As the weather gets colder in most parts of Canada, you may notice an increase in your energy bills due to using your heating system more often. This is a good time to check if your home’s HVAC system is efficient and prepared for the winter season. A comprehensive Canada Home Energy Audit from EcoLogic Energy Advisors can help you find out if your home is well-insulated.
Some Tips to Keep Your Home Warm in the Winter
Using your heating system is one of the most common ways to keep your home warm in the winter, but there are other ways you can do it too. One of the easiest ways to prevent heat loss is to make sure your windows and doors are well-sealed and have good weatherstripping. This will stop cold air from coming in and warm air from going out. If your home has air leaks, your heating system will have to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature - and that means higher energy costs.
With a Canada Home Energy Audit, our Registered Energy Advisors will test your home for any air leaks or drafts and give you detailed suggestions on how to fix them before winter starts. Our experienced team uses special equipment like blower door tests to detect any signs of air leakage and drafts. Some simple solutions include applying new sealant and weatherstripping around windows and doors. A more expensive option is to replace your old windows and doors with new ones that are more energy efficient. Your Home Energy Audit Report will tell you the best steps to take for your home.
Another way to make your home warmer in the winter is to install a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats let you set different temperatures for different times of the day, from anywhere, to make sure your home is always at the ideal temperature.
Your home’s insulation is another thing that your Energy Advisor will check. Insulation can become less effective over time, especially in older homes. Your insulation can be damaged by moisture leaks or by animals nesting in your home or attic. If your Energy Advisor finds opportunities to improve your insulation, they will report it in your Home Energy Audit Report.
How Do You Know if Your Home Is Winter-Ready?
The best way to tell if your home is ready for winter is to book a Canada Home Energy Audit with EcoLogic Energy Advisors. Our Registered Energy Advisors will do a thorough assessment of your home’s energy efficiency, looking for air leaks, drafts, insulation, and the efficiency of your mechanical systems, windows and doors.
Your home’s roof, walls, floors, windows and doors are the main sources of heat loss. These are the areas you should focus on when you install insulation, sealant and weatherproofing. For windows, your Energy Advisor will check for any cracks around the frames or the walls, as this can mean air leakage issues. You can seal any cracks with sealant or special putty to close any gaps and keep more heat in. For doors, your Energy Advisor will look for any gaps or cracks around the door frames. Adding more insulation is also a great way to make sure your home keeps the heat in and stays warm.
How to Access Energy Efficiency Rebates and Loans to Retrofit Your Home for Winter?
Once you conduct a Canada Home Energy Audit with a Registered Energy Advisor, you’ll be eligible to apply to the Canada Greener Homes Loan. This program is designed to make home energy retrofits more accessible and affordable. Whether you need new windows, doors, insulation, or want to install a heat pump or solar panels, there is an interest-free loan available up to $40,000 repayable over ten years.
Schedule A Canada Home Energy Audit Today
Ready to see if your home is ready for winter? Schedule your Canada Home Energy Audit with EcoLogic Energy Advisors today. Our team of Natural Resources Canada Registered Energy Advisors will conduct a complete home energy audit and provide you with a comprehensive audit report on your home’s energy efficiency, with recommendations for improvement that will help you contribute to a net-zero emissions future and achieve lower energy bills.