1) Can I have higher insulation levels?

All new homes built in Ontario have to adhere to certain laws and building codes, including those surrounding insulation levels. But there is room for upgrading to a higher insulation level. Ask your builder if you can have this upgrade – they likely won’t present it to you as an option, so make sure to be proactive.

2) Is all of the equipment Energy Star certified?

It’s not just the house itself that should be energy efficient – all of the equipment that is installed in your new home should be Energy Star certified. This certification guarantees that your equipment meets the highest energy efficiency standards. Products that should be Energy Star certified include your furnace, water heater, air exchanger, windows and doors.

3) What type of insulation is being used above the garage?

If you have living quarters above the garage in your new home, like bedrooms or a loft living space, ask your builder what type of insulation they’re using for the garage: foam or regular insulation. The regular insulation used for garages is not enough. Because most garages don’t have heating or cooling vents in them, it’s important to keep the temperatures of the living spaces regulated by installing extra insulation in the garage ceiling.

4) How airtight is the home?

Newly built homes often use advanced air sealing techniques to ensure that the home is airtight. This involves sealing any seams, joints and openings in the building during construction. Make sure your builder is using these techniques. Waiting until after construction is complete to seal gaps with caulking isn’t as effective at improving your home’s energy efficiency.

5) What are my options for energy efficient appliances?

When you’re buying a new build home, it’s not unusual for the appliances to come standard with the purchase. But if you do choose to buy appliances straight from the builder, make sure you’re getting the most energy efficient option. Energy Star appliances are widely available and can make a huge impact on your utility costs and carbon footprint, so ask your builder if these are an option for you.

At Sinclair Construction in Ingersoll, we pride ourselves on our highly energy efficient new homes. Contact us for more information about our commitment to the environment!

The post Questions to Ask Your Builder About Your New Home’s Energy Efficiency appeared first on Sinclair Homes.

1) Reduced utility costs

Implementing energy-saving tactics throughout your home can save you lots of money on your utility bills. Energy efficient appliances, light bulbs and other seemingly small parts of your home can have a big impact. Plus, energy efficient homes are better sealed, meaning you’ll lose less warm air in the winter and cold air in the summer.

2) Increased comfort levels

One of the reasons that energy efficient homes save you money also makes your home more comfortable. Energy efficient homes are sealed better and have a greater degree of air tightness. You won’t have to struggle with adjusting and re-adjusting the thermostat to keep your home comfortable: it will maintain a certain temperature for longer.

3) Better indoor air quality

Do you suffer from allergies or respiratory concerns? Then you’ll know the importance of good indoor air quality. But even if you don’t have any sensitivities to dust or pollutants, good air quality in your home is important for your health. Each home we build has air exchangers built-in which bring fresh air inside and help you breathe a little better.

4) Reduced environmental impact

A home that’s built with energy-saving standards uses less fuel and electricity, which makes it better for the environment. More energy efficient homes means less greenhouse gas emissions and a reduction in your carbon footprint. They also help us to rely less on oil, natural gas and coal, which will make our natural resources last longer.

5) Access to better rebates & mortgage rates

While it’s not guaranteed, as the Ontario government starts to implement more laws and regulations regarding environmental friendliness, there will be the potential for more incentives for homeowners to be more energy efficient. Some homeowners may have access to better mortgage rates, rebates from CMHC for Energy Star homes, and even rebates from gas and other utility companies.

In 2019, the Ontario government will be implementing a law as part of its Climate Change Action Plan, requiring all new homes to be rated based on their efficiency – something that Sinclair Construction has already begun. Each home has a sticker with a rating between one and 100. By 2022, homeowners will need to meet a minimum energy efficiency rating to be able to sell a home.

Find out more about our belief in energy efficiency, community and more!

The post 5 Reasons to Buy an Energy Efficient Home appeared first on Sinclair Homes.