Five Spring Home Renos That Will Reduce Your Home’s Carbon Footprint (And Save You Some Money!)
By Kate Musgrove
February 20, 2018This post is brought to you by the Green Ontario Fund, an agency of the government of Ontario.
If you're a homeowner in Ontario, there are tons of big and small ways to modify your house and reduce your carbon footprint. And, anything that you do to reduce your carbon footprint can reduce your energy costs, because your house will be more efficient and use less power to heat and cool. Here's a quick look at five changes you can make -- every one will save you money:
Insulation: insulation isn't just for winter -- a well-insulated house uses less air conditioning, too! Ontario residents can get up to $7,200 off the purchase and installation of insulation. In addition to the rebate, upgraded insulation will help you save up to 15% in your heating and cooling costs. Homeowners in detached homes, townhouses or semis can take part. If you're a renter, you need written permission from your landlord.
Air Seal Your Home: the simple act of air sealing closes up tiny gaps and cracks in your home. Every opening that's sealed increases your efficiency. If you're doing an insulation rebate through Green Ontario Fund you can get an additional $100 rebate for air sealing.
Windows: windows can make your home look good and feel comfortable, but they're also a huge player in energy efficiency. You can get a rebate of up to $500 per window opening. High-performance windows will reduce your energy costs, reduce outdoor noise and increase your home's value.
Revamped Landscaping: as the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago -- but the second-best time is now. If you plant a deciduous tree near a south-facing window, it will provide shade in the summer, keeping the temperature lower, and in the winter it will lose its leaves, letting in the sunlight. It also captures and processes carbon and it provides habitat for local wildlife. Many municipalities have free tree programs if you're hoping to add a tree to your yard at minimal cost.
Home Geothermal Systems: a home geothermal system isn't a small, quick change, but it's a meaningful one -- ground-source heat pumps are the absolute most eco-friendly heating option on the market -- and there are up to $20,000 in rebates available. There are several types of home geothermal options available including a horizontal closed-loop heat pump (which is buried underground), a pond closed-loop heat pump (which is buried beneath a body of water) or a vertical closed-loop heat pump (which is ideal for smaller plots of land). If you already have a heat pump that is at least 20 years old and you're interested in updating it, you can receive up to $4,500 to repair or replace it.
What’s next? All of these changes require a bit of forethought and planning, and you'll need to find a participating contractor to work with. When planning to get a contractor, don’t forget to get three quotes to ensure you’re getting the best price. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for references -- a reputable contractor will be happy to provide them. The contractor will submit the rebate application on your behalf, and after it's validated, you'll just need to submit your proof of purchase. If you're interested in saving some money (and being friendly to the Earth), use this page to find a participating contractor in your area.
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