Home renovation is a great way to improve the comfort, functionality, and value of your home. However, it can also have a significant impact on the environment, especially in a large and busy city like Toronto. According to the City of Toronto, buildings account for about 52% of greenhouse gas emissions in the city. Therefore, if you are planning to Home Renovation Toronto, you may want to consider some tips to make your home more energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
1. Choose sustainable materials
One of the most important aspects of home renovation is choosing the right materials for your project. You should look for materials that are durable, low-maintenance, recyclable, and sourced from renewable or recycled resources. Some examples of sustainable materials are:
- Bamboo: Bamboo is a fast-growing and versatile plant that can be used for flooring, furniture, cabinets, and more. Bamboo is stronger than hardwood and has a natural resistance to pests and moisture.
- Cork: Cork is a natural material that comes from the bark of cork oak trees. Cork can be used for flooring, wall tiles, insulation, and more. Cork is soft, resilient, fire-resistant, and sound-absorbing.
- Recycled glass: Recycled glass is a material that is made from melted and reshaped glass bottles, jars, and other waste. Recycled glass can be used for countertops, backsplashes, tiles, and more. Recycled glass is durable, non-porous, stain-resistant, and easy to clean.
2. Install energy-efficient appliances and fixtures
Another way to make your home more energy-efficient and eco-friendly is to install energy-efficient appliances and fixtures in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and other areas. You should look for appliances and fixtures that have the ENERGY STAR label, which means they meet or exceed the energy efficiency standards set by Natural Resources Canada. Some examples of energy-efficient appliances and fixtures are:
- LED lights: LED lights are light-emitting diodes that use less electricity and last longer than incandescent or fluorescent lights. LED lights can save you up to 80% on your lighting costs.
- Low-flow faucets and showerheads: Low-flow faucets and showerheads are devices that reduce the amount of water that flows through them. Low-flow faucets and showerheads can save you up to 50% on your water consumption.
- Smart thermostats: Smart thermostats are devices that allow you to control the temperature of your home remotely via your smartphone or computer. Smart thermostats can learn your preferences and habits and adjust accordingly to save you up to 23% on your heating and cooling costs.
3. Add insulation and ventilation
A third way to make your home more energy-efficient and eco-friendly is to add insulation and ventilation to your walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, and other areas. Insulation and ventilation can help you maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and air quality throughout the year. Insulation can prevent heat loss or gain by creating a barrier between the inside and outside of your home. Ventilation can remove excess moisture, odors, pollutants, and allergens by allowing fresh air to circulate in your home. Some examples of insulation and ventilation options are:
- Spray foam insulation: Spray foam insulation is a type of insulation that is sprayed into gaps and cracks in your walls, ceilings, floors, etc. Spray foam insulation can expand to fill any space and create an airtight seal. Spray foam insulation can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 40%.
- Heat recovery ventilator: A heat recovery ventilator is a device that exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air without losing heat. A heat recovery ventilator can recover up to 85% of the heat from the outgoing air and transfer it to the incoming air.
- Solar attic fan: A solar attic fan is a device that uses solar energy to power a fan that ventilates your attic. A solar attic fan can reduce the temperature of your attic by up to 10°C (18°F) in the summer.
Conclusion
Home renovation in Toronto can be an opportunity to make your home more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. By choosing sustainable materials, installing energy-efficient appliances and fixtures, and adding insulation and ventilation, you can reduce your environmental impact, save money on your utility bills, and enjoy a more comfortable and healthy living space.
