It’s no secret.. right now I’m obsessing over Climate Change and what that means for the world. The Typhoon in Shanghai, the California wildfires; these events are becoming more and more frequent.
It’s going to take a net zero carbon emission from everyone to slow down the rising global temperature pattern. Here are a few minor things we can do as homeowners to continue helping our planet.
Ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency
- You can get rid of your furnace and install a heat pump. A heat pump is more efficient and greener because it uses electricity and not gas,
- Replace your old windows and doors with new ones so you can stop heat loss. You can save up to 30% by doing this.
- Get better insulation. If you properly insulate your home from the roof down you’ll not only enjoy a more comfortable winter but you will, again, minimize your heat loss and lower your gas and electricity bills.
The city of Toronto is offering a few rebates you might be interested in should you want to take my advice and improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Rebate programs for home repairs
- The Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Program. If you plan to renovate your home this is a good one for you. Firstly, you must qualify for the rebate ahead of time and you will receive levels of rebates based on the number of improvements you make. A list of improvements is listed here.
- Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program. This is a program from the City of Toronto to help with protecting your home from flooding. The subsidy can be up to $3400 and is based on doing the following things: installing a sump pump, severing and capping your home’s weeping tile, or storm sewer connection. Find out more here
- Canada’s Greener Home’s Grant. You could be eligible for up to $5600 in rebates should you improve your home’s efficiency through Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels, new insulation, roofing membranes, foundation waterproofing, and more. Find out better details here.
Do your part by driving less, eating less beef, making changes to your home, and using fewer plastics. If you have the chance, look at labels and don’t buy things with Palm Oil in them as well ( it causes deforestation and contributes to the extinction of animals we need).
