Home renovations may be costly, but they are always worth the time and money. Anybody who is interested in upgrading their Nanaimo home should consider focusing on renovations that are energy efficient. Not only will these upgrades help the resale value of the house, they will also pay for themselves with the amount of money they shave off of power and gas bills over the long run.

New Doors and Windows Can Put a Dent in Power Bills

Old doors and windows have outdated designs and were not always constructed with the idea of saving energy. The evolution in window design has led to windows that can trap the heat from the sun during the winter to keep a room warm naturally with the added bonus of having better seals and more security. Old, wooden doors were originally built to contract and expand as the seasons changed, which left them weathered over time. Drafty doors can be a tremendous drain on the power bill in the coldest months of winter and this simple renovation will save money in the short and long run.

Keep Heat in and Cold out With Proper Insulation

A home works like a well-oiled machine to save energy. Proper doors and windows with a great heating system will do nothing if the warmth keeps escaping due to poor insulation. Over time, older insulation will lose its ability to properly control the home’s temperature and a complete insulation upgrade to newer material will not only pay for itself, but it will fill in areas that may have been passed over the first time. Many older homes have no insulation in the attic, allowing heat to escape very easily. A properly insulated house also has the benefit of removing some strain from heating systems and air conditioners, leading to the possibility of smaller models.

Lower Energy Bills with Efficient Appliances

One of the easiest ways to make a home more energy efficient, cost-effective and more attractive to any potential buyers down the line is by investing in new appliances. Any appliance that is over ten years old is probably a huge drain on energy and creates significantly more waste than newer models designed to save energy and money. Washers, dryers, refrigerators, washing machines, water heaters and air conditioners that are certified by either EnerGuide or Energy Star will lower gas and power bills by a considerable amount, one that makes the investment worthwhile. This has the added benefit of making the home more attractive and raises the value when trying to sell, as any buyer will want top of the line appliances in their new home.

For an idea of where to start, EnerGuide performs home evaluations for Canadians that are endorsed by the government. They will give the home a complete inspection and provide the owner with a comprehensive guide on which areas can be improved and how much they can save with those improvements. If you would simply like some more information on how your home would compare on the market if it was energy efficient, feel free to reach out to us.