Upgrading Old Homes To Protect The Environment
It feels like we’ve lost the ability to build great homes. In Canada, we try to construct around 200,000 new homes every year. They might be easy to manufacture and fast to erect, but they also feel cheap and soulless.
I guess it’s why so many people still invest in old homes. Unfortunately, it’s not ideal if you love the environment because they’re not energy efficient. Let’s discuss a few ways old homes can be modernized pretty easily.
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Replace Single Pane Windows
Single pane windows are terrible at retaining heat. You won’t be able to keep warm air inside during winter, plus your rooms will overheat in summer. It’s going to increase your energy bills during the entire year.
This article, “Canada grant encourages green homes, Canadian Choice Windows and Doors supporting cause,” might be interesting. It lets you know it’s possible to receive a grant if you invest in new DraftLock windows.
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Spray Foam Insulation Works
Your old insulation wasn’t very good in the first place. It’s probably non-existent if it’s not been replaced in decades. You’ll need to do something about it fast because good insulation is absolutely essential.
Spray foam is the best in the business. It’s easy to install, lasts a long time, and will even reduce noise pollution inside your home. Once it’s installed you’ll notice a difference in your energy bills straight away.
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Glass Doors Inside Your Home
Natural light is your best friend when you live in an old home. If you try to heat all your rooms using central heating, it’s going to cost lots of money. Burning coal and wooden logs won’t help Mother Nature.
Letting the sun radiate throughout your home is the perfect solution. If you have interior doors sunlight will pass through them. You’ll be able to choose from lots of styles at Canadian Choice Windows & Doors.
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Opt For Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is wonderful because it heats rooms evenly. In most cases, you’ll be fine if the heating in your floor is running at 29 degrees Celsius. It’s less than half the temperature your radiators should run at.
It does take a while to install and costs a bit more than radiators, but it’s worth the money in the long run. You’ll find it’s more comfortable when heat is spread evenly, plus you’ll have more space in your rooms too.
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Solar Panels Are Worth It
Solar panels were popular a long time ago, but they went out of fashion. It’s mostly because the technology wasn’t very good in the past. Why spend lots of money on solar panels if you can’t harness much energy?
These days, things have changed. Solar panel technology is better than ever. You won’t be able to run your entire home with a few roof panels, but it’s going to make a serious dent in your energy bills every year.
Old Homes Are Still The Best
Don’t worry about getting a new home just because they’re more energy-efficient. It’s worth upgrading old homes as they’re still the best choice for homeowners.
Photos: Unsplash
Main photo: Toa Heftiba
B&W photo: Frantzou Fleurin
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