Renewable, Efficient Energy: Actionable Tips for Homeowners

All over the world, countries are continuing to invest their efforts into renewable and energy-efficient technologies at the national, local, and residential levels. Canada is quickly becoming a leader in efficient and renewable means of energy production—at present, Canada ranks second in the world for hydroelectric energy, which provides almost 60 percent of the country’s electricity. The nation’s renewable energy capacity, perhaps most notably in wind and solar, has grown dramatically just in the past several years. Since consumption of energy is on the rise for the average household, it is perfectly natural for homeowners to wonder how they can take part in this movement to become more energy conscious. As it stands, there are plenty of reasons for Canadian homeowners to upgrade their energy sources, or at least make their homes more efficient.

Taking Renewable Energy Home

While it is true that not every energy source is available for typical residential use, there are a variety of options for homeowners to consider. The most obvious and commonly-used choices usually relate to solar or geothermal energy. Any person who considers adding renewable energy sources to their homes should remember that estimates on energy production are based on averages. The actual energy yield for a particular home may depend on the region, climate, type of home, and features of the property in question, so it's rather important to do some research before making this financial commitment (although this could be said for just about any home improvement).

Solar Power

Solar panels are rising in popularity in part because they are considerably more accessible for the average household. The concept is simple: solar panels catch light particles and convert that into a usable source of energy for the home. These days, solar panels are easier to install, use, and pay for. As such, it is no surprise that Canada’s capacity for solar energy has gone up more than 700 percent since 2010. The use of solar panels on a south-facing exposure on a roof or elsewhere on the property may help a household significantly cut their energy expenses, and put less pressure on the local grid. There are several factors that will determine if this is a worthwhile investment, of course, but it's an option worth investigating. 

Geothermal Energy

Some may be shocked to learn that there is a huge potential source of energy sitting just below the soil on their property. Harnessing geothermal energy is not an exceptionally new concept, but it is rising in prominence on the world stage due to advances in technology. Homeowners can have a system installed not far under the surface to take advantage of the ground’s moderate range of year-round temperatures. This system may create energy to run other systems in the home, or connect to a heat pump to provide effective heating even in the cold winter. Geothermal systems may require a notable investment at the outset, but often pay for themselves through decreased energy consumption and a long lifespan for the equipment.

Looking for Incentives

Some energy upgrades could cost tens of thousands of dollars. As such, it is a practical choice on the part of the consumer to look for incentives on the purchase and installation of these systems. Some financial incentives could help homeowners afford these upgrades in the first place. Many programs are dependent on a particular province or company providing the incentive, so homeowners should search online to find what is available in their area.

Each province handles financial assistance in its own way. With its large population, Ontario consumes a plurality of the country’s energy. As a result, Ontario offers many incentives for residents to renovate their homes—and some are quite substantial. For example, the Green Ontario Fund presents up to $20,000 in rebates for people who install or upgrade ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps in their homes. Other provinces may have similar choices as well. Energy Efficiency Alberta features a number of rebates to assist homeowners in improving their insulation (on which homeowners can save up to $3500), windows, and water heaters.

Becoming More Energy Efficient

Shifting from non-renewable to renewable energy sources is only one part of the equation. If homeowners focus on the efficiency of the energy they use as well, they can take a more complete approach to tackling their energy consumption. Average energy usage tends to go up in the higher income levels for electricity, heating oil, and natural gas. With this in mind, those who have the resources to afford upgrades may gain the biggest benefit by doing so.

Energy efficient upgrades tend to become more cost-effective the earlier they are performed. With this in mind, home buyers should take note of recent upgrades and outdated systems when searching for a new place. By doing so, these new homeowners can identify and remedy issues from the get-go and collect energy savings throughout their entire stay in a home. Prospective buyers may look to homes in the area to see what might be considered the norm and negotiate accordingly, but keep in mind that there will be a good amount of variance even within a single neighbourhood—for instance, not all homes in Glenora will be exactly the same, so a nuanced approach will be needed based upon specifics discussed with your real estate agent.

Technology

Installing solar panels or a geothermal heat pump is quite a big decision, but there are other relatively minor technological upgrades that homeowners can consider. For example, basic home automation (e.g. the installation of a smart thermostat) could noticeably improve the quality of heating and cooling in the home without the same rate of energy consumption. Additionally, purchasing efficient appliances with the Energy Star designation ensures ideal home function and lower energy costs for the lifespan of the equipment.

Upgrades and Renovations

Certain improvements to the home have tremendous potential to cut a homeowner’s total energy usage. The energy spent on heating outweighs almost any other residential energy use, depending on the region. Installing or repairing a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner that offers peak efficiency is an easy way to aid energy efficiency. New, efficient windows can eliminate drafts and slow the speed of heat transfer. Although many energy renovations and upgrades do require an initial investment, even homeowners on a tight budget can make a difference. Improving the insulation in the home is widely considered to be one of the best ways to increase energy efficiency, yet it is accessible to almost any homeowner. Changing out old incandescent light bulbs for LED bulbs may also yield a visible difference in total household consumption for a relatively low cost.

Habits

Ultimately, the habits of everyone in the household could be the key to success for any energy-efficient home. Those who are in the practice of saving energy will continue to do so, and will get better results from any improvements to energy efficiency to boot. Homeowners can start with an energy audit to find out which aspects of the structure and systems are costing them the most. Making a handful of efficient renovations, along with paying attention to the way energy is used in the home, is the most effective way to make a personal difference for the good of all.

Planning to increase energy efficiency in the home is a noble goal that any homeowner can achieve to some degree. Although all solutions may not be available or a practical choice for every home, anyone can take steps to cut their consumption and improve their efficiency. Understanding their options and finding incentives may help homeowners identify the changes that work best for them.