eMERGE Efficient Homes Tour 2017

The eMERGE Efficient Homes Tour is just around the corner! Visit Guelph’s most efficient homes and explore the unique projects and retrofits homeowners have done to make their home first-class in energy efficiency and conservation.

“The Efficient Homes Tour is an opportunity for residents to share their energy achievements and passion for environmental sustainability with the city” said Steve Yessie, eMERGE Home Tune-Up advisor. Homeowners use many techniques to improve the efficiency of their homes, ranging from high tech solar photovoltaic systems and top of the line heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to more basic work, such as adding insulation and reducing drafts.

This year we are pleased to announce that we will be showcasing:

The Maitland Home – 36 Freshmeadow Way

The Maitland home doesn’t boast fancy new electronic equipment. In fact their thermostat isn’t even programmable. But they do keep a keen eye on energy and water use. Opting for slippers and sweaters in the winter, owners keep their house temperature setting slightly lower, during the day, dropping it at night and when away.

In summer laundry is hung out back. In winter, laundry is hung in the basement. Seldom is the clothes dryer used, eliminating the electricity associated with one of the biggest energy using appliances in a house!

These good habits extend to behaviours through the day. From showers, to washing dishes, to lighting, owners use what’s needed to keep happy and comfortable at home.

While behaviour has been a key component to household utility use, this 1993, two story home has seen a handful of modest changes to go along with a well-planned extension. While improving insulation in household walls can be an expensive yet satisfying retrofit, when considering beefing up the walls during a household extension, the marginal added cost is insignificant to the benefit received.

The 250 square foot extension was considered with care, and a contractor who knew their stuff (Braden Homes). The addition included beefed up insulation in the surrounding walls and the addition of insulation in attic spaces. Insulation was included under the foundation for a noticeable difference on the feet between the new and old construction. Of course serious attention was also given to air sealing.

The McAuley Home/Office – 360 Woolwich Street

This large 3,000 square foot home AND office uses 36% less energy per square foot than the typical Guelph residence. It also out-performs the latest energy star rated homes. Pretty impressive, right?

What makes this space so efficient is not fancy technology or brand new upgrades. Instead retrofits completed 30 years ago focused on sealing and insulation. The end result: a quiet, comfortable office space, with 30+ years of lower bills. That’s a lot of money saved!

Check out some of the homes featured in past years HERE.