Energy Conservation Kit

The purpose of the Kit

The residential real estate market is a diverse and ever-changing component of both our national economy and our day-to-day life. This is due to the development of improved building practices, availability of better building materials, adoption of new building standards, and implementation of evolving government policies. Greater consumer awareness of environmental issues, and concern over rising energy costs, is moving us towards a “greener” society. Homes that are more energy-efficient may command more money than their less energy-efficient counterparts, in some cases increasing in value up to $20 for every $1 saved in energy costs. They are also more comfortable than homes that are not energy-efficient.

This kit has been designed to provide you, the homeowner, with the necessary information to take advantage of opportunities to improve energy-conservation in your home. This kit has been designed in the following way:

1. The Checklist –

• captures critical information on the energy-efficiency of a home,

• and the factors that impact this. The Checklist may have been completed by your real estate representative, and presented to you. If not, you can use the Checklist to review the energy-efficient features of your home.

  2. The Energy Conservation Kit –

will provide detailed room-by-room information on possible energy-efficient upgrades, renovations, and any rebate programs that you may qualify for.

• The Checklist components will be addressed in greater detail in each chapter of the kit. Each

  section of the Checklist corresponds directly with the chapters of the Kit:

• • Building Envelope • Bedrooms/Home Office • Washrooms • Kitchen

  • Laundry Room • Basement • Heating and Cooling • Exterior

  In each section, the following components will be addressed:

• – Description of the area of the home and a breakdown of the Checklist section that deals with

  that area.

  – Tips that you can easily implement for little or no cost to improve comfort and energy efficiency

  in your home.

  – Upgrade Opportunities that address home improvements that take a greater commitment,

  either of time or money, and could significantly improve a home’s comfort and energy

  efficiency. These can be done by a homeowner who has skills in this area or a professional.

  – If You’re Renovating are things to consider if you are contemplating making considerable changes

  to your home, and these recommendations could make a serious impact on a home’s comfort and

  energy efficiency. These changes should be undertaken by a professional or a homeowner who has

  skills in these areas.