What green renovations can save you money instantly?

Owning a home is a pricey investment for any homeowner. While HST rebates are one way to get some savings back, if you've bought a newly built house or substantially renovated your home, green renovations are a great way to save on housing costs. They can also improve your resale value in the long run. Before beginning any green home renovation project, homeowners should first get an Energuide home evaluation to get an initial assessment on where they could improve. Once that's done, here are some areas homeowners might want to consider making changes that could lead to quick savings.Saving waterWhether it's your plumbing or water heating equipment, making changes to both of these in your home could save you money in the short and long run. If you have an old water heating tank, it's time to consider an upgrade since newer models are more energy efficient. On-demand tankless water heaters go the extra mile since it heats the water as you use it rather than keeping it heated in a tank, waiting for it to be used. But your pipes and water tank may also be leaking heat, which means you can insulate both to prevent heat loss. One way to test whether insulation is a good idea is by touching the pipes or tank to see whether it feels warm. If it is, then you're losing heat. If you're replacing your pipes, look for products with a WaterSense certification which are given to energy efficient products.Saving electricityOne sure way to save on electricity is to upgrade your home to let in more natural light during the day. This way, you're not switching the light switch on for as long. If this isn't an option, consider switching to LED, CFL or halogen lightbulbs. While these lightbulbs may be a pricier option when it comes to initial cost, they will pay off in savings when they last longer and use less electricity when they're on. Also, Canadians will be forced to make the switch with incandescent light bulbs banned in the country starting in January.Saving heatWith Canada's frigid winters, heating costs can skyrocket during our nation's cold months. Enjoy the warmth and don't pay extra money for it by upgrading your heating equipment with more efficient systems. A furnace is expected to last about 20 years and that's if you've regularly maintained your system. This is an important step since this way you're avoiding spread dust particles in your home and keeping your furnace running longer. There are numerous furnace options, which include a gas and oil furnace, a gas and oil burner (which also doubles as a water heater), an electric furnace and integrated mechanical systems that heat your home, along with your water, and provide ventilation as an energy efficient option. You can also improve your heating costs by putting more insulation into your home or the heat may be leaking from your windows. When installing new windows, look for options that offer an Energy Star certification, along with options that include insulating spacers, multiple panes and gas fills that can improve a window's efficiency.Rebate4U can help you determine whether you're eligible for an HST housing rebate and ensure you receive the maximum amount possible. Our priority is to provide our clients with the most professional and quality service in obtaining rebates for their new and renovated homes. We are proud to offer our clients the most personal and attentive service, and we make sure that all of our clients are 100% satisfied.