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How do I improve my home's energy efficiency?
Whether it's by making small changes in your everyday habits or investing in energy-efficient upgrades, creating a home that's energy-efficient is easier than you might think. Here's how you can save energy, cut down on your utility bills, and enjoy a more energy-efficient and comfortable home.
What is energy efficiency in a home?
Energy efficiency in a home means using less energy to power your home without sacrificing comfort. And, as a bonus, an energy-efficient home also reduces your environmental footprint.
Features of an energy-efficient home
An energy-efficient home3 has features that help reduce energy usage, for a comfortable living environment that's also eco-friendly. Let's take a look at some of these features:
- Effective insulation: Helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Energy-efficient windows: Prevents heat loss during winter months.
- High-efficiency HVAC system: Uses less energy to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature year-round.
- Sealing cracks and gaps: Minimizes drafts and heat loss in your home.
- High-efficiency equipment and appliances: An ENERGY STAR®-rating means reduced energy consumption.
- Efficient lighting: Both LED lights and ENERGY STAR®-rated fixtures help reduce energy use.
Energy efficiency programs in Canada
As a homeowner in Canada, you have access to several government energy efficiency programs. The Canada Greener Homes Loan, for example, offers interest-free financing for eligible energy-efficien t upgrades,1 while the ENERGY STAR® Canada program provides rebates and other incentives on energy-efficient products.2
You can find more energy-efficient incentives by searching this directory at Natural Resources Canada.
How can you save energy at home?
Simple ways to save energy to improve your household energy efficiency
Saving energy at home doesn't have to be complicated. Small changes around the house can make a big difference in the amount of energy your household consumes. The following are some simple ways you can make your home more energy-efficient.
Heating
Keep your home comfortable without overspending on your heating with just a few changes. For example:
- Schedule regular furnace maintenance
- Seal gaps and cracks around windows or doors
- Lower your thermostat or invest in a programmable thermostat.
- Insulate ductwork
Air circulation
Good air circulation helps keep the temperature in your home comfortable, without the need to always have your heating or cooling system on:
- Use ceiling fans
- Open windows for ventilation
- Keep vents and registers clear of obstructions
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors
Plumbing
Save energy with your plumbing by making small changes to help conserve hot water and reduce water usage:
- Install low-flow aerators on faucets
- Lower your water heater temperature
- Fix dripping faucets and leaks promptly
- Use cold water whenever possible
- Install a Smart Home Monitoring system to help detect water leaks
Kitchens
The kitchen is a major source of energy consumption, but you can make small choices to reduce energy use in this high-energy area:
- Use energy-efficient appliances
- Keep your fridge at 4°C (40°F) and your freezer at 18°C (0°F) or lower4
- Cover pots when boiling water
- Run full loads only in your dishwasher and use the "Heated Dry" setting after the rinse cycle
Bathrooms
The bathroom is often one of the easiest places to save energy. In addition to the plumbing tips above, you can also:
- Install low-flow showerheads
- Limit duration of showers
- Use LED lighting
- Turn off exhaust fans when they're not needed
Laundry
Making simple changes to your laundry routine is one of the easiest ways to save energy:
- Choose cold water wash
- Hang dry when possible
- Regularly clean your dryer's lint trap
- Only run full loads
- Upgrade to a high-efficiency washer and dryer
Routine maintenance
Regular home maintenance, completed at the right times, can also have a big impact on your energy efficiency. Here's when and how often you should tackle key maintenance tasks to help cut down on energy costs year-round:
Why are these the recommended times for completing these maintenance tasks?
- Heating system maintenance in the fall ensures your system is ready for winter use.
- Replacing furnace filters monthly during the fall and winter helps improve airflow so your heating system doesn't have to work as hard.
- Vacuuming air registers in the spring and fall reduces any dust buildup that might restrict airflow.
- Cleaning air conditioner filters every couple of months during the spring and summer keeps cool air flowing efficiently.
- Cleaning the dryer exhaust duct in the spring reduces lint buildup, so the dryer operates more efficiently while also using less energy.
Energy-efficient home upgrades
While small changes around your home will help you save energy, more substantial upgrades—such as energy-smart appliances and structural improvements — are more significant long-term investments in energy efficiency.
Perform an energy assessment of your home
Before you upgrade, however, consider obtaining an energy assessment from an energy advisor registered with Natural Resources Canada. These registered advisors are qualified to provide EnerGuide evaluations,5 which will help you identify energy-efficient improvements you can make in key areas of your home. Plus, you may need an EnerGuide evaluation to be eligible for certain government energy efficiency programs.
After assessing your home, the energy advisor will provide you with an EnerGuide rating, which gives you an estimate of your annual energy consumption, and a renovation upgrade report that includes energy-efficient upgrade recommendations.6
What is an energy efficient product or home appliance?
Energy-efficient appliances use less energy without affecting performance and quality. When upgrading, look for appliances that are ENERGY STAR®-certified, so you know you're getting a product that will help you use less energy.7
While you'll need to spend money initially on the upgrade, over time you should see an impact on your energy bill (and your environmental footprint, too).
Examples of energy-efficient appliance upgrades
Here are some energy-efficient appliance upgrades to consider:
- Refrigerator. Reduces your energy use by 9%.8
- Washing machine. Uses about 25% less energy and 33% less water.9
- Programmable or smart thermostat.Automatically adjusts your temperature .10
- Dishwasher. Uses about 12% less energy and 30% less water.11
- Induction cooktop. Uses electromagnetic energy, to heat pots more quickly.12
Energy-efficient renovations and repairs
If you're considering renovations or major repairs, using energy-efficient materials can have a big impact on your energy bill and your environmental footprint—and may help you save on your insurance.
At TD Insurance, for example, we offer Eco-Efficient Rebuild coverage, so you can get additional protection to help cover costs on environmentally friendly or energy efficient materials on repairs and rebuilds following a covered loss, up to a specified limit.
You can review the details of your policy coverage any time by logging into MyInsurance. And if you have questions about our Eco-Efficient Rebuild coverage, contact us or chat online with a TD Insurance Advisor—we're ready to help you with any questions or provide you with further support.
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The content on this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Coverages described herein may be subject to additional eligibility criteria, limitations and exclusions. In the event you make a claim, potential indemnification is also subject to the receivability of the claim and the type of coverage you bought.
In the case of conflict between the content on this page and your policy wordings, your policy wordings shall take precedence.