but a first-of-its kind index gives Canadians a moderate rating when it comes to ‘greening’ their homes.
A checklist for the home renovator
Posted by: Susan B. in Home improvement tips, Tips for Green Living on April 14th, 2009
In your article you mention keeping receipts for the ecoEnergy Retrofit grants. This grant is given only if the homeowner gets an energy evaluation before they do their renovations. Receipts won’t help if they do the work without getting this evaluation done first. There’s a good explanation of these grants and the Home Renovation Tax Credit in the fact sheet at http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/grants.cfm?attr=4 One important point too is that the grants increased by 25% on March 30th!
A checklist for the home renovator
Posted by: editors note in Builder critiques, First time home buyers, Home decor, Tips for Green Living on April 7th, 2009
(NC)-Incentives for homeowners looking to renovate their homes are everywhere. It appears that many are on board to helping the environment through energy-saving renovations. Government and retailers are providing their support by means of tax credits, grants and discounts. One energy-saving renovation that offers great incentive to homeowners is an attic insulation upgrade. If you’re looking to get started on your first re-insulation project, but just don’t know where to start, here’s a handy checklist for you. Read the rest of this entry »
Spring has sprung! Time to consider energy-efficient upgrades to improve your home
Posted by: editors note in Bathroom decor, First time home buyers, Home appliances, Home decor, Home improvement tips, Kitchen decor, New Homes and Condos, Selling your home, Tips for Green Living on March 26th, 2009
With spring in full bloom, it’s a great time to consider ways to “green” up your home improvements and reduce your carbon footprint. Having a “green” conscience is much more practical and inexpensive than you may think. For example, by simply installing compact fluorescent lights or sealing cracks around your windows, you can do your part to save money on your electricity bill and minimize your impact on the environment.
ONTARIO ENERQUALITY STUDY CONFIRMS ENERGY EFFICIENT NEW HOMES,
Posted by: editors note in First time home buyers, New Homes and Condos, Real estate industry news, Tips for Green Living on March 25th, 2009
An EnerQuality Energy Efficiency/Green Building Study shows a rapid rise through 2008 in demand for, and supply of, highly energy efficient homes.
Said EnerQuality President Corey McBurney,
“The momentum in energy efficient and green building continues to grow, demonstrated by the increase in builder participation and our survey shows that homebuyers value the benefits of energy efficiency and green building.”
Energy-efficient housing made more affordable
Posted by: editors note in Finance & insurance, First time home buyers, Home improvement tips, New Homes and Condos, Real estate industry news, Tips for Green Living on March 12th, 2009
As the price of energy continues to rise, homebuyers are becoming more conscious of the energy efficiency of their potential home. Today, more options exist to buy an energy efficient abode than ever before. The growing demand for energy efficiency has led homebuilders to accommodate these requests by building more R-2000 standard homes.
What is an R-2000 home? It is a home that meets the standards set by the federal government to promote energy efficient construction in residential housing. A home built under the R-2000 standard uses two-thirds less energy than a conventional home.
Energy saving tips for your home
Posted by: editors note in First time home buyers, Home improvement tips, New Homes and Condos, Resale homes, Tips for Green Living on February 11th, 2009
(NC)-If you’re not familiar with the home improvement world, but want to learn more about energy-saving renovations for your home, listen up. David Flood, Insulation Expert at Owens Corning, shares advice about saving on energy costs through home renovations, especially if you’re a new do-it-yourselfer. Read the rest of this entry »