Choose a Smaller Home

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Quick Facts Affordability Cost Savings CO2 Reduction		Moving to a new home is a great opportunity to make energy-efficient decisions that will benefit you for years to come. Look for a home that is sized for your needs, with good insulation and ventilation, and with south or west exposure so you can make the most of natural light and heat. Whether your home is new or new to you, the same features are important. Affordability Moving can be a costly undertaking, but depending on your current situation, moving to a smaller home could save you money. You'll save on heating, cooling, lighting, maintenance – and even furnishing expenses. Cost savings A home that is sized for your needs won't demand excess heating or cooling and will be easier to maintain. Health & comfort Living in a space that meets, but doesn't exceed, your need is more comfortable to live in. Not only that, a smaller home requires less of your energy to keep clean! Environmental considerations When moving to a new home, consider not only the features of the building itself, but also your lifestyle in this new location: Is there adequate public transit? Can you bike or walk to shops, schools and other services? How will you get to work? Long car commutes will counteract the efficiency of your home and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

What you need to know

• If you are looking to move, think about the size of home that will meet, but not exceed, your needs.
• A smaller home that is well built will require less energy to heat, cool and ventilate than a larger one of the same construction.
• You don't have to be buying a home for the size and efficiency to matter. Maximizing energy efficiency and comfort are equally important whether you own or rent your home.
• If the home you are moving into is not new, assess its energy efficiency features and the possibilities for upgrades. Moisture issues, uninsulated attics and inefficient heating and cooling can make a home with an affordable price tag, an expensive purchase down the road. Include the costs of needed upgrades into your home buying budget.
• EnerGuide has a rating system for homes. The scale goes from 0–100 and measures how well a house uses energy. 0–50 are old, drafty, uninsulated houses and 80–100 are highly energy efficient. If a house you are looking to buy has not been EnerGuide rated, ask the current owners if they would let you bring in an energy auditor to test its rating. Natural Resources Canada certified auditors work all over B.C. The Office of Energy Efficiency website can help locate one near you.
• Our guide to Whole Home Efficiency provides information on some energy efficient features to look for in a new home, or to add to it.

FAQ

What if I decide to have children, or my parents need to move in with us and our house isn't big enough?
It's much better to live in the house that is sized for your needs at the present time. If the need for a larger space arises, you can use your energy savings to renovate or buy a different place that will suit your new situation.