Your house as a system: a holistic approach to energy-efficiency

Whole-home harmony 

Upgrading your home with the goal of having every part working together in harmony, may help you achieve maximum energy savings and reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions.

1. Insulation

Insulation keeps the heat inside during the winter and blocks it out during the summer. Good insulation can help reduce energy bills and maintain a comfortable home temperature.

Proper insulation and air-sealing can cut your heating and cooling costs by 15% on average.¹

2. Windows and doors

Energy-efficient windows and doors help keep your home cosy in the winter and cool in the summer.

Inefficient doors and windows can account for up to 25% of your home’s heat loss.²

3. Mechanical ventilation

Mechanical ventilation brings fresh air into your home and removes stale air, helping to control moisture and prevent mold. Proper ventilation allows your home to be built or renovated to high airtightness levels, which can help reduce your heating and cooling bills.

4. Air sealing

Air sealing closes gaps and cracks around areas such as windows, doors, attics, basements and electrical outlets. It stops drafts and reduces heat loss, helping to keep your inside temperature stable.

You could save $600 a year by adding proper weatherstripping to your home.³

5. Heating and air conditioning

If you have older heating and air conditioning systems, upgrading to newer, high-efficiency systems may help you use less energy and reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Space heating accounts for 52% of the total energy use in B.C. homes.⁴

6. Basement insulation

Basements without insulation can account for about 25% of a home’s total heat loss.⁵

7. Connected thermostat

A connected thermostat could help you save $100 a year on your heating and cooling bills.⁶

¹ENERGY STAR®, Why Seal and Insulate
²Natural Resources Canada, Windows, doors and skylights
³Government of Canada, Save money on energy
⁴Natural Resources Canada, Comprehensive Energy Use Database
⁵Natural Resources Canada, Keeping the heat in – Section 6
⁶ENERGY STAR, How to Choose a Smart Thermostat