Earth Day 2015: Going Green at Home

Today is Earth Day, the largest environmental event in the world, with more than six million Canadians participating in Earth Day activities and initiatives. If you want to take in some eco-friendly knowledge, here’s some simple tips for being more environmentally-friendly around your home.

• Install a programmable thermostat, which allows you to schedule temperature drops when you’re not home. This will cut your heating costs significantly.
• Air dry dishes, instead of using the drying cycle on your dishwasher.
• Turn off electronics and devices when you’re not using them: lights, television, computer, etc.
• Seal air leaks: spend an afternoon going through your home and sealing and/or caulking plumbing lines, windows, electrical wires, attics and anywhere you feel a draft or see a crack. Preventing air/energy from escaping your home will save you money instantly.
• Plug electronics into power strips, so you can turn off all devices at once (easily).
• In sunnier seasons, use your windows to heat your home by keeping the blinds open during the day
• Replace your bulbs: switch all of your bulbs to LED lights or energy-efficient alternatives. Experts say doing this will save you not only energy, but upwards of $75 a year.
• Reduce your water heater: according to experts, most water heaters are automatically set about 10-20 degrees warmer than they actually need to be. By dropping the temperature, you’re saving both money and energy here.

Some numbers to consider:

• Heating takes up the biggest portion of your utility bill
• Homes built before 1950 use about 60% more energy per square foot
• CFL bulbs use about 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than traditional lightbulbs

Did you know buying a new home comes with energy-efficiency benefits? Modern construction standards and building codes ensure that homes are built using up-to-date materials and products and that every aspect of your home is designed to operate with the highest level of safety and efficiency.

If you’re in the market for a home, buying a brand new home will come with lots of eco-friendly benefits, and warranties too. You can find out more about our homes here.