Implementing sustainable solutions to improve your home can benefit the environment, your financial status, and the health of all household members. Buildings produce 17 percent of Canada’s greenhouse gases, including emissions from generating electricity used by buildings. However, sustainable practices can make homes more efficient, leading to comfortable, healthier, and more affordable homes.
Greener homes contribute to various global goals, such as creating a sustainable community, driving economic growth, and addressing climate change. Research and technology make creating a greener home more accessible today. When you efficiently use the tools and sources available, you can contribute to a healthier environment.
Designing an eco-friendly home requires you to leverage environmentally friendly materials while utilizing the resources you can access. The first step is to educate yourself about the different options available to help you meet your property sustainability goals.
Refinance Your Mortgage to Make Changes
Refinancing your mortgage is replacing your current mortgage with a new loan. When you renegotiate your mortgage terms, your lender will use the newer mortgage to pay off the existing one, so you have one loan to pay off. Many people refinance their mortgage to access their home equity, shorten their mortgage term, or obtain a lower interest rate.
If you want to invest in making sustainable changes to your home, you can tap into your home equity to access funds and use them towards home renovations, such as installing sustainable flooring or energy-efficient lighting.
When you refinance your mortgage, you can convert your mortgage rate from fixed to variable or vice versa. The variable mortgage rate Canada homeowners can access may vary depending on when you refinance your property. You can research historical and current trades to compare the rates and understand how they may fluctuate.
Apply for The Canada Greener Homes Loan
The Canada Greener Homes Loan aims to help Canadians make their homes more energy-efficient and comfortable. This initiative helps Canadian homeowners across the country by providing interest-free loans and grants to finance eligible products and installations recommended by an energy advisor.
You can receive a portion of the loan upfront to pay the down payment contractors may ask for before starting the work. You will have to follow a procedure to have the loan delivered, so it is essential to learn more about the loan and find out if you’re eligible.
You can receive a loan between $5,000 to $40,000, depending on the project you’re undertaking. Some eligible retrofits include home insulation, air-sealing, windows and doors, thermostat, and renewable energy. Each retrofit has its requirements, so you must educate yourself about the process before starting any project.
Upgrade Windows & Exterior Doors
Investing in window and exterior door updates can prevent heat from escaping your home. Windows and doors can account for up to 25 percent of total house heat loss, increasing your energy bills. If your home loses heat too fast, your heating system will require more energy to keep the place warm, which is a waste of energy and will also result in unexpected costs.
Replacing your windows and exterior doors with energy-saving models will reduce drafts and increase the temperature of the interior side of the window, reducing condensation. Property installation of new windows and exterior doors by professionals will improve the home’s insulation, reduce air leakage, and reduce energy consumption.
Use Sustainable Construction Materials
If you’re ready to transform your home and invest in renovations, try to avoid using harmful construction materials, such as plastic and concrete. Use repurposed or reclaimed materials, such as recycled steel and sustainable wood, during construction as sustainable materials lead to less landfill waste and require low energy consumption.A sustainable building can create durable buildings, reduce costs, conserve energy and money, and minimize waste.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances
Many appliances in your home require high levels of energy to operate. Replacing certain appliances with energy-efficient models will make your home more sustainable and save you from hefty bills.
Appliances that consume a lot of energy are contributors to harmful greenhouse gasses. Investing in alternative appliances can help you reduce the emission of carbon footprint and contribute to a greener environment. Some appliances that you could replace are your refrigerator, washing machine, dryer, television, heating/cooling devices, and water heater.
Understand the Value of Sustainable Properties
Learning more about how sustainable properties can contribute to a greener environment is the first step in your project. Take time to familiarize yourself with all the options available to help reduce your carbon footprint, improve your home, and make the earth a better place to live.
