Heating & Cooling
Detailed information on heating and cooling products and related products.
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Draft proof your homeDraft proofing products are available at most hardware stores. Take measurements before you shop to have some idea of how much you might need.
Weatherstripping
Product Cost: N/A
CaulkingIt is best to apply caulking from tubes using a caulking gun.
Product Cost: N/A
DehumidstatThese devices can be set to automatically turn on when indoor moisture gets high. Make sure you get one that is compatible with your fan. Some only work with certain models in the same brand of fan.
Energy-efficient homesIf you are in the market for a new home, spend some time learning about energy efficient options. When making your decision, also consider the quality standards of the materials used to construct the home to ensure they are sustainable, healthy and long lasting.
‘Green’ real estate agentMore real estate agents are becoming informed about environmental standards and energy efficiency in home features. Look for a realtor who advertises this expertise. If you don’t know one in your areas, Greener Homes.ca can help you get started.
R-2000 homesThe Natural Resources Canada R-2000 home standard has been around for 20 years, constantly updating to include new technologies and innovation. R-2000 serves as a benchmark for sustainable, efficient building design across the country. Many styles of home can be built to R-2000 standards.
Programmable thermostatsTurning down the heat doesn’t require you to make any purchases, but if you want to manage your temperature more easily, you might consider purchasing a programmable thermostat. These thermostats manage your temperature settings for you. Buy a model that is easy for you to program to get the most out of the flexibility of the features.
Programmable thermostatKeep your eye out for these features:
Product Cost: $25–$100
Window coverings and filmsMeasure your windows accurately before you shop for coverings, so you can find coverings with a good fit.
Cellular or honeycomb drapesCellular or honeycomb drapes are very effective insulators, as their light-filtering fabric allows light to enter, while blocking exterior heat or cold.
Wood or bamboo blindsWood and bamboo can be warm window coverings. Pay attention to the type of wood you are buying and how it has been sourced to ensure true sustainability.
Window filmsRooms that typically become uncomfortably hot during the summer or freezing cold in the winter could benefit from applying window films. These thin, transparent or tinted polyester substrate sheets have an adhesive side that can easily attach to the interior of any window. Not only does it block 99% of UV radiation, but it can protect carpeting, wood floors, furniture and drapes from fading.
Ventilation upgradesUpgrading your ventilation does not have to be costly and if you currently have a damp house, or a tightly sealed house, you’ll notice the comfort and health benefits right away.
Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)Heat Recovery Ventilators are a highly efficient way to circulate fresh air throughout your house year round. Also called air-to-air heat exchangers, HRVs use exhaust air to preheat (winter) or cool (summer) oncoming air. If you have a well-sealed house, ensure you have adequate ventilation to maintain health and comfort. For even more efficiency, look for an HRV with a non-electric exchange mechanism.
HygrometerIf you suspect moisture issues, it can be useful to purchase a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity in different areas of your house and find the places that need the most attention. You can move hygrometers into different rooms to measure localized moisture. All hygrometers should be recalibrated when you purchase them to ensure accuracy.
Bathroom fanIf you don’t have a full home ventilation system, invest in a higher-end bathroom fan with a timer and variable fan settings to use as your home exhaust. When purchasing a new fan, look for a quiet one (less that 53 decibels of sound), so you won’t be reluctant to use it as often as needed.
DehumidstatThese devices can be set to automatically turn on when indoor moisture gets high. Make sure you get one that is compatible with your fan. Some only work with certain models in the same brand of fan.
Heating system maintenanceAlmost all the products you need to get the most from your heating system are available at hardware and building supply stores. If you prefer, a heating or insulating contractor can seal your ducts and install insulation for you.
Sealing and insulating ducts
Furnace filtersThere are various kinds of furnace filters on the market. Most are disposable, last about a month and are inexpensive. If you suffer from allergies or have indoor pets, using small particle disposable furnace filters or longer lasting electrostatic filters can keep your air cleaner and help you breath easier.
Fireplace efficiencySorting through the kinds of fireplaces and fuel choices can be confusing. Think about your region, the environmental implications, the role of the fireplace in your heat system, and your own personal habits. For example, if you don’t anywhere to store wood, a wood-burning stove might be a poor choice. Before installing a fireplace insert, make sure its compatible with your existing chimney or vent flue. Look for one with an efficiency of 75 to 85%.
Fireplace insertBefore installing a fireplace insert, make sure its compatible with your existing chimney or vent flue. Look for one with an efficiency of 75 to 85%.
Masonry heaterMasonry heaters, or masonry stoves, are large stone ovens that burn wood quickly, then slowly release the heat over a matter of hours. They are very efficient and clean wood burners. Unfortunately, because of their size they are also extremely heavy.
Heat pumpsA heat pump, particularly a ground source pump, can be costly to buy, but it makes an energy efficient investment if you plan to use it year-round, for cooling as well as heating. When purchasing a new heat pump, be sure to check the efficiency rating of the proposed unit. A higher efficiency rating will result in lower operating costs. Heat pump efficiency is generally designated by the term "SEER" (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) for cooling performance and the term "HSPF" for heating performance. New units have SEERs ranging from 10.0 to over 16.0 and "HSPF" from 8.0 to over 10.0. In B.C. where heating requirements are far greater than cooling, only the heating performance should be considered when selecting a heat pump. The higher the HSPF, the lower the heating energy cost. ENERGY STAR®-rated heat pumps are generally six to over 20% more efficient than uncertified standard models.
Air source heat pumpAn air source heat pump draws heat from the outside air and pumps it into your home. In summer, they can reverse this effect to provide cooling. Air source heat pumps are not as efficient to run as ground source pumps, especially in colder areas, but they tend to be less expensive to install.
Ground source heat pump (also called Geothermal, Geoexchange or Earth energy system)The geothermal system is a highly efficient and economical year-round space conditioning system. It can save over 50% on heating costs compared with electric resistance heating (e.g. electric furnace), and up to 30% on air conditioning costs, while providing clean, safe comfort year-round.
Other important heat pump featuresBesides a unit's HSPF, there are additional energy saving features to look for when selecting a heat pump for your home:
InsulationChoosing the best insulation for your needs depends on what part of the house the insulation is for, where you live and the options available. Some insulation types are easier to work with in a range of applications, while others are best suited to specific jobs. It is important to know that the different forms of insulation can be used together to achieve the best results in your particular application. For example, you can add batt or roll insulation over loose-fill or vice versa; however, heavier weighted material should not be placed over easily compressed materials, as this will reduce the total R-value. For example, for attics, you can use blanket or blown-in insulation. You can install blanket insulation yourself. Loose, blown-in insulations generally require professional installation or an insulation blower machine. You can add blanket (batt) insulation over loose-fill, or vice versa. However, don’t layer heavier material over easily compressed insulation, as this will reduce the R-value.
Light House insulation guideThe B.C.-based Light House Sustainable Building Centre has an on-line product guide. Visit it for all kinds of sustainable products, including insulation.
Treehugger green insulation informationThe sustainable living website Treehugger offers some information on Greener insulations.
Blanket insulationBlanket insulation is available in either rolls or batts. These products are flexible and are usually made from mineral fibres or fibreglass. They are available in widths suited to standard wall stud, attic and floor joist spacing. Blanket insulation comes with or without vapour barrier and flame-resistant facings. This insulation is lightweight, relatively easy to install, will not slump or settle and is fire and mould resistant. Small amounts of moisture will have little effect on the R-value and blankets can be cut to fit. Be careful installing blanket insulation as the fibres can cause eye, skin and respiratory irritation.
Spray applied (blow-in) insulationBlown-in insulation includes fine loose fibres or fibre pellets that are blown into building cavities or attics with special equipment. Some kinds are fibres that are sprayed along with an adhesive to make them resistant to settling. Spray insulations can often be applied without removing all the facing from an existing wall. Icynene, a type of spray insulation, has a high insulative value (25 RSI/m or 3.6R/in) and a lower environmental impact than some other insulation choices. Because blown or sprayed insulations need contractors to apply them, all types will not be available in all areas.
Foamed-in-place polyurethane foam insulationThis is a closed-cell variety of sprayed insulation that can be used in a variety of applications. The material is mixed on-site with special equipment for large applications. For small applications, the foam is available in spray cans for sealing around window frames, plumbing entrances, etc. The foam will act as an air barrier but not a vapour barrier and should be protected from prolonged exposure to sunlight. When the foam is used in the interior of a home, it must be covered with a fire-resistant material such as drywall. This spray expands in the cavity and becomes quite rigid.
Cellulose fibre insulationCellulose fibre insulation is made from newsprint, chemically treated to resist fire and fungal growth. Due to the small size of the particles, cellulose can flow around obstructions to give a uniform fill. This insulation can settle over time, resulting in lower than expected R-values, if not blown to manufacturer’s recommended density. Cellulose fibre can be installed with rented equipment or hand poured, and usually has chemical additives to make it resistant to fire, vermin and fungal growth.
Blown glass fibre insulation (loose fill fibreglass)This is similar to glass fibre blanket insulation except that the material is chopped up. The particles in glass fibre tend to be larger than cellulose particles; therefore, it doesn’t always flow as freely around obstructions. This form of insulation is fire and mould resistant and small amounts of moisture have little effect on the R-value. Take care when handling this material as it can cause eye, skin and respiratory irritation during installation.
VermiculiteVermiculite comes in treated and untreated varieties. The treated material is coated with asphalt to make it water-repellent for use in high-moisture areas. Untreated vermiculite absorbs water and dries very slowly. Vermiculite is non-combustible, odourless and non-irritating.
Rigid insulationRigid insulation is made from fibrous materials or plastic foams and is pressed into board-like forms and moulded pipe-coverings. This form of insulation also offers acoustical buffering, making it a great choice for rooms where low noise levels are desired. Some forms of rigid insulation also come with a reflective foil covering that reduces heat flow when next to an air space. In different forms, rigid insulation can be used for interior and exterior sheathing. If used in the interior of your home, must be covered with a fire-resistant material such as drywall.
Roxul flexibatt insulationRoxul Flexibatt™ is a B.C.-made mineral wool insulation made from natural basalt rock and recycled coal slag. The manufacture of Roxul insulation, and the product, are CFC and HCFC free and the recycled content exceeds 40%. Available at many hardware stores. Check their website for details.
Heating & cooling systemsKeeping the air circulating is a low-cost way to keep your home cooler in the summer months. And for those who need an air-conditioner, the key is to use an ENERGY STAR®-certified model.
Ceiling fanA ceiling fan circulates air to keep you cooler in summer (when set to blow air down) and warmer in winter (when set to blow air up). They are an energy efficient way to augment other heating and cooling techniques.
ENERGY STAR certified air conditionerEnergy Star approved room air conditioners are at least 10% more efficient than standard models and Energy Star central air conditioners are at least eight percent more efficient. If you live in a region where air conditioning is required, ensure you purchase an Energy Star approved model. Cooler cookingCooking outside or using smaller appliances are some ways to reduce heat gain in your home in summer. Check out the energy efficient, heat reducing ideas below.
Solar ovenYou can bake, boil, and steam food in a solar oven. It will never burn or be overcooked and you have no need to ever stir or turn it. Solar ovens can cook food as fast as conventional ovens, or you can leave them all day to have dinner ready when you arrive home.
Solar hybrid ovenA solar hybrid oven can do everything a solar oven does, and you have the option to run it as an energy efficient oven when there is not enough solar energy to cook.
Toaster ovenA toaster, or counter, oven is a great choice if you often cook small meals, or meals for just one or two people.
Convection ovenConvection ovens use a fan to move hot air past the food. The moving air allows a convection oven to cook food more quickly and at a lower temperature than a conventional oven. |
Last Modified: May 9, 2009
