Archives for Green Home

Smart Home Technology

February 22, 2017 | Comments Off

Smart Home Technology As it goes, years pass and technology advances. Existing technology improves; and new technology is introduced. We talk on our smart phones – surf, play, and even talk to our smart phones – we drive our smart cars, watch our smart TV’s, and allow for our smart vacuum cleaners to parade our floors so that we may live cleanly in our smart homes. Regardless of how often, or of how many smart pieces of technology we may own, we are constantly surrounded by such, merely through the world in which we live in. As it progresses, smart
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Sustainable Building Materials

May 1, 2016 | Comments Off

As the world’s population increases and resources dwindle, sustainability, development that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, has become a priority for homeowners, developers and governments. This shift in focus has driven improvements in building design and construction, including sustainable building materials. Green building materials impact energy and water consumption, waste reduction and occupant well-being by minimizing the negative effects that our built environment can have on the planet. Here are some new materials that are leading the way: Solar Tiles Producing standard roof tiles involves energy intensive techniques and their only function
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5 tips for eco-friendly renovations

December 21, 2015 | Comments Off

If you are renovating, you should consider the green strategies suggested in this realestate.com post by Danielle King. For example, add insulation to the roof and external walls and you could save 25% on energy costs. Replace inefficient windows or add window film since up to 40% of your heating can be lost through windows in winter. Energy efficient appliances, LED lighting and solar panels will also contribute savings, while protecting the environment. Implement water collection techniques to use rainwater for toilets and the garden. Include water efficient faucets and showerheads. Add high-flow taps that make baths and
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Higher electricity costs: how to circumvent them

December 2, 2015 | Comments Off

Because the cost of electricity is expected to rise as a result of the federal Liberals’ green energy policies, prudent investors should pay attention to the energy consumption of their rental properties. This Canadian Real Estate Magazine post advises landlords to find ways to become more energy efficient such as installing programmable thermostats and motion sensor lights. More important is to pass the higher cost of hydro on to their tenants, whenever possible, and to implement an energy consumption ceiling for their all-inclusive leases. To read more click here. Source: Blog
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How Google Sunroof is Changing Homeowners’ Costs

September 28, 2015 | Comments Off

How Google Sunroof Works Employing the high-resolution aerial mapping used by Google Earth, Project Sunroof calculates the amount of sunlight reaching your roof to assess its potential for solar power. It takes a variety of factors into account including local weather conditions, shade from nearby trees and buildings and sun positions throughout the year. The tool combines this information with data from your household’s monthly electricity bill, factors in panel orientation and tilt to the roof surface to calculate average monthly and annual solar radiation, recommends the size of solar installation needed and estimates the cost to purchase or lease
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Kim MacDowall