Building codes across
Canada warming up to energy efficiency (NC)
Energy efficiency is becoming more than an attractive,
money-saving feature to have in your newly-built home.
Within the next one to three years, it will be the law
in some parts of Canada.
Many places such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario,
Quebec, Yellowknife, and British Columbia plan to
implement minimum energy requirements in their building
codes for the first time. Some jurisdictions are using
Natural Resources Canada's EnerGuide Rating System to
establish energy efficiency benchmarks. The EnerGuide
rating determines the level of energy efficiency in a
home on a scale from 0 to 100. Highly energy-efficient
homes rate at 80 or more while homes that have a net
zero energy consumption have a rating of 100. The higher
the rating the higher the savings in utility bills. Many
regions are using EnerGuide 80 level or its equivalent
as a target for their building codes over time.
The federal government will be helping with this
transition and monitoring the EnerGuide process across
the country. Natural Resources Canada manages agreements
with organizations that promote EnerGuide rated homes,
training, program technical support and marketing
initiatives.
If buying, building or renovating a home is on the
horizon for you and your family in the coming months, it
really is a good idea to do your homework. So, check out
Natural Resources Canada's website for everything you
need to know about building or buying an energy
efficient new home at
www.newhomes.nrcan.gc.ca or by calling
1-800-387-2000 to order publications.
A worthwhile
'sport' for the do-it-yourself home renovator
(NC)
The winter Olympics in Vancouver is an exciting time for
Canadians to rejoice in the love of sport. Along with a
sense of hope and pride, the spirit of the Olympics can
also bring about that 'yes I can' attitude in each of us
and inspire us to take on new challenges in every part
of our lives.
If you're a handy homeowner, you may be interested in
embarking on a new indoor 'sport' this winter.
Do-it-yourselfers looking for a cost-effective project
should consider re-insulating their attic. This
renovation can not only help reduce a home's energy
consumption, but can also help save homeowners up to 28
per cent* on monthly heating costs while helping to save
the planet, too.
“An attic insulated to R-50 can help create a
comfortable and energy efficient home, while also
helping to save a half-ton**of greenhouse gas emissions
every year,” says Michael Macey, Insulation Expert at
Owens Corning.
To achieve a value of R-50 in your attic, top up on the
amount of existing insulation you already have in place
up to 15 inches when using PINK FIBERGLAS batt
insulation or 18 ½ inches when using PROPINK blown
insulation. It's easy for any handy homeowner to do and
the long-term benefits in energy and cost savings year
after year are valuable rewards!
Up for the challenge but considering project costs?
Don't fret – government grants are available today to
help support you as you take on a re-insulation project.
Now, topping-up on your attic insulation is more
affordable than ever. When insulating the attic, Natural
Resources Canada offers of up to $750 to help offset
your project costs. In addition, the Home Renovation Tax
Credit (HRTC) can help you save up to another $1,350 on
eligible home renovation costs, including materials and
contractor services, when you qualify.
Ready for the challenge? Learn step-by-step instructions
on how to re-insulate your attic by visiting
www.insulationtaxcredit.ca. And act fast – some
government incentives are only available for a limited
time so get going on your indoor home projects today.
For details about the ecoENERGY program, visit
www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca. Learn more about the HRTC by
visiting and www.actionplan.gc.ca.
What exactly is
an R-2000* home and what are the benefits of building
one? (NC)
Developed in partnership with Canada's residential
construction industry, R-2000 is an initiative of
Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency.
It aims to promote the use of cost-effective,
energy-efficient building practices and technologies.
Since being introduced more than 25 years ago, the
R-2000 standard has set the benchmark for homebuilding
in Canada. The standard is currently being upgraded to
include new technologies as they become established in
the marketplace.
Some of the benefits of an R-2000 home include:
Quality – An R-2000 home delivers quality you can trust.
It is a system for building and certifying new homes to
a higher energy efficiency standard, well beyond what
building codes require. With R-2000, energy efficiency
and construction quality go hand in hand.
Comfort and Health - R-2000 homes are great to live in.
Fresh indoor air, even temperatures, few moisture
problems and the use of environmentally-responsible
materials mean year-round comfort.
Peace of mind - R-2000 homes go through the most
demanding quality assurance process in the industry.
Only trained and licensed builders can build them. And
every R-2000 home is subject to independent inspections
and tests that conventional homes don't receive. The
R-2000 certificate is your proof.
Energy savings – An R-2000 home stretches your heating
dollars. The secret? – energy efficiency that's
"designed in," not "added on."
State-of-the-art technology - R-2000 homes are the
result of 25 years of intensive research and development
by the Government of Canada and its industry partners.
Home buyers get tried and tested technology, a
higher-quality new home and lasting value for the
future.
Protecting the environment – Homes such as R-2000 homes
lead the way in environmental responsibility. Using a
wide range of environmentally-improved materials and
building techniques helps keep Canada's environment
healthy. And it reduces demands on our natural
resources. R-2000 homeowners get a better new home and
help protect our environment for future generations.
Check out the whole R-2000 story at
www.r-2000.nrcan.gc.ca or call 1-800-387-2000
to order publications.
*R-2000 is an official mark of Natural Resources Canada
|
Dishwasher
wars – the beginning of the end
(NC)
One's stance on the age-old chore of kitchen duty can
vary from dread to passive acceptance to ritualistic
responsibility. Many households have their own expert -
perhaps a hesitant one. Others boast a micromanager who
takes charge with strong opinions about the best way to
get things done.
One of the most debated elements of kitchen duty
revolves around cleaning. Natural or traditional
products? Hand or machine dishwashing? And perhaps the
most often-debated of all: How to most efficiently load
a dishwasher to maximize space without compromising
cleanliness?
What is it about loading a dishwasher that inspires some
of us to develop such passionate personal philosophies?
We all have our preferences – some instilled by years of
watching a parent obsessively re-arrange the family's
dishes – and most are loyal to the tried-and-true form.
The differences among us have been dissected in many
ways. Some say it's as simple as male versus female
approaches. But the lines aren't as clear as Venus
versus Mars. The detail-oriented dishwasher architects
among us liken the task to a puzzle. We know where
certain things fit best and stick to those rules because
we are certain that the missing piece will complete the
picture before it's time to hit 'start'.
Others shift pieces around as new arrivals such as an
oddly-shaped dish or cup join the load. Flexibility is
the key to maximizing space and each of us has our own
game plan.
Some of us have one simple rule – cups and glasses
exclusively on the top rack, everything else goes until
it's full. Then there are the rest of us who either run
the dishwasher like clockwork regardless of its
contents, or always seem to get caught without clean
flatware and end up running an inefficiently jam-packed
load as we sit down to eat ice cream with a fork.
Whatever the approach is to dishwashing, there will be
disagreements.
Like a toilet seat that lowers itself, what if there was
a magical solution to the dishwasher war? Perhaps a
machine that redefines 'clean', performing like a
miracle regardless of how it's loaded - and even if the
dishes are not pre-rinsed. New GE Profile Dishwashers
use exclusive technologies like the PureClean Wash
System with 5-Stage Filtration and Steam Pre-Wash to end
the debate.
Steam cleaning isn't a new idea when it comes to
dishwashing, but its approach is smarter than ever.
Rather than using steam later in the cleaning cycle at a
point when the dishes should already be clean, this
Pre-Wash gets a head start. By introducing steam before
the powerful main wash, tough soils are given the
focused attention they require.
Once the dishes are clean, they'll stay that way thanks
to five unique stages of filters. This new approach
prevents loose food soils from sticking to other dishes.
With a smart new cleaning partner like this, you can
encourage the dishwasher doctor in your home to take up
a new cause while the rest of you delight in loading as
you see fit.
Organizing your
TV-watching area gives your living room an instant
face-lift (NC)
If you're like most people, the area surrounding your TV
is a disaster; cluttered with an endless assortment of
video players, receivers, gaming systems, controllers,
remote controls, DVDs, and the list goes on. Home
entertainment systems appear to be organizing nightmares
with the number of components and unsightly cables that
go with them. Luckily, there are simple solutions for
getting your media area in perfect shape and giving your
living room an instant face-lift.
Flat-screen TVs are the preferred option for most
viewers, but if you're one of those people still hanging
on to your oversized tube-style TV, it may be time for
an upgrade. If you already have a flat screen, consider
mounting it on the wall for that added wow factor. Wall
mounts are quite affordable and a safer option than
setting the TV on a piece of furniture where it can
easily tip over. Mounting a TV also allows you the
option of hiding cables behind the wall for a
picture-perfect display, and, depending on the type of
mount you choose, the ability to adjust the viewing
angle.
“Full motion and tilting mounts are by far the most
versatile,” says Keith Pribyl, vice president for Sanus
Systems, a leading manufacturer of TV mounts, home
theatre furniture and accessories. “Low-profile models
are great, too, and less expensive but don't offer all
the bells and whistles.”
Media cabinets are another great way to give your living
room a fresh new look and are a nice way to contain all
of your audio video gear. Look for pieces with features
that optimize equipment performance, such as convection
cooling systems, which keep components at an optimal
temperature so they don't over heat, and vibration
isolation so the equipment doesn't rattle with loud
audio bursts.
If ultra-modern is more your style, the Sanus Vertical
Foundations line (available at www.Sanus.com) offers
many options of “on-wall” furniture. Mimicking the
mechanics of a wall mount, on-wall furniture attaches to
studs inside the wall, allowing you to store your
equipment on the wall as well. Models such as the VF5022
and VF5023 offer two or three shelves that hold up to 75
lbs. each for maximum storage capacity. The furniture
can be offset over an outlet and cables can be routed
through the back of the furniture and then covered with
decorative panels.
One last thing to keep your TV looking great: Purchase a
screen cleaner that is safe for flat screens. Many
cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage the
screen. Specially formulated solutions like Sanus
Elements screen cleaner, and similar kinds offered by
other manufacturers and store brands, are the best
options.
With a few updates to your system, you'll soon be
enjoying a sparkling, clutter-free entertainment area.
All that'll be left to do is kick back and relax.
|
Homebuilders lining up to become
licensed for energy efficiency (NC)
It's easy being green, at least for builders of new homes in Canada.
The trend towards building energy-efficient homes has never been
hotter as more and more builders across Canada are calling Natural
Resources Canada (NRCan) to become licensed builders under their
energy-efficient new homes initiatives. Builders of EnerGuide-rated
homes, R-2000*, and ENERGY STAR® qualified homes must be registered
and licensed by NRCan. Over 1600 new home builders have now been
licensed under its Canada-wide initiatives.
One of the reasons for the increase in builder participation
is an increase in consumer demand. A recent survey by EnerQuality
Corporation shows that the majority of buyers (93%) expect builders
to offer energy efficient features as a standard rather than an
upgrade. The increased demand is transforming the new housing market
in Canada. Several Ontario builders, for example, now build only
ENERGY STAR qualified new homes while others have moved to building
only R-2000 certified homes. In Whitehorse, City Council recently
passed a regulation that all new housing in Whitehorse is to reach
an EnerGuide rating of 80 as of September 1, 2009.
If you are in the market for a new home, talk to your builder
as there is now a variety of energy efficiency options available
that you may want to include in your home.
More information is available at
www.newhomes.nrcan.gc.ca
or by calling 1-800-387-2000 to order publications.
*R-2000 is an official mark of Natural Resources Canada
Laundry, the final frontier?
(NC)
Our society has advanced by leaps and bounds in the past century.
We've put humans on the moon, discovered treatments for pandemic
diseases, and even created the mind-boggling infrastructure - the
worldwide web.
And yet, despite these wonderful achievements, one of the greatest
challenges for the contemporary man and woman continues to be the
daunting task of everyone's most-loathed domestic chore: doing the
laundry.
Piles of dirty clothes and overflowing hampers seem to be everywhere
and are never-ending on the list of household tasks. In spite of our
best efforts, we can never seem to master the art of stain removal.
However, not all hope is lost when it comes to tackling this
domestic mystery. Now, leading appliance manufacturers are offering
technological solutions to the problem. The ideas of “intelligent”
laundry and “smart” cleaning are, in fact, becoming a modern-day
reality.
“If you haven't bought a new washer and dryer in the past few years,
you might not be aware of just how far our technology has evolved
when it comes to making the task of laundry easier and getting your
clothes cleaner,” says Rebecca Brennan of GE Profile. “We insist on
having the latest technology in our living-room electronics and in
our smart phone devices – and yet many people don't know they should
also demand the latest when it comes to a smarter clean for their
clothes.”
GE Profile, for example, offers several new technologies that help
people clean smarter, resulting in clothes that last longer and are
better cared for. Brennan points out three specific technologies
that busy laundry-doers should look for in their washer and dryer:
• You don't have to treat hard-to-remove stains using your
grandmother's household tips anymore. StainInspector, an exclusive
technology of GE Profile, is able to remove over 40 of both organic
and non-organic stains– including the inevitable grass stains on
kids' pants, or red wine on your white silk blouse. The
'intelligent' washing machine is programmed to specially treat
specific fabrics and stain-types depending on the simple information
the user enters into the control panel.
• Steam is one of the oldest ways to clean in the books – we get
steam facials to treat our delicate skin, so why wouldn't we treat
our delicate fabrics in the same way? Used in the washing machine,
steam helps to penetrate fabrics to remove tough soils on
hard-to-treat fabrics. Used in the dryer, steam removes wrinkles and
odours to rejuvenate clothes and make them ready to wear.
• Would you ever have thought that your washing machine would be
smart enough to know exactly how much soap and water to use? Talk
about 'intelligent'! GE Profile's exclusive SmartDispense technology
dispenses exactly the right amount of soap for each load of laundry,
based on water hardness, size of the load, type of fabric and soil
level. You only have to fill the reservoir once every three months.
This means clothes look newer longer, and, of course, you save time
and money.
“A combination of all three smarter ways to clean laundry means that
your clothes will look spiffy clean all the time,” says Brennan.
“These are convenient, smart innovations that homeowners can
actually use to make one of life's most dreaded chores a lot
easier.”
Not all homebuilders discuss
energy efficiency: survey (NC)
A recent survey by EnerQuality Corporation shows that the majority
of buyers (93%) expect builders to offer energy efficient features
as a standard rather than an upgrade and that they believe builders
are doing an “average” job of communicating the benefits of energy
efficiency (rating of 2.8 on 1-5 scale). However, the study also
showed that far more buyers were offered energy efficient features
by their builder in 2008 (52%) compared to 2007 (25%).
The polling indicates that homebuyers recognize the value of energy
efficiency; specifically, lower energy costs and higher quality
construction. In fact, 87% of buyers said that they value energy
efficiency when making their new home purchase decision. Consumers
can initiate the discussion by becoming more informed.
Natural Resources Canada, the federal department that administers
the EnerGuide Rating System initiative across Canada has a wealth of
information available on its website at www.newhomes.nrcan.gc.ca or
by calling 1-800-387-2000 to order publications. |
