Did you know that heating and cooling make up 64 percent of your home’s energy use? Most recently, there has been a rise in home improvement options to reduce energy usage.
Eco-friendly has taken center stage in the real estate market. More and more homeowners understand the value of green features, not only for the environment but also for their property’s bottom line.
In Canada, where environmental consciousness is high and government incentives are aplenty, the trend toward eco-friendly homes is gaining significant momentum. In this blog post, we’ll explore how integrating green features into your home can not only benefit the planet but also increase property value, with a particular focus on the rebates available through the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program, offered by Enbridge in partnership with the government of Canada.
What are Eco-Friendly Homes?
Eco-friendly homes, also known as green homes, are residences designed and built to minimize their environmental impact while maximizing energy efficiency, resource conservation, and overall sustainability. These homes often incorporate a range of features and technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption, water usage, and waste production.
Governmental Incentives
One of the driving forces for eco-friendly homes is the availability of government grants and incentives.
Initiatives such as the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program, offered by Enbridge in partnership with the Canada Greener Homes Grant, provide homeowners with financial support to make energy-efficient upgrades to their properties.
This program has helped thousands of homeowners reduce their energy consumption and greenhouse emissions. The program supports a wide range of home improvements, including:
Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats optimize heating and cooling with advanced technology. They use learning algorithms to adapt to homeowner preferences, adjusting temperature for comfort and energy savings. Equipped with Wi-Fi, they offer remote control via smartphone apps, ensuring comfort and efficiency from anywhere.
Upgrades to insulation
Upgrading insulation creates a thermal barrier, trapping heat inside during winter and keeping it out during the summer. Proper insulation reduces heat transfer through conduction, convection, and radiation, preventing energy loss.
Energy-efficient upgrades for windows and doors
There are several energy-efficient alternatives for your windows and doors. For example, double or triple-pane windows have multiple layers of glass, which reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Energy-efficient doors have a high insulation value (R-value) and tight weatherstripping to prevent drafts. These alternatives can go a long way to reducing energy.
Natural lights
Incorporating skylights and other sources of natural light into your home design is a smart way to save energy.
Skylights, large windows, and light tubes can be strategically placed to capture and distribute natural light throughout the interior spaces of your home. This reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day, especially in areas like living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms.
While specific grant amounts may vary and are subject to change, homeowners can find detailed information on available incentives and eligibility criteria by visiting the Enbridge website or contacting their local government authorities.
High-Efficiency HVAC Systems
High-efficiency HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems can play a large role in reducing energy consumption and enhancing indoor air quality. These modern systems are designed with advanced technology to operate more efficiently, consuming less energy while providing better temperature control and air circulation. An added benefit for high-efficiency HVAC systems is equipped with improved filtration mechanisms that can significantly reduce indoor pollutants.
Heat Pump Systems and Gas Furnace Hybrids
Transitioning from traditional gas furnaces to heat pump systems or a hybrid solution is another step toward building an eco-friendly home. Heat pumps are efficient, operating on electricity to transfer heat into or out of the home. They are particularly effective in moderate climates, offering both heating and cooling solutions without the emissions associated with gas furnaces. When colder temperatures (around below -5°C to -10°C) hit, a hybrid system that combines an electric heat pump for mild weather and a gas furnace for extreme cold can offer an optimal balance. This dual approach allows for energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions during most of the year.
Tankless Water Heaters
Upgrading to a tankless water heater won’t just save you money on utilities, it’s a smart investment in a more efficient and modern home. Unlike conventional water heaters that continuously heat and reheat water in a large tank, tankless models provide hot water on demand by heating water directly as it flows through the unit. This on-demand approach eliminates the energy waste associated with keeping a large volume of water hot at all times, leading to substantial energy savings.
Increase Property Value
Green features are becoming increasingly desirable, and they could certainly be a factor that attracts potential buyers to your home. Along with the environmental advantages, these upgrades can enhance the overall appeal of your property to a buyer compared to non-green counterparts.
Buyers today are increasingly seeking out properties with sustainable features, viewing them as not only a wise investment but also a reflection of their values and lifestyle choices. By incorporating eco-friendly elements such as energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and water-saving fixtures, homeowners can attract a broader pool of potential buyers and command a premium price for their property.
More Tips to Save
Saving energy doesn’t stop with the incentives offered by Enbridge. In fact, homeowners have a wealth of options when it comes to integrating green features into their homes. Here are a few bonus tips to help homeowners save:
- Rainwater harvesting systems collect and reuse water for irrigation and other purposes.
- Sustainable building materials such as bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops, and low-VOC paints.
- Green roofs and living walls enhance insulation, reduce stormwater runoff, and create natural habitats for wildlife.
By incorporating these and other green features into their homes, homeowners can further enhance their property’s value while contributing to a more sustainable future.
Make the Shift to Eco-Friendly
As the demand for eco-friendly homes continues to grow, so too does the potential for increasing property value through green features. Governmental incentives provided by programs like the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to make energy-efficient upgrades to their properties, while a wide range of other green features offer additional opportunities for enhancing market value.
Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, save money on energy bills, or attract environmentally conscious buyers, investing in eco-friendly upgrades for your home is a smart choice. By taking advantage of available incentives and incorporating sustainable features into your property, you can not only do your part for the planet but also enjoy the financial benefits of owning a greener, more valuable home.