Stories & Features

Master electrician eager to show just how easy it is to plug leaks in your home

As air leaks in and out of B.C. homes, comfort suffers and energy is wasted. But many people in B.C. aren't fully aware that easy and inexpensive draftproofing is the perfect first step toward energy savings. And it can lead to greater energy savings from other energy conservation behaviours such as lowering your thermostat

For that reason, we’re hosting a virtual event exclusive to Team Power Smart members on October 27 that will feature a home energy expert whose goal will be to hammer home how easy and important it is to get your home winter ready.

"I think it's one of the most overlooked improvements out there," says Vern Douglas, a certified energy manager who will offer his expertise at the event. "I think people go for the more glamourous stuff like smart thermostats and lighting controls. They've overlooked the draftproofing component and – even if you're saving energy with various controls – you're just letting money go out the front door."

And it's not just the front door. Windows, skylights, poorly insulated walls, and even leaky electrical outlets on exterior walls, can mess with the air tightness of a home. It's a year-round problem that can make homes less comfortable.

The good news?

"It isn't really that hard to draftproof your home," says Douglas, manager and co-owner of Surrey-based It's On Electric with his wife Charlotte. "If you have some basic knowledge about using tools, it's quite easy."

Sign up for October 27 virtual event to get your home winter ready

On October 27, Douglas will provide Team Power Smart members with details about how to get your home winter ready. He'll also take live questions from Team Power Smart members

Here's what you need to know about the event:

• What: Enjoy demos, trivia, the chance to ask questions to our expert and lots of prizes
• Who: Team Power Smart members only
• When: Wednesday, October 27, 2021
• Time: 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Where: Online (link to join will be provided after registration)

Register now

'There really was no concern for conservation'

Douglas' work as an electrical contractor started in the commercial sector in the 1990s, a time when most customers were largely oblivious to the idea of saving energy.

He says the advent of energy efficient lighting technologies in particular, and the arrival of energy efficient product rebates via BC Hydro, proved to be a tipping point for both commercial and residential customers in B.C. Today, much of It's On Electric's work is around the installation of lighting controls and smart thermostats, which are increasingly popular for both comfort and savings in B.C. homes.

Vern says he's particularly proud of It's On Electric's work installing products as part of BC Hydro's Energy Conservation Assistance Program, which is offered to customers who qualify by income level.

At or near the top of the list of products that thrill customers in the assistance program are clothes drying racks, LED lighting and fridge thermometers. And some people are taken aback at how much more comfortable a home is when draftproofing is done well.

Along the way, Vern has encountered Team Power Smart members, the type of customer who is even more willing to embrace energy saving measures.

"They're quite serious about saving energy and monitor how much they use," he says. "I love those kind of people because they're keeners, sort of what I've become as an energy manager. I enjoy the conversations I have with Team Power Smart members."

Get in on that conversation on October 27. You won't regret it.

Related:

• DIY with Dave: draftproofing videos