The Benefits of Energy Efficiency

5 great reasons to upgrade for energy efficiency:

1. Improve indoor comfort and keep those toes warm!

A model energy efficiency building controls the flow of air, heat and moisture. Insulation, Energy Star-rated windows, and air sealing work to keep the air inside the building warm and dry. Mechanical ventilation systems (fans, heat recovery ventilators and air exchangers on heating systems) circulate the internal air as well as expel unwanted moisture and other pollutants. Properly sized, high-efficient furnaces or boilers use less energy to heat buildings and, by controlling the air flow throughout the building, minimize the occurrences of hot and cold spots across all rooms.

2. Save money on energy bills

Improving your home or building’s energy efficiency will save you money. For example, the average homeowner participating in the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program will reduce energy use by approximately 30 percent, providing financial savings of $600 on a $2000 annual heating bill.

Where does the energy go in a residential home?

  • Space heating 46 %
  • Cooling 1 %
  • Water heating 30 %
  • Appliances 17 %
  • Lighting 6 %

How can you save energy?

The list is long, but here are some ideas to start:

  • Improve the insulation in your attic, walls, basement and crawlspace
  • Upgrade your heating system to a high efficiency Energy Star-rated model.
  • Upgrade your hot water heating system to the most efficient possible and install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
  • Make your home as airtight as possible with air sealing and weather stripping.
  • Apply for related grants and incentives to help you lower the up-front cost of your renovations.

3. Create a healthier space (better indoor air quality, less mold).

Just think of all the kettles, fish tanks, plants and even people who are expelling moisture into the air. Plus, microwaves, photocopiers, printers and even carpet and paint fumes all pollute indoor areas where we live and work. Controlling the airflow with mechanical ventilation helps confirm that the air in the building is being refreshed with outside air as often as required by building codes. For example, the air in a home should be completely replaced with fresh air every three hours. Fresh air takes less energy to heat than the inside air that slowly becomes contaminated with moisture and odors. An energy efficient and well-ventilated home is a healthy home.


4. Increase resale value

Energy efficient buildings typically have longer lifecycles, lower maintenance fees, and cost less to operate. Rental properties are more comfortable to live in, are quickly occupied, and report lower tenant turnover rates. The natural light, comfortable temperatures and increased indoor air quality of energy efficient commercial buildings results in increased staff productivity. And, homeowners benefit from increased control over their energy bills while living in a home that supports their lifestyle needs.

5. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a healthier planet!

Through energy efficiency retrofits, the average home built 20 years ago has the potential to lower their energy bills by 30% – and to reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses the house produces by 4.5 tons per year. Lowering the total amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere is an important step to reducing the impacts of climate change, both locally and globally.