How to Be Energy Efficient at Home: It’s Not What You Do, But …

• By: Karin Beuerlein

It’s not just which energy efficiency projects you implement at home that will make a dent in your bills — it’s how many.

Furnaces 101

Furnaces fueled by natural gas are by far the most common heating system for homes in the United States. Newer models are very efficient. They tend to last 20 years on average, but they do require annual inspections and some basic maintenance to function safely and well.

How a Furnace Works

Furnaces heat your home by circulating heated air through a series of ducts. That air is heated by the burning of fuel within the furnace. Furnaces can be fueled by natural gas, oil, and even propane, but natural gas is the most prevalent. As the fuel burns, the hot gases that are generated move through curved metal tubing called a heat exchanger, and then exit your home through a vent pipe. Simultaneously, the air circulating through your ducts passes over the exterior of the heat exchanger, and gathers heat from the hot metal. That warmed air is then circulated throughout your house. The heat exchanger keeps the combustion air and the supply air separate, ensuring that the air in your home is heated without risking exposure to the toxic gases that are the by-products of combustion.

Furnaces can vary widely in efficiency. That efficiency is measured by the furnace’s annual fuel efficiency, or AFUE rating. This number calculates the percentage of energy that is returned to your home as warm air.

Standard Furnaces have an average AFUE rating of 80-85%. This means that 80-85% of every dollar you spend on heating energy is returned to your home as warmed air. Standard furnaces have only one heat exchanger to collect the heat produced by the gas burner. An AFUE rating of 80% means that 20% of your energy is lost as water vapor that’s exhausted outdoors through the flue pipe.

High-Efficiency Furnaces go one step further, and use a secondary heat exchanger to evaporate the water vapor a second time, to extract even more available heat. High-efficiency furnaces can have ratings as high as 96 AFUE, which translates to an energy loss of only 4%. High-efficiency furnaces are rapidly becoming the standard as the preferred choice for new construction and as older furnaces fail and are replaced by newer models.

Older Furnaces, or gravity-flow models, functioned without a blower fan, and had efficiencies of as little as 30%. These are no longer manufactured, but there are still some in use. If you have one, you’d be well advised to replace it. Newer models are vastly more efficient, and offer energy-saving features such as electronic pilot light ignitions, sealed combustion units, and vent dampers. They’re far safer as well.

How They Wear Out

Most furnace deaths are due to cracked heat exchangers. Cracks can occur over time due to expansion and contraction, as the burners turn on and off to regulate the heat in your home. That expansion and contraction eventually fatigues the metal to the point where it cracks. This is a serious issue, as even a small crack can allow for deadly carbon monoxide gas to enter your home.

Maintenance and Safety

Every year, hire a licensed professional to test your furnace and conduct an inspection to check for wear, damage, and possible carbon monoxide leaks, as well as to lubricate parts and ensure that  safety mechanisms operate properly. Annual tune-ups typically run anywhere from $50-100, but they can reduce your heating costs by as much as 5%, and more importantly, help guard your family against exposure to deadly carbon monoxide gas.

In addition, here are some steps you can take to help ensure your safety, keep your furnace healthy and efficient, and save you money along the way.

Change your filters once a month, or clean your reusable filters every other month. A dirty filter decreases the airflow and prevents the system from working efficiently, results in higher heating bills, and can cause possible damage to the motor. More than half of furnace service calls are caused by ordinary dust and dirt clogging up vital components.

Purchase and install a carbon monoxide alarm near your furnace, or better yet, in several locations around your house. Carbon monoxide gas is odorless and colorless, so you can’t detect its presence on your own. If you already have a carbon monoxide alarm, and it is more than 5 years old, replace your existing alarm with a new, improved model. The Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Underwriter’s Laboratories, has advanced the standard for reliability of these detectors since 1999.

Install a programmable thermostat. By automating your heating system, you can set it and forget it for long periods, and help save energy by not heating your home when you’re away.

Check your interior heating vents to ensure that they are not obstructed in any way. You’ll promote more even heat flow throughout the house, and save energy.

Don’t forget the outdoor exhaust vents. In winter, keep snow and ice away from the outdoor intake and exhaust vents. If those vents become blocked, dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can back up into the house, and the furnace could shut down.

A Word About Filters

Not all filters are created equal. When selecting your filters, you may be tempted to buy the least expensive one to save some money. If you have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory ailments, you’ll be much better off purchasing a higher quality filter.

Here are the three common types of furnace filter.

• Disposable fiberglass filters are certainly the cheapest, but they’re also the least effective. They block only the largest particulates to protect your furnace. Smaller particles, like pollen and mold, sail right through, and can make sensitive individuals miserable.
• Washable electrostatic filters contain a static charge that attracts dust, dirt, and other matter. These filters are more effective than disposable models, but still screen out only 15-20% of airborne particles. They can also be a chore to clean.
• Pleated filters use a more dense mesh material to trap particles, further enhanced by a pleated design to increase the surface area. This helps eliminate large allergens like pollen and mold and more than doubles the efficiency of cheaper models. While they are more expensive per filter, they are designed to last 3 times longer, so you can replace them less often.

Keep the Home Fires Burning

If you do the little things and dutifully look after your furnace, you can prolong its life span, and keep your energy bills low. More importantly, you help ensure your family’s safety, and that thought should warm your heart like no furnace can.

Source: Living With My Home

Information that is being provide is for Educational Purpose, Any electric work that is needing to be done, should be done by a Licensed Electrician.

UNGROUNDED (2-PRONG) RECEPTACLES

Illustration: Ian Warpole

PROBLEM #9
Undergrounded (2-pronged) receptacles means your home has no way to safely conduct stray current

What it means: Your house’s wiring has no way to safely conduct any stray current that escapes the confines of the wires.

Code violation? No; grandfathered in. (Today’s code requires grounded circuits and receptacles.)

Danger level: Minimal, as long as you don’t use an adapter to fit a three-prong plug into a two-prong receptacle. Doing so could destroy the device you’re plugging in, and increase the chance of electrocution.

Solution: Replace two-prong receptacles with properly grounded three-prong ones, if wiring allows it (see . Also, test all existing three-prong receptacles with a GFCI circuit tester to make sure they’re grounded. Rewire any that aren’t.

Information that is being provide is for Educational Purpose, Any electric work that is needing to be done, should be done by a Licensed Electrician.

Source: This Old House

Appliances & Electronics

Be Power Smart and buy energy efficient appliances. The ENERGY STAR symbol (open new window) identifies models that ensure that they are among the most energy efficient in their class and do not compromise performance. ENERGY STAR appliances are 10 to 50 per cent more efficient than conventional models. When you buy an appliance there are actually two “price tags”:

• the cost of the appliance;
• the cost of operating the appliance during its lifetime; consider this “second price tag” when purchasing your appliances.

Electronics such as DVD players, televisions, alarm clocks, and cell phone chargers use power even when they are not being used. The continuous use of electricity is called standby power.

ENERGY STAR electronics reduce standby power and are more efficient than standard electronics.

For more information on energy efficient electronics, visit the Natural Resources Canada website (open new window).

Source : Manitoba Hydro

Top Electrical Projects Best Left to a Professional

Electricity plays an important role in your home, running the heat and appliances among other things. There are plenty of repairs and other projects that will pop up and need immediate attention. While you may be able to handle small things like changing a light fixture or wiring in a phone jack, there are certain electrical projects that should only be handled by a trained professional.

Changing Out the Wire

Older aluminum wiring will need to be changed out to the modern (and much safer) copper wiring. This is an extensive job that requires hours of work and major lengths of wire. Not only is copper more resistant to corrosion, it is more flexible and adaptable in a variety of configurations and provides a much more reliable connection between the panel board and your outlets and fixtures.

In most cases house wiring needs to be done by a licensed electrician. In certain circumstances a homeowner is allowed to do the wiring in their own home, provided that all electrical safety codes are followed, a permit is applied for and regular inspections take place. But just because something is allowed does not mean it is recommended.

Whether you are replacing an aged wiring system or completing a basement renovation, this size of project needs to be handled by a professional.

Putting In a New Panel

Wiring is not the only thing that needs to be upgraded. Often the fuse panels that were used in older homes need to be replaced with breaker types. These newer panels eliminate the problem of overfusing (putting in a fuse that is too large for your wiring to handle) and cut down on maintenance. Breakers that flip as opposed to fuses that blow are much easier to maintain.

A professional electrician should always handle any work done on your panel. This is the connection between your home and the main service and any changes done here will affect the balance of your house power. Have a pro handle the panel to provide the safest electrical system throughout your home.

Appliance Repair

Not only does this void any warranty that applies, but attempting to fix your appliances can end up costing you much more than a visit from the repairman will. You may be tempted to pop open your refrigerator or dishwasher when there’s a problem, but one or two small mistakes inside can cause major issues with these often complex units.

If you know that a small replacement part will fix the problem, by all means give it a try, but for diagnosis and other more complicated work, an experienced repair technician or electrician is your best bet. Keep your appliances running well by having them maintained by those who are in the know.

Electrical repairs and projects are a common occurrence in the home. Although the services of a pro will cost you money, in many cases this is a safer and necessary choice. When upgrading your wiring or electrical panel a licensed electrician is the professional to call in. If your appliance is in need of repair, ask a technician to help you out. That way you can better rely on the performance and safety of the electrical system in your house.

Source : Handy Canadian

Information that is being provide is for Educational Purpose, Any electric work that is needing to be done, should be done by a Licensed Electrician.

Illustration: Ian Warpole

PROBLEM #8  – Backstabbed wires are more likely to come loose

8. BACKSTABBED WIRES

What it means: On newer switches and receptacles, wires pushed in the back are more likely to come loose than those anchored around screw terminals.

Code violation? No. The practice is allowed, even for new construction.

Danger level: It depends. At a minimum, loose wires can cause a receptacle or switch to stop working. In the worst case, they can start a fire.

Solution: Check for back-stabbed connections by removing a switch or receptacle from its outlet box. If one is back-stabbed, there are likely to be more. Release the wires and attach them to the appropriate screw terminals on the receptacle.

Information that is being provide is for Educational Purpose, Any electric work that is needing to be done, should be done by a Licensed Electrician.

Source:This Old House

8 Things to Consider Before Starting an Electrical Project

Any electric work that is needing to be done, should be done by a Licensed Electrician.

Your home is full of electrical projects both big and small. With more and more technology in our homes the need for electricity and electrical upgrades keeps climbing.

But these projects require careful planning, good safety practices and the ability to work within your existing system.

1) Know Your Own Grid

It’s important that you have an idea about the services available in your home. Are you working with a breaker panel or a fuse box? How are the rooms and appliances wired? Much of this information can be gathered through simple tests of your breakers/fuses or by having an electrician in to inspect your home.

2) Consider Labeling Everything

This is a trick that will save you plenty of hassle for the rest of the time you live in your home. Label the breakers/fuses, label the wires if you can get at them and even label the major switches in utility rooms and outside the house. Don’t trust your memory or rely on a sketch filed away.

3) Understand the Basic Electrical Codes

Get a copy of the household electrical code for your region and read it through. This will give you an idea of the loads and limits allowed and should guide you through the basics of wiring, switch replacement and lighting installation.

4) Read the Installation Instructions Thoroughly

When you are installing or replacing a light fixture, built in appliance, switch or outlet be sure to read through all of the instructions that came with the product. Pick up a good DIY electrical manual to help you complete the project safely and efficiently.

5) Always Turn Off the Power

When working with electricity, always turn off the main power before you start. Don’t take any chances. Use battery powered flashlights or flood lights to illuminate your work area if necessary and be sure the power has been switched completely off.

6) Think About the Condition of the Materials

You may be tempted to reuse old wiring, switches and components to save money and time shopping for new material. Although it is possible to do at times, you can never be certain of the quality unless you have picked up the material yourself. Electrical supplies are not generally expensive and it’s a good idea to start each project with unused materials.

7) Work Through Your Lighting Needs

For additions, renovations and redecorating, you will usually be adding new light fixtures. Sit in the room and get an idea of what type of lighting you’ll need, where it should come from and where the switches should be. Consider traffic flow, the activities being done in the room and future use.

8) Get a Permit

Many regions require that homeowners get an electrical permit when they are adding a new panel, replacing the wiring or any other major electrical work. It will be an added cost and usually requires inspections, but this step will protect you and make your insurance company happy.

Always be careful when taking on electrical home improvements. Even skilled professionals practice safety while doing their job and always leave their work site neat and tidy. Plan well, do your homework and work carefully. Your electrical project will go much smoother and result in a brighter, more powerful result.

Handy Canadian Inc does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, safety, legality or usefulness of any Content.

Source : Handy Canadian

Information that is being provide is for Educational Purpose, Any electric work that is needing to be done, should be done by a Licensed Electrician.

Illustration: Ian Warpole

PROBLEM #7
Popular in the 1960s and ’70s, unsafe aluminum wiring is a cheap substitue for copper

ALUMINUM WIRING

What it means: You have a type of wiring, used in the 1960s and ’70s as a cheap substitute for copper, that is no longer considered safe.

Code violation? No; grandfathered in.

Danger level: High. Aluminum corrodes when in contact with copper, so connections loosen, which can lead to arcing and fires.

Solution: Retrofit a dielectric wire nut approved for aluminum wire (a pair sells for less than $1) onto each copper/aluminum connection in light fixtures. These nuts have a special grease that stops corrosion while maintaining conductivity. Make sure any replacement switches and receptacles are labeled AL-compatible.

Source : This Old House

Information that is being provide is for Educational Purpose, Any electric work that is needing to be done, should be done by a Licensed Electrician.

Before You Start Renovating Your Kitchen

Your kitchen is probably the most used room in your house. Poor layout, inadequate lighting, cramped spaces, outdated fixtures and old cabinetry are common complaints of homeowners.

Before you decide to go ahead with a kitchen renovation, it is important to clearly identify the features you want in your new kitchen. Just as important is a thorough pre-renovation inspection to identify any existing problems.

Common Situations

Kitchen renovations are high on the list of the most common home renovations. A renovation can be as simple as installing new flooring or be a major undertaking that includes enlarging the space and replacing all fixtures and finishes.

Homeowners consider kitchen renovations for many reasons including:

• Size and design — the existing kitchen may be too small or poorly laid out.
• Fixtures and appliances — the fixtures and appliances may be worn out, inefficient or outdated.
• Cabinets and countertops — cabinet finishes, hardware or countertops may be outdated, need repair or replacement.
• Structural problems  — there may be problems that require structural changes or repairs.
• Moisture — the floor, walls or finishes may be unsightly or damaged due to moisture problems.
• Plumbing and electrical — many older kitchens don’t have enough electrical outlets and circuits. Older plumbing and plumbing fixtures may include lead or galvanized steel piping.
• Heating and ventilation — older kitchens often have inadequate ventilation or heating systems. The area may be poorly insulated and have a high degree of air leakage, two factors that lead to high energy consumption.
• Finishes — older finishes may be unattractive or not durable enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.

Healthy Housing^TM

Renovating is an ideal time to make your house healthier for you, the community and the environment. When planning your kitchen renovations, be sure to consider the five essentials of Healthy Housing^TM.

House as a System

A house is much more than just four walls and a roof — it’s an interactive system made up of many components including the basic structure, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, the external environment and the occupants. Each component influences the performance of the entire system. A renovation provides an opportunity to improve how your house performs. Kitchen renovations often include changes to HVAC equipment that can improve indoor air quality and moisture management in the house. Be careful if choosing large volume exhaust fans because they can cause combustion heating equipment to backdraft. Structural changes may give you a chance to improve air tightness and insulation, resulting in increased occupant comfort and house durability.

Avoid Surprises

Once you start a renovation, there’s no turning back. Your life is disrupted and any unexpected problems will lead to higher costs and delays in finishing the project. Thorough planning will help you to develop a realistic understanding of the work to be done and the costs involved. Here are some of the likely situations that people encounter. However, every situation is unique and you may need to hire a qualified professional to do a thorough investigation, find the problems and suggest the best solutions.

Size and design
	How much workspace do you need? Is an eating area in the kitchen important? What are the traffic patterns? Is there adequate storage space? Does the kitchen meet the needs of everyone in the household including anyone with special needs, extended family and guests?
	Plan thoroughly before you start. Sometimes a simple reorganization of the space will solve many of the shortcomings of older kitchens. Consider an addition or adding space from adjoining areas to meet your space and function requirements. Use a professional designer to help you design a plan to best meet your existing and future needs.
	You will have to live with the results even if they don’t meet your needs. A poor layout will seriously detract from your enjoyment of the renovation. The layout may not be flexible enough to meet existing or future demands for space, storage and anyone with special needs such as wheelchair accessibility.

Fixtures and appliances
	Do the existing fixtures and appliances have years of useful life left? Do you like the style and features of your appliances? Are they energy-efficient? Is there adequate general and task lighting?
	Replace or repair worn out appliances or fixtures. Familiarize yourself with available products and options. Choose efficient fixtures that will reduce water and electricity consumption. New kitchen appliances carry an EnerGuide label identifying their energy efficiency rating. Update lighting so that it provides the brightness that you need. Compact fluorescent light fixtures are four times more efficient than standard incandescent bulbs.
	Old fixtures may have to be replaced later and the new fixtures may not fit into the spaces allowed. This may involve further modification of cabinets or room layout. If you don’t do your homework, you may find more appropriate, appealing appliances or fixtures after you have completed the work. Outdated appliances and lighting usually mean higher ongoing energy costs.

Cabinets and countertops
	Are existing cabinets or countertops damaged? Do you like the style of the cabinets and countertops? Is there enough storage and workspace?
	Replace or repair damaged or outdated cabinets or countertops. Install additional cabinets or countertops to meet your work needs. Consult with a kitchen planner to organize storage and workspace more efficiently.
	Damaged, hard-to-clean countertops can harbour bacteria. The kitchen may be less functional and an unappealing work and living space.

Structural problems
	Are there any existing structural deficiencies in this area or nearby areas of the house? Do any structural walls or lintels need to be removed? Will installation of new windows or doors require special structural details? Are the walls, ceiling, floor or basement areas well-insulated and air-sealed to provide a comfortable energy-efficient space?
	Carry out a complete inspection. You may want to hire an expert. Repair, strengthen or replace structural components so they can carry the new loads. Insulate and air-seal the building to provide warm interior surfaces and a draft-free living space. Remove wall coverings, when possible, to properly insulate and install a sealed air and vapour barrier. The open wall cavities will also make it easier to install new wiring, plumbing and other services.
	Structural deficiencies can lead to cracked finishes, floor vibration, bowing or displacement of walls, floors or roof structures and possible structural failure. Exterior walls that are poorly insulated and not air-sealed will lead to continued high energy costs, possible condensation problems and discomfort in the living space.

Moisture
	Do any of the finishes have moisture damage? Is there visible mold growth on any surfaces? Are there any water stains? Is there blistered or peeled paint? Is any of the caulking or grout cracked or missing? Has there been condensation on windows, wall or ceiling surfaces?
	Determine the source of the moisture. It may be from building or plumbing leaks or from condensation of humidity on cold surfaces. Clean up visible mold growth according to CMHC guidelines. Insulate, air-seal and use energy-efficient windows to provide warmer inside surface temperatures. Repair or replace all deteriorated finishes or structural components. Maintain caulking, grout and flashings to prevent water access to the building structure. Minimize moisture sources and ventilate to control high humidity.
	Unsolved water damage problems will continue and lead to further deterioration of the building or newly renovated areas. Mold growth caused by excess moisture can be a serious source of IAQ problems. Superficial cleanup or hiding of moisture damage behind new finishes will allow deterioration to continue.

Plumbing and electrical
	Is the electrical service adequate for the number of outlets and circuits required and for future expectations? Does the existing plumbing service work well? Is there adequate water pressure? Do the drains flow quickly? Are there any leaks or evidence of water damage? If the house is pre-1950, are there any lead or galvanized steel water pipes?
	Have a professional electrician assess the electrical service and your needs. Upgrade and repair the electrical service and wiring as required. Repair any plumbing leaks and upgrade the existing service as required. Equip outlets near the sink with ground fault circuit interrupters to prevent shocks. Replace any lead or corroded metal water pipes.
	An undersized electrical service can lead to circuit overloads and the constant jockeying of countertop appliances. Inadequate or leaky plumbing will cause ongoing inconvenience. Leaks can lead to mold growth and IAQ problems. Even minor leaks around plumbing joints, gaskets and sinks will damage new materials. Lead piping and corroded metals can contaminate water.

Heating and ventilation
	Is the room comfortable and easy to heat? Does excess condensation form on windows or other surfaces? Is there an exhaust fan that is ducted to the outside? Is the air fresh and clean? Are there lingering musty smells? Would a large exhaust fan lead to backdrafting of an oil or wood stove, furnace or water heater?
	Make sure that there is adequate heating to the area. Poor insulation levels and high air leakage will make the area hard to heat, drafty and uncomfortable. Install an exhaust fan with adequate airflow capacity, 50 L/s (105 cubic feet per minute minimum). The fan should be quiet with a sound rating of 3.5 sones or less and be vented to the outside. Choose ventilation appliances that are certified by HVI (Heating and Ventilating Institute). Install a whole house ventilation system if possible. Consider one that includes heat recovery. Use a licensed installer for heating and ventilation work.
	The heating system may not be able to maintain a comfortable temperature in the living space during cold, windy weather. You may experience lingering odours and excess humidity in the house. Large volume exhaust fans can cause backdrafting (smells, smoke or toxic gases escaping into the house) of combustion equipment such as fuel burning fireplaces, furnaces, wood stoves and water heaters that use oil, natural gas or propane. A trained technician can remedy or avoid this health and safety problem.

Finishes
	What is the condition of current finishes? Do they need to be replaced because of wear or styling? What finishes will be durable enough for the intended use, for example countertops, floor covering and wall finishes? Are the planned materials and finishes low odour and low in chemical emissions such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs)? What preparation is required for the new finishes? Are special skills needed to install the finishes?
	Decide what finishes need to be repaired or replaced. Do your research. There are many new and different products on the market. Vinyl, ceramic and hardwood flooring all have different installation requirements. Choose products that are designed to meet specific needs e.g., water resistance, durability or cleaning. Choose low odour materials, finishes and adhesives to minimize effects on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Use a qualified installer for products that require special installation conditions or skills.
	Improper installation of finishes will void the warranty and may provide unattractive results. Cracked ceramic tile or grout are common problems resulting from inadequate subfloor strength and stiffness. Hardwood flooring can shrink or swell if it is not allowed time to condition to the humidity of the space before installation or if it is not sealed properly. Potentially harmful emissions from new materials can linger for long periods within the house.

Use the Kitchen Assessment Worksheet to record the present condition, any problems and to estimate costs for your kitchen renovation.

Costing Your Project

The cost of the renovation work will depend on the condition of the existing structure, the extent of the work to be done and local labour and material prices. Costs of finishes and fixtures vary widely. A good budget checklist will help you to develop a realistic cost for the project before you start. Some of the items to include are: