How Ottawa Renovations Planned Step-By-Step Can Save You Money and Energy
Ever since the Government of Canada began promoting the use of energy-efficient appliances and retrofitted renovations, many homeowners have also benefited from the advice of Ottawa renovation experts on this timely subject.
One question renovation experts hear on a regular basis is, “I have a limited budget, but I still need to cut my energy costs down—where and how should I begin”? Some experts love hearing this question because it gives them the opportunity to engage with a prospective client, analysing needs specifically.
If you’re looking into ways to increase the energy efficiency of your home, here are three steps for getting started:
Step 1: Spend Time Researching Your Contractor
Many homeowners begin by hiring a certified Energy Advisor who will assess the areas where a building can benefit from energy-saving renovations. These are not home inspections, however, and the Energy Advisor is not responsible for ensuring your renovations comply with building codes and other regulations.
While Natural Resources Canada provides information and useful links on the types of energy-efficient renovations Ottawa homeowners can choose from, they do not endorse specific contractors or building materials. Since homeowners are responsible for selecting their contractors, you should always check your contractor’s references and ensure their plans and materials comply with your provincial and municipal legislation.
Step 2: Insulating Your Home
Insulating your home to energy-efficient standards is one of the most common requests Ottawa renovation experts get from homeowners who are ready to eliminate high energy bills for good. Keeping your family warm this winter does not need to be a long and expensive process: in some cases, just adding extra insulation in certain areas is all you need!
You can also benefit from installing doors and windows that are engineered to keep your home at a comfortable temperature year-round and save you on heating and cooling costs throughout the year.
Step 3: Investing in Energy-Efficient Appliances
From programmable thermostats to energy-saving water heaters, Ottawa renovation specialists can offer you a host of great ideas on how to make an exemplary energy-saving household. The choice is yours: low-flow toilets can be easily installed in a matter of hours, and upgrading your furnace is also a worthwhile renovation project.
If you are new to energy efficiency, you don’t need to plan alone. Start researching qualified Ottawa contractors today, and work with a team who will ensure your every need is met. Then you can start to watch the energy savings as they come in!
