How much do you know about your Home Energy Ratings Report Card?
The Ontario Home Energy Rating Act goes into effect for building owners next month, and will eventually begin to impact owners of semi-detached or detached homes by the end of next year.
The act requires anyone selling a house or low-rise building to disclose the results of a home energy audit to potential buyers. The act’s passing comes with the heightened awareness of saving energy and the increasing concern to home buyers about the total cost of owning a home down the road, not just the cost associated with buying one.
Not only must you stage your home and make it presentable for open houses and prospective buyers, “energy-staging” a home is beginning to enter into the real estate lexicon. When it is time to undergo a home energy efficiency audit, you’ll want to ensure your home is as energy-efficient as possible to impress prospective buyers.
A do-it-yourself home energy efficiency “audit” can help you prioritize any energy-related improvements you should make.
Consider using energy-saving bulbs in your home. They typically emit a soft, white glow instead of a harsh yellow light like most bulbs. Otherwise, check the wattage of your current lights. Do you have a 100-watt light bulb where a 40 or 60 watt bulb would suffice?
If your household heating or air conditioning systems are more than 15 years, a newer, more energy-efficient system would increase your home’s energy efficiency significantly. If your system uses filters, they should be changed once every two months at least to ensure efficient air circulation
If the insulation in your ceilings, walls and attic are below minimum, ensure they are updated with sufficient insulation. Older buildings were insulated when the minimum standards were less than what they are today.
Most importantly, check for air leaks and drafts. If you can spend the extra money in replacing older windows and doors with new and more efficient ones, try and do so. If you can’t, ensure caulking or weather stripping is applied appropriately. An easy way to spot drafts in your home is to close all doors, windows and fireplace flues, turn off all furnaces and water heaters and finally to turn off all of your fans. Walk around your home with damp hands or a stick of burning incense. Drafts will cause the smoke to drift, and they will feel cold on your hands.
The Government of Ontario has an Eco-Energy program, and after paying for a professional audit and completing the recommended changes, the government will rebate you half of the auditing fee as well as up to $10,000 for the cost of the changes. A full list of rebates can be found at HomeEnergyOntario.ca.
