While it’s not always obvious, climate change is hitting your home and wallet. Rising energy costs, extreme weather, and increasing strain on resources have made sustainability everyone’s problem—and Londoners are no exception.
Here’s the kicker: your home might be working against you. Single-family homes are the second biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the city, most of that coming from heating and hot water.
Good news! With some simple changes like upgrading your doors and windows or reducing your use of artificial lighting, you can slash bills and help the planet. Here are the best ways to save energy at home for London, Ontario homeowners.
Replace Windows and Doors
Drafty or poorly insulated windows and doors are one of the biggest culprits for heat loss and air leakage. If you’re noticing high energy bills but still feel chilly in the winter or hot in the summer, your heated or cooled air could be escaping through your windows and doors, and it’s affecting your wallet and the planet.
If this sounds familiar, one of the best ways to save energy is by switching to energy-efficient replacement options. Here’s what to look for in your new windows and doors for the best insulation:
Bonus tip: This isn’t the time to DIY. Hire a professional for proper installation to ensure there are no gaps or leaks—otherwise, you’ll be back at square one.
Image Source: Shutterstock
Insulate and Seal Your Home
Proper insulation is like a warm sweater for your house. Without it, your heating and cooling systems work overtime, leading to higher energy consumption overall. If you want to learn how to conserve energy in your London home, one of the most crucial steps is to seal air leaks and insulate properly. Here’s how:
- Hire a professional energy advisor or air-sealing contractor to detect leaks.
- Use foam sealant or caulking to seal cracks and gaps (key areas include: windows, doors, electrical outlets, and plumbing pipes).
- Add weather stripping around doors and windows to prevent drafts.
- Put foam gaskets behind outlets and switch plates on the walls.
- Inspect for air leaks and mould, which could indicate improper seals.
- Add insulation to your attic and basement.
- Use fire-resistant materials to seal air leaks in furnaces, fireplace chimneys, and gas-fired water heater vents.
Draft-Proofing Tips for Renters
Even if you don’t own your home, you can find ways to conserve energy and reduce drafts. Here are some renter-friendly ways to draft-proof your home:
- Use removable caulk and draft-proofing tape that can be peeled off easily.
- Apply temporary window film to prevent heat loss.
- Install door sweeps to the bottom of exterior doors.
- Cover electrical outlets with foam gaskets.
Switch to Renewable Energy Sources
In London, switching to renewable energy sources is easier than you might think. London Hydro’s net metering allows consumers who generate their own electricity (via solar or other renewable sources) to earn credits to offset electricity bills. These credits can be carried forward for up to 12 months, so you can save on future energy costs. It’s one of the best ways to save energy while also reducing your carbon footprint.
Upgrade Your Lighting Systems
Compared to heating and air conditioning, lighting systems might not seem like a huge drain, but they can still have a big impact on your home energy use. Here’s how to make energy-efficient upgrades in this area:
- Place motion sensors in low-traffic areas like hallways and bathrooms to ensure lights are only on when needed.
- Add dimmer switches so you can dim lights when full brightness isn’t required.
- Install smart bulbs that can be controlled remotely so you never leave lights on unnecessarily.
Install Smart Thermostats
If you constantly worry about leaving the heat running when nobody’s home, save yourself the anxiety by upgrading to a smart thermostat. These devices allow you to control your home’s temperature remotely and ensure your heating and cooling only run when and where they’re needed—one of the easiest ways to make your home more energy efficient.
Image Source: Shutterstock
Update Your HVAC Systems
For London homeowners researching “how to make my home energy efficient,” checking your HVAC systems is a good start. An old or inefficient HVAC system could be costing you more in heating bills than necessary. If your home’s system is 10 years old or more, it likely uses oil or freon—both of which are outdated, less efficient, and harmful to the environment.
Upgrading to newer, energy-efficient models help you:
- Save money on energy bills
- Reduce your carbon footprint
- Improve indoor air quality
- Increase overall home comfort
- Reduce maintenance costs and frequency
Bonus tip: Be sure to check for available rebates! You may be eligible for grants, loans, or incentives through programs like the Home Efficiency Rebate (HER) Program, Canada Green Homes Loan, or the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program to help with the cost of upgrading your system.
Install Low-Flow Faucets
Your water use also affects your electricity bills. Heating water for showers, dishes, and laundry consumes a significant amount of energy. Low-flow faucets minimize water consumption by reducing the flow rate without compromising water pressure. This means less water waste, and less energy needed to heat it.
Bonus tip: Choose WaterSense-certified faucets, showerheads, and toilets—the ENERGY STAR® equivalent for plumbing fixtures.
Maximize Energy Savings with Clera Windows + Doors
An energy-efficient home is an eco-friendly home. One of the best ways to save energy in London is to install ENERGY STAR®-certified windows and doors from Ontario’s most trusted window manufacturer.
Clera Windows + Doors has been helping London homeowners build more secure, comfortable, and energy-efficient homes for 45+ years. We take care of everything from manufacturing and installation to repair and after-sale service. All our products are specifically designed to improve your home’s insulation—all without sacrificing style and curb appeal.
We offer a variety of styles to match your home to a tee. Contact us today or schedule a FREE consultation to take the first step towards an energy-efficient home!
