Fall Reno Ideas to Help You Save on Utilities This Winter!
WHAT FALL RENOVATIONS TO YOUR HOME WILL HAVE A LONG-LASTING EFFECT ON YOUR WALLET?
The weather is starting to dip as Fall is in full swing. Thinking you missed your opportunity to renovate your home or office this summer? Think again! Fall may be the best time of the year for you to check off your renovation to-do list.
A very common objective for home or office renovations at this time of the year revolves around increased energy efficiency. Regardless if it is basement, bathroom, office, or kitchen renovations, the majority of project plans should have ‘increased efficiency’ built into their core.
Even if you already have an idea or plan for your home improvements, it’s always wise to take a walk through your home to assess its current energy efficiency.
When going through your home its a good idea to check the following:
Is your home or office space drafty? Check around doors, windows and electrical outlets. Those drafts are robbing your home of warm air which you paid to heat.
Are your walls cold to the touch? This may indicate insulation issues.
Any condensation on your windows? Moisture problems cause mould.
How old is the home? Older than 1985? It may contain asbestos ( vermiculite, drywall compound, vinyl composition tile to name a few ) or lead ( paint and pipe soder ).
TRY UPGRADING INSULTATION IN IMPORTANT AREAS OF YOUR HOME
This is one of the most cost-effective, energy efficient ways for you to increase the comfort in your home while reducing year-round utility bills. Best places for upgrades of insulation are the attic and the basement. Start with proper levels of insulation and build your plan from there. This can help reduce your utility bill by 20%-60% a year!
Make sure your insulation is installed properly! If not, its R value or effectiveness can change dramatically. The insulation won’t be able to do the job it was designed to do, and all that time and money will have been for nothing.
If you don’t have the budget to upgrade your insulation system, there are small things that can be done, that have big results. In order to minimize escaping air, install draft proofing gaskets under electrical outlets. Use caulk, and weather stripping to seal up any drafts. These are all inexpensive, easy to do and highly effective.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HOME ENERGY REBATE OFFERS ONCE THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.
In the most recent Federal election, an active discussion point focused on ‘household green renovations’ and rebates available to Canadian homeowners who want to make their homes more environmentally friendly. Great to see, as parties recognize the important role we as homeowners play in the future. There are plenty of Manitoba programs in place now that you can check out here.
Need help with some Winter renovations or just have a question? Call emergency1 Property Rescue 204-727- help (4357)!