The Lie We Live

A study on the costs of electricity in Ontario

The cost to power and heat our homes is something many Ontario residents pay close attention to. The colder-than-normal winter and news reports about rising electricity prices have made energy costs a top of mind issue in the province.

People want to know why their bills are rising and what governments can do to help. And if they’re feeling a pinch in the pocketbook, many want to know who or what to blame.

Renewable energy, as the relative new kid on the block in Ontario’s energy supply, has shouldered much of the blame in the public debate over electricity costs. But is that blame entirely accurate or is some of it overblown?

This study, based on independent research, breaks down the role that renewable energy plays in home electricity bills, today and in the future, as well as the impact of improved energy efficiency.

The study shows that renewable energy accounts for a relatively small part of residential electricity bills. It also shows that the anticipated reduction in home energy use can offset a large part of the projected increase in electricity prices, which is good news for Ontario residents.

TODAY’S ELECTRICITY BILL

Environmental Defence hired Power Advisory, a respected energy consultancy firm, to explain the average home electricity bill.

In Ontario, our bills are divided into several components:

• Electricity: This shows how much a customer is paying for electricity per month. It’s made up of two types of charges and can be broken down into different sources of electricity, as shown in Figure 1.Delivery: This is the cost to deliver electricity to our homes, including the price to build and maintain big transmission lines and the smaller-scale distribution into neighbourhoods.


• Delivery: This is the cost to deliver electricity to our homes, including the price to build and maintain big transmission lines and the smaller-scale distribution into neighbourhoods.


• Regulatory Charge: This is the cost of administering the electricity system.Debt Retirement Charge: This is to repay the nearly $20 billion in stranded debt accumulated by Ontario Hydro, three-quarters of which came from financially unsustainable nuclear plants.


• Debt Retirement Charge: This is to repay the nearly $20 billion in stranded debt accumulated by Ontario Hydro, three-quarters of which came from financially unsustainable nuclear plants.HST: This is the Harmonized Sales Tax.


• HST: This is the Harmonized Sales Tax.


• Ontario Clean Energy Benefit: This refers to a 10 per cent rebate on electricity bills that was brought in to help offset the impact of the HST.

Figure 1. Example of an average residential monthly electricity bill

As Figure 1 shows, all non-hydro renewable energy – solar, wind and bioenergy (energy produced from biological sources) – currently accounts for approximately 9 per cent of the average home electricity bill.

In order to understand our electricity bills today, it’s useful to have a little historical background.

Previously, electricity prices in the province were kept artificially low with the heavy use of tax subsidies. This led to chronic underinvestment in Ontario’s electricity infrastructure, which con- tributed to instability in the power grid.

In 2003, the massive blackout demonstrated how fragile Ontario’s electricity system had become after years of neglect. On the hottest days, the grid was straining to keep up with demand. Since then, Ontario has spent billions to rebuild and modernize our electricity system. The result is our system is much more stable.

A decade ago, Ontario’s electricity system was also very polluting. Coal-fired electricity pumped millions of tons of pollution into the air every year, causing smog and health problems like asthma, lung damage and premature death. And there were some very real costs associated with this. Coal-fired electricity used to cost Ontario an estimated $4.4 billion in health care, environ- mental and financial impacts.

The good news is Ontario’s grid is now coal-free, and the number of smog days has dropped from a record of 53 in 2005 to just two in 2013, which is better for our lungs and the environment.10

Closing the coal plants added costs to electricity generation because it meant replacing them with cleaner alternatives. But it also brought cost savings elsewhere, as the province doesn’t need to continue to pay for things like hospital costs associated with coal pollution. Though it isn’t reflected in our electricity bills, these savings mean money can be better spent elsewhere in our health care system.

Similarly, we don’t see savings on our electricity bills for the improved quality of life that comes with being able to enjoy the summer without the suffocating smog days the province used to experience. But that doesn’t mean the smog-free days don’t have value for Ontarians who now find it easier to breathe on hot days.

It’s clear that Ontario’s electricity system needed investment and the changes over the last 10 years have made it more reliable and less polluting. The costs of that have been felt on our electricity bills each month, while the benefits are felt elsewhere in the economy and in our day to day lives.

As to what energy should replace polluting coal electricity, it helps to compare the costs of different options. Replacing coal electricity with wind energy (which represents the bulk of non-hydro renewable generation contracts now) was in the same cost range as riskier options, like new gas or nuclear plants, which have bigger environmental impacts and unpredictable fuel prices. For example, the Ontario government estimates that new gas generation costs between $85-$296 per Megawatt hour (MWh) and new nuclear generation costs between $87-$143/MWh, while wind energy costs $115/MWh.

In fact, the cost of new nuclear plants would likely be even higher than this. Often, the true costs of nuclear power are partially masked because they don’t include project over-runs.

Your Home Electricity Bill: A study on the costs in Ontario

Previous cost over-runs from nuclear projects are now being paid down through the Debt Retirement Charge. (And operators aren’t fully responsible for all the long-term costs associated with the plants.) In contrast, renewable projects rarely have cost over-runs – another reason why renewables are a good choice for replacing energy generated previously by coal.

HOW ONTARIO STACKS UP

Are Ontario residents being saddled with unfair electricity bills? Each year, Hydro-Quebec benchmarks home electricity costs in major North American cities. As Figure 2 shows, Ontario cities ranked around the middle of the pack in 2013.

Comparative Index of Electricity Prices for Residential Consumers

It’s important to note that Ontario’s electric- ity bills are lower than some places with a heavy reliance on coal generation like Alberta, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia. Residents in those provinces are still dealing with the smog, health problems and health care costs of coal, and paying more than Ontarians for it.

TOMORROW’S ELECTRICITY BILL

Power Advisory, the energy consultancy firm, also modeled the projected breakdown of residential electricity bills between now and 2032. These are estimates based on real 2014 dollars – meaning inflation has been taken into account – and a constant amount of electricity use by the average home of 800 kWh/month. Later, we’ll discuss that this might be an over-estimate of real costs because electricity use is anticipated to decrease per household.

Residential electricity bills will feel an impact when the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit ex- pires in 2015. The average homeowner will see a $15 increase when the benefit expires, yet this change is not the result of the rising cost of supplying or delivering electricity. It’s the re- sult of the expiry of a rebate that was brought in to help offset the impact of the HST.

Over the next few years, more renewable energy production will be factored into electricity costs. While these renewable energy contracts are often blamed for rising electricity bills, they continue to make up a relatively small part of the overall energy supply. Their share of residential electricity costs rise from 9 per cent today to 16 per cent in 2024, and 12 per cent in 2032. In the overall picture of electricity bill charges, this is a fairly small amount.

The anticipated rise in electricity costs for residential customers in the near term is a combination of several factors: the expected removal of the Clean Energy Benefit in 2015, increased cost of supplying electricity and increased cost of delivering electricity. Renew- able energy is responsible for a portion of this, but a small portion.

Ontario had to build new generation as coal plants were phased out, and any new electricity generation source would come with a comparable increase in cost. Choosing renewable energy was not only the cleanest option, but it also insulates Ontario from future increases in fuel costs like natural gas or coal. Energy provided by the wind and the sun will always be free. The same can’t be said for other sources of energy.

TRENDS IN ELECTRICITY COSTS

The projection of future costs assumes that the planned refurbishment of the Darlington and Bruce nuclear plants proceeds as budgeted. However, previous nuclear projects in Ontario have cost an average of 2.5 times more than expected.While the cost of renewable energy is relatively fixed when a contract is signed for a project, ratepayers could find themselves saddled with higher costs than expected if the nuclear refurbishment projects go over-budget as has happened before.

While the cost of renewable energy is relatively fixed when a contract is signed for a project, ratepayers could find themselves saddled with higher costs than expected if the nuclear refurbishment projects go over-budget as has happened before.

Example of an average residential electricity bill in 2024

Meanwhile, the Ontario Power Authority predicts that the cost of new solar and wind energy will decrease by 42 per cent and 28 per cent respectively by 2032, while nuclear energy costs will rise. A report from a respected European bank, Deutsche Bank, estimated that solar energy is already cost competitive with other sources of electricity in several countries and is closing the gap in Ontario.

TRENDS IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The projections used in Figure 3 (for the price of the average electricity bill a decade from now) assume that over 10 years households will keep using the same amount of electricity as they do today. But this assumption doesn’t fit with current trends toward improved ener- gy efficiency or reflect energy conservation initiatives underway in Ontario. For example, appliances are becoming more and more energy efficient, and smart meters are helping households reduce electricity use. This means that households are likely to use less elec- tricity over time, and this will help offset the increase in electricity rates.

Based on data from the Ontario Power Au- thority, the chart below (Figure 4) illustrates the actual electricity bill costs if households used an average of 20 per cent less electric- ity by 2032. It shows a rise in bill costs when the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit expires, but then a levelling off and gradual decline.

If Ontario households increase energy con- servation and energy efficiency, Ontario bills in 10 years could ultimately return to current levels. That’s why if we work to cut energy waste, the pocketbook pinch for Ontarians will be much smaller than many realize.

The Ontario Power Authority predicts that the cost of new solar and wind energy will decrease by 42 per cent and 28 per cent respectively by 2032.

Residential bill forecast incorporating declining electricity use per household

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Rising energy costs are, largely, a fact of life. In the past, knee-jerk decisions to deal with concern over energy costs have created some of the challenges we’re currently facing. False solutions like subsidies might feel good today, but cost even more tomorrow.

The best way to help Ontario residents manage electricity costs is through improved energy conservation. Getting rid of polluting coal electricity and making the much-needed invest- ments in the electricity grid were both necessary, and meant money needed to be spent, whether on renewable energy or other riskier sources. Renewable energy is the best option for our environment, and with the costs of it dropping fairly quickly, it’s becoming more and more appealing for the pocketbook too. Today, renewable energy makes up a relatively small part of residential electricity bills in Ontario. And it will continue to do so into the future.

While there’s no silver bullet to reduce electricity prices, there are steps that governments can take now to make electricity as affordable as possible while maintaining a sustainable and reliable electricity system.

Governments can help households by:

1. Helping homes to become more energy-efficient: Municipal and provincial governments can help Ontario residents retrofit their homes to be more energy efficient – saving electricity and gas costs – with programs like on-bill financ- ing, retrofit grants or allowing costs to be paid back over time through property taxes. Utilities also have an important role to play to encourage home retrofits.

2. Adopting North American leading efficiency standards: Ontario can adopt North America’s most stringent electricity codes and standards for items like household appliances. That way, we know we’re getting the most efficient option on the market when we buy new products.

3. Establishing mandatory home energy audits: Requiring that houses for sale provide a review of their energy efficiency (or lack thereof) allows buyers to know what they’re getting into in terms of energy costs, and provides an added incentive for sellers to upgrade their homes.

4. Establishing a rate assistance program for low-income households:

This program would set a threshold for electricity bills above which the cost is simply unmanageable for low-income households, and provide financial support if bills reach that level.

A study on the costs of electricity in Ontario

Waterfront Land For Sale - Northern Ontario

To see a large site plan click on the picture… 

Georgian Bay – Where the Good Life Is The Way Of Life.

At ICFhome.ca, we know that few decisions are as important as choosing a place to live. So let us share with you, our vision of Cedar Ridge, the place which is is quickly becoming Georgian Bay’s most prestigious address.

Nestled amid a canopy of pines, oaks and maples—blended with a spectacular scenery  of emerald green farmer fields—is a place where dreams of the good life become reality.

ICFhome.ca invites you to be part of the “Woods by the Water” exclusive community, a collection of beautifully forested 1.5 acre lots to build your four-season retreat. Lots include your own direct access to our private sandy Beach Club on the sheltered shores of Georgian Bay, opposite Christian Island.

Less than an hour’s drive from the City of Barrie lies this gorgeous expanse of crystal clear waters ideal for boating, sailing and swimming, a distinct alternative vacation destination to Lake Simcoe, Muskoka, Horseshoe Valley and Collingwood. Come and live in synch with nature and the outdoors in a spectacularly peaceful environment today.

In accord with untouched nature’s enhancement, which offers the lifetime experience of living the traditional way with all the fine luxuries you want, capture the beauty of unchanged environs and enjoy the complete piece of mind far from the maddening crowd of city.

Break free from the polluted and hectic city life and indulge in the luxury of your own country estate.

Each property is laid out in perfect harmony with the nature promising beauty and privacy. A game of soccer with your family, tree climbing with the children, endless hours amongst mother nature. Come let us take you down the memory lane.

In each person’s mind there is a vision of perfect four-season living

At the heart of Cedar Ridge is a natural, unspoiled environment that will fulfill the expectations of anyone for their ultimate dream residence. Here, you will find a sheltered, undisturbed landscape overlooking a secluded channel on the southern tip of Georgian Bay, rich in amenities and spectacular panoramas. For a privileged few, Cedar Ridge will be the opportunity of a lifetime.

This unique development of 500 acres on 7,500 feet waterfront of beautiful crystal clear waterfront on the Georgian Bay shoreline.

Choice of views; elevated vistas, waters edge or wooded lots:

• 10 Minutes from Lafontaine


• 20 minutes from Midland


• 45 Minutes from Collingwood and Barrie


• 90 Minutes from Toronto (weekend traffic is far less than other destinations such as Muskoka) It’s a much easier drive on a busy weekend compared to most recreational destinations – the last half of the drive (from Barrie to Cedar Point) is largely through picturesque quiet rolling farm country. Click here for more info on Georgian Bay.

The area has a rich history – By 1639, French Jesuits founded Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Ontario’s first European community, on the Wye River – In the early 1840’s, families from Quebec, attracted by promises of cheap and fertile land, came to the area of Tiny Township and settled in the present site of Lafontaine, just minutes from Cedar Ridge.

Arts, culture, sports and active lifestyle.

The area has thriving art and culture with places such as the King’s Wharf Theatre, the Midland Cultural Centre and local art galleries.  You will find plenty to do in the summer with the local farmer’s markets, many festival such as the annual Festival du Loup, Pow Wow, Canada Day celebrations only to name a few.  In the winter you will keep busy with the many winter festivals in the area and all the outdoor activities nature has to offer.  A very special place for family and friends to enjoy.

Perfect for nature lovers with a diverse selection of plants, animals, birds and aquatic life – the water of the bay is crystal clear. Located at the convergence of the southern and northern ranges of numerous bird species making it ideal for birdwatchers.

Adjacent to Cedar Ridge you can connect with the main snowmobile trail and will find many cross country ski trails.  The nearby Tiny Township Trail system is 22 kilometers long with 13 bridges which crisscross meandering rivers, streams and intersecting concession roads which you can take full advantage all year long hiking, biking, snowshoeing, horseback riding and more.

1832 Square Feet Bungalow: $599,900

Model Shown Already Built

Award winning energy efficient model:

Outside finishes are no maintenance stone and siding.

Inside you will find 3 bedrooms and 2 luxurious bathrooms with soaring vaulted and coffered ceilings. Flooring is made of natural stone and hardwood.

Stone fireplace, custom kitchen, radiant floor heating, on demand hot water heater, HRV, high-efficiency air conditioning, 200 amp service.

At ICFhome.ca, we build more than homes. We build communities. For more than 30 years, we’ve been building communities in picturesque settings where luxury meets convenience, and where neighbours become lifelong friends.

Each ICFhome.ca’s home offers a combination of quality materials and superior design, where every detail is meticulously crafted and every enhancement you select is seamlessly added to create a customized home that is uniquely yours.

For Sale Georgian Bay

 

Waterfront Land For Sale - Northern Ontario

A whole New Way To Build: Insulated Concrete Forms

Insulated Concrete Forms Building is the new-generation of Integrated Building Technology that is vastly superior to traditional stick framing methods.
ICFs are rigid Styrofoam forms that hold concrete in place during curing and remain in place afterwards to serve as thermal insulation for concrete walls.
The foam blocks, or planks are lightweight and result in energy-efficient, durable construction. It is more efficient ways to build homes that are stronger, more comfortable and energy-efficient, while allowing for flexibility of design and lower future maintenance costs.
With ICFs, you can save time and money and get a stronger, more comfortable and more energy-efficient home.
The Following articles will explain the system and hopefully make you think before you chose a method for building your future home. More:
http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/custom-home-builder-insulated-concrete-forms.htm
http://luxury-home.ca/Insulated-Concrete-Form.htm

6 Ways to Bring Down Your Mortgage Faster

6 Ways to Bring Down Your Mortgage Faster

A mortgage is likely one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll make; with a quarter of a million dollars on the line and thousands of dollars in interest – it’s important you take the time to understand the optimal way to bring it down faster, saving you thousands of dollars of your mortgage as a result.

While it’s important to always check the terms of your mortgage (to make sure there’s no penalties or fees with some of these tips), the following six tips can help you bring down your mortgage and help you save thousands of dollars in the process.

1. Commit to Making 13 Payments a Year

Making the commitment to pay an additional monthly payment is a sure-fire way to save money on your mortgage. By adding in the 13^th payment, the payment is applied to the principal amount of the loan, instead of paying down a portion of interest with minimal impact on the principal.

The total impact of the savings can add up substantially over the years, saving nearly five years off the loan itself. Assuming there is a modest $1200 payment each year, you’ll save almost $47,000 in interest over the term of your loan.

2. Set Up Bi-Weekly Payments

Setting up a bi-weekly payment plan with your mortgage company is another simple way to save thousands of dollars of interest. By making bi-weekly payments you’ll make a collective total of 26 payments – which adds up to a gross amount of 13 months (instead of the 12 payments with monthly arrangements. Similar to the additional monthly payment, you’ll save approximately $47,000 off your term.

3. Save a Larger Down Payment

Not only can the down payment increase the total property allowance you’re allowed to have, saving a larger down payment for the property can also lower the overall mortgage amount you’ll pay. By saving a total of 20% of your total home value, you’ll drop the price down by substantial amounts – instead of increasing the total value of your home.

For example, if you had a property value of $200,000; applying the $40,000 can adjust the value to $160,000 if you apply the total down payment to the value of the loan. Likewise, you could also apply the $40,000 to the home value to $240,000 – which would give a larger portion of the loan, but would substantially increase the interest and overall cost per month.

4. Reduce Your Property Assessment

If you believe your home’s value has decreased over the year, there may be savings at hand if you decide to have the value reassessed by the government. To accomplish this, simply contact your assessor and fight the assessment by asking to have the home re-evaluated.

If in the event your home is determined to be of lower value, the tax assessment will also lower your yearly taxes – which can save you money, depending on your local tax rate.

5. Remove Your Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) Mortgage Insurance

If the down payment on your home was less than 20% of the total home value, you were likely required to pay Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) Mortgage Insurance. The insurance is mandated to lessen the likelihood of defaulting on your loan (protecting the lender in the event of a default).

Once you’ve paid down the premium to less than the 80% required of the home’s appraised value, you can petition to have the insurance removed.

There are a few ways the principal value can fall below the 80%; paying down the mortgage loan below the appraised value is one of the methods.

Alternatively, if your home has decreased in value, it may push the payment out of the 80% requirement. Attempting to remove your home’s CMHC Mortgage Insurance may require a new appraisal, but going through this process can save you hundreds of dollars off the monthly mortgage payment as a result.

6. Refinancing Your Mortgage

One of the most common ways to reduce your mortgage is to refinance your mortgage to a lower interest rate. By reducing your rate, you’ll also lower your overall monthly payment – which can help you improve the total interest you’ll have to pay throughout the term of your mortgage.

Although there are typically fees associated with the refinancing, the long-term savings out-weigh the costs of refinancing. With the interest rates being at an all-time low, re-financing is generally a safe bet for anyone looking to save money and bring down their mortgage faster.

Before deciding to implement any of the above tips, it’s important to speak with your mortgage provider prior to making a decision. While most companies are willing to help you implement these methods, some lending institutions do provide fees for these services. Be sure to ask about any fees they have and determine whether those fees are worth it when it comes to implementing them.

6 Ways to Bring Down Your Mortgage Faster

Home Heating Guide

selecting a heating system

After we survived the coldest and the longest winter in recent history, we’re all glad that it’s finally finished and there is relief from bitter temperatures and the high cost of heating our homes.

The really bad news in Ontario is that the Ontario Energy Board uphold big increases for Enbridge and Union gas which took effect Apr. 1st. This means an increase of around $450 per year for the average family home.

Other natural-gas suppliers are expected to also apply for rate increases as they are forced to buy more expensive energy supplies on the open market. Households heating with propane and oil have already experienced a price shock. Propane customers in Ontario saw their home heating bills nearly double in January and February compared with what they were paying in November last year.

Here are some projections from Ontario’s Long Term Energy Plan:

Ontario’s climate means that almost two thirds of the energy we use in our homes goes to space heating.

Home Energy Use In Ontario

No wonder we look to space heating when we think of energy savings

Before you start shopping for a home heating system, remember that significant gains in comfort and energy savings can be achieved quickly and inexpensively by making your home more energy-efficient. Doing so requires a series of relatively simple steps — most important, sealing leaks in the walls, ceilings and floors, and around doors and windows.

After the building has been sealed up, it’s time to pile on the insulation. Significant energy savings call for generous amounts of insulation that exceed current code requirements. Like caulk and weatherstripping, insulation not only reduces energy bills in winter, it also reduces heat gain in the cooling season, helping you slash your fuel bills while keeping you comfortable.

Ontarians have many heating choices: furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, solar or baseboard heaters—and a pick of different energy sources, e.g., gas, propane, oil, electricity or the sun. Some of us even use two or more types of heating and/or energy.

Selection of a home heating system for a new or existing home requires an understanding of how various systems operate, their initial cost, and how much they cost to operate.

Whether or not you’ve buttoned up your house, you can probably save a great deal by upgrading your heating system, either by installing a new high-efficiency system or boosting the efficiency of your present system.

Home Heating Guide – Basic Components of a Heating System

But first, when considering the various options for improving or replacing your heating system, it helps to know some of the lingo. A lot of confusing terms and concepts are thrown around by salespeople or heating system technicians, and you don’t want to get left behind.

Central heating systems have three basic parts: the heating plant itself where fuel is converted into useful heat, a distribution system to deliver heat to where it is needed, and controls to regulate when and how the system runs and when it turns off.

Basic Components of a Heating Systems

Selection of the most cost-effective heating system will depend on price and availability of differing fuels as well as cost of the ini- tial heater installation. Higher initial investments are often justi- fied by reduced utility costs over the lifetime of the unit.

Types of Heat Sources

Furnaces

Furnaces are one of the most common home heating systems, and they work by blowing heated air through a duct system. Furnaces are typically referred to as “forced-air” heating systems and can run on different types of fuel, but natural gas, oil, and electricity are the most common sources of energy currently available. Furnaces are more energy efficient than ever, but their cost varies based on fuel rates, electricity prices, and energy costs.

Boilers 

Boilers heat water via natural gas, electricity, or propane—although the water doesn’t boil, as the name implies. As opposed to the forced air of the furnace system, most boilers move heat into your home through a radiant heating system like traditional radiators, baseboard heaters, or aluminum panels in a home’s floors, walls, or ceilings.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps use refrigerant to absorb heat from outside sources—like the air, the ground, or even a body of water—and then use a heat exchanger to transfer it inside. (The exchange of heat can also be reversed in order to cool a home.) The most common kinds of heat pumps draw thermal energy from ambient air or the ground. Heat pumps in general are becoming increasingly popular heating choices for homeowners. Although air-source and ground-source heat pumps may be more expensive than conventional heating systems, they can provide significant energy savings to homeowners who live in temperate climates.

Solar Heating

Solar pace heating systems can be designed to heat the home directly or they can be designed to work in conjunction with domestic hot water systems. The latter will provide higher paybacks as you can use the system to provide hot water in the summer when space heating is not required.

When designing a space heating system it is best if you can store of buffer the energy when not needed, this can be done with a large water tank but a concrete slab such as a basement floor also acts as a great storage buffer. Using solar energy directly without a storage tank of buffer means that heat energy will only be available during the day and a backup heating source will be needed for the evening.

Electric Heating

An increasing number of homeowners with electric base-board heating are switching to other energy sources, such as natural gas, oil or heat pumps, because of the high cost of electric heating. While a major constraint is the lack of a distribution system, many homeowners find that air ducts for a central forced-air system, or pipes and radiators for a hydronic system, can be installed at a cost that still makes the whole conversion financially attractive.

Types of Heat Sources

Types of Distribution Systems

The majority of Ontario’s new homes and most existing homes have forced air distribution. Registers in each room can be adjusted to control the air flow. Return registers draw air from the rooms through separate ducts back to the furnace to complete the cycle of air flow through the house.

Hot Water (Hydronic) Heating

A hot water heating system distributes hot water from a boiler to radiators, convectors or under-floor heating systems in each room. In older homes, large cast-iron radiators are common. Modern systems feature smaller boilers, narrow piping and compact radiators that can be regulated to provide temperature control in each room. Under-the-floor heating systems can be built into the floors of new and existing homes.

Space Heaters

These have no central heating unit or distribution system. Instead, individual space heaters – such as a wood stove, electric baseboards, radiant heaters or heaters fueled with oil, natural gas or propane – supply heat directly to the room.

For safety, all space heaters except electric ones need to be vented to the outside. An appropriately-sized space heater can supply some heat to all parts of a home if the design of the home allows for natural distribution of heat from the heater location.

Types of Destribution Systems

What’s the best option?

It depends. If you’re trying to save energy, understanding the most efficient home heating options is a great start. Households in temperate climates spend a hefty share of their energy budget on keeping their homes warm.

If you are serious about overhauling your current heating system, or building a new home with the most efficient home heating possible, you should start by understanding what different kinds of heating systems are available.

WHAT ARE THE MOST EFFICIENT HOME HEATING OPTIONS?

The most efficient home heating option is to make sure your home is as well insulated and air-sealed as possible to prevent heat escape, and to use as efficient, cheap, or low-carbon a source of energy as possible. Let’s assume you already know how important proper sealing and insulation is, and that you’re going to take care of that no matter what. What are the most efficient home heating choices, in terms of new systems you can install?

Here are the main choices, from most efficient home heating system, to least efficient:

1. Solar heating


2. Geothermal heating


3. Wood heating


4. Natural gas heating


5. Oil heating


6. Electric heating

Note that when we talk about the most efficient home heating choices, we could be talking about efficiency from the point of view of financial cost, environmental cost (greenhouse gas emissions plus other pollutants), or the efficiency of conversion of the original energy source into heat inside your home.

For financial cost we can consider lifetime costs (installation plus yearly energy costs) or just installation or yearly costs.

For energy conversion efficiency (what most people are really interested in when asking about the most efficient home heating system), we can start from the assumption that solar is free, and geothermal is almost free, since up to 4 times as much heat energy is extracted from the ground as the energy in the electricity that pumps the heat out.

 

“Recommendations for Applying Water Heaters in Combination Space and Domestic Water Heating Systems” – A. Rudd, K. Ueno, D. Bergey, R. Osser – Building Science Corporation

Home Heating Guide

7 Secrets to Designing Your Dream Home

Designing Your Dream Home

Having a custom home built for your next property is a major investment in time and expense, so it’s important that you have it designed to specifications that fit not only your lifestyle but on-going needs too. If you’ve never had a home built before, the decision making can be overwhelming; that’s why we’ve compiled a list of seven secrets you can use now – to design the perfect dream home for you and your family.

1. Start a List of Must Have Items in Your New Home

Before you start working out the finer details of your home’s build, it’s important to consider which elements are absolutely unforgiving in the layout and which items are more flexible in terms of the overall design.It’s important to consider the natural flow you’re hoping for within the home too; do you want an open concept plan or something more traditional? Do you require a single, spacious area or would you rather have a private dining room for family functions? Grab a piece of paper and start writing out the pros and cons of each idea – to see what works best within your family. Likewise, determine how many bedrooms you’d like the home to have as well, taking into consideration any future family additions down the road.

2. Daydream About the Final Product

Take a look through various magazines, websites and photographs of different styles of homes – noting what you like and don’t like about each of the rooms you see. Pay attention to the colours, floor plans, finishing materials and design—as these can help you shape your custom home build too. If you find something you love, save the image to show your builder – especially if you’d like to replicate the image. The builder can let you know whether the design will match well with the current floor plan or whether they’d need to accommodate your request in a different way (such as reducing the cabinets in the kitchen, if space is limited).

3. Think About the Big Picture

Many home owners think solely of their current situation (family and children, finances, finishes) that they forget to plan for the future too. When you’re planning your home, it’s important to remember that life’s circumstances change quickly – whether that means having more children or caring for an elderly parent. Discuss important details about future events with your builder; like adding an in-law suite into the basement or roughing in an additional bathroom downstairs. These are all items that can save you money long-term, instead of adding them in later.

4. Upgrades During the Build Means Less Improvement Later

When you’re planning your custom home build, it’s important to remember that the home is built to your specifications and requirements. Often times, home owners opt for a cheaper finish (laminate over granite, for instance) with the idea of changing it at a later time. This mentality is backwards of what should happen; opt for upgrades which can be enjoyed throughout the years – instead of setting yourself up for additional work down the road. The last thing you’ll want to do is remodel your kitchen in five years, when you finally want the granite.

5. Know Your Budget and Compromise on Design

Looking at your list of must-haves, determine which items are the most important. While having a custom stone bathroom might be a nice feature, sacrificing a fourth bedroom to achieve it is impractical. Consider which of the items on your list would offer the most benefit to your family and make sure you have those items in place. Once you’ve narrowed your options down, reassess your budget to factor in any upgrades you’d still like to have – within a price you can afford.

6. Talk to Your Builder About Specifications

An experienced home builder has seen hundreds of homes developed and built throughout the years; trusting his opinion on design and floor planning is a wise decision. If you’re not sure of the optimal finishes for durability or longevity, ask his opinion. He’ll give you a fair assessment of different materials, giving you the tools you need to make a final decision.

7. Determine the Costs of Upgrades Over Time

Looking at the individual costs of upgrades can scare even the most experienced home developer – but it’s important to understand these costs only offer a small picture of the home. When you’re having a custom home built, you’ll be building a home to your ideal design and specification – meaning you’ll have less overall renovation requirement down the road.Many times, the costs of high-end upgrades (like commercial appliances in the kitchen or floor heating) can have a minimal impact on your final purchase price of the home. This means your monthly mortgage payment might increase by a few dollars at the end of the build – instead of paying the expenses in a lump sum.

7 Secrets to Designing Your Dream Home

Insights From the Mind of the Homebuyer

Infographic-Insights From the Mind of the Homebuyer

As the busiest homebuying season of the year gets under way, potential buyers are poised to get off the sidelines and enter the market.

According to Chase’s national survey “Insights: From the Mind of the Homebuyer”, potential home buyers say they aren’t concerned about navigating the home-buying process, but a deeper look shows that their anxiety about the homebuying process is high. In fact, interested buyers are considerably more anxious about the buying process (70%) than they are about getting a root canal (64 %) or public speaking (62 %).

Homebuyers are optimistic that it’s a good time to buy but they anticipate challenges. Besides interest rates, Chase’s survey found that interested buyers are concerned about finding the home they want within their budget. Three out of four buyers are worrying about beating out the competition to get it.

Only one in four interested buyers correctly answered a series of questions about home buying, including how annual percentage rates work, how much should they put down for down payment, and how credit scores work.

The majority of interested buyers (62%) think that now is a better time to purchase a home compared to last year and plan to purchase the new home in the next 18 months. Top reasons they want to buy now include rising rental costs and historically low interest rates.

Whether shifting from renting to buying, or upgrading from their current home, potential homebuyers want to make a move before interest rates begin to rise, as some analysts predict.

As for their motivations for buying, 32% attribute it to current low mortgage rates. Another 35 percent said if 30-year fixed mortgage rates were to rise above 4%, it would delay their purchase. An additional 20 percent said upgrading from their current home was their motivation for buying.

The survey also revealed insights into homebuyers’ concerns and challenges.

The majority of potential homebuyers are concerned about finding a home that fits within their price range (56%) and that’s located in a quality neighborhood (56%). Buyers are clearly worried about housing inventory and rising prices, especially during the competitive spring buying season,” But the research also shows that interested buyers are optimistic and ready to act on their goals.

Quick stats from the “Insights From the Mind of the Homebuyer” survey:

• 43 percent of potential home buyers feel that getting a mortgage will be easier this year.


• 56 percent say they are concerned about finding a home that fits within their budget and that’s located in a quality neighbourhood.


• 32 percent want to buy soon in order to take advantage of low rates;


• 35 percent say that 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates rising above 4 percent would delay their decision to buy


• 20 percent say the rising cost of rent is their number-one reason to buy


• 20 percent say the desire to make an upgrade from their current home was their top reason to buy


• 70 percent of those surveyed said they thought they may have missed their opportunity to buy already, as home prices are increasing.


• 3 out of 4 homebuyers are concerned their offer will be outbid by others


• 73 percent said they’d give up things like eating out and taking vacations in order to buy their dream home.”


• 42 percent say they aren’t at all concerned about lacking understanding of the mortgage process.

In addition, the survey revealed tensions among homebuying couples:

One-third of homebuying couples have been bickering with their partner during the process. One reason for the spats may be the budget.

Men and women differed in their feelings on how important it is to stick to the budget; about half of women (49 percent) say they are more conservative than their partner and don’t want to go beyond their agreed-upon budget, while 39 percent of men say they are less conservative than their partner and are willing to push their budget limit to get the home they want.

 

 

 

Insights From the Mind of the Homebuyer

10 Coolest Automation Products for Your Home

Home automation products, while not new, haven’t gained widespread adoption. However, interest continues to build. Among all consumers, 48% said they were either “extremely or somewhat interested” in purchasing home automation products. Among smartphone and tablet owners, the numbers are higher with 62% of consumers saying they are “extremely or somewhat interested” in purchasing.

With families becoming busier than ever, it’s important to stay on top of the newest advances in making our lives simpler. That’s why we love discovering new products that offer innovative solutions to constantly being on the go. Here are the top ten automation products for your home that we think you’re going to love.

1. Home Control Systems

These automated systems work perfectly with almost any device that accesses the internet – making them an accessible product that makes life simpler. They typically come with built in features that help keep your home safe and secure while you’re not home. You’ll be able to access your home’s lights, alarm system, thermostat, security cameras and door lock systems – using an online portal (like a smart phone or computer).

iPad Home Control System

2. Automated Light Switches

Perfect for outdoor lighting systems or virtually any room in the house, these automated light switches make the perfect accessory to an individual on the go. Simply access your app with any device compatible with WI-FI and turn your lights (or electronics) on or off effortlessly. Pay attention to the programming requirements for the automated light switches – some require an Apple product, where others allow basic WI-FI access to use.

Automated Light Switches

3. Wireless Camera Monitoring Systems

Long gone are the days of installing large clunky security cameras; new wireless security and monitoring systems take only seconds to set-up and offer exceptional viewing capacity. With automated recording, two-way talk, scheduling options and comprehensive software – these cameras can help keep your home safe and secure, even when you’re thousands of miles away.

Wireless Camera Monitoring System

4. Automated Thermostat Products

Although programmable thermostats have been around for a long time, new wireless options are making home comfort a top priority. New systems have been designed to control and monitor the temperature in your home based not only on a set degree – but on the indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidity levels too. This helps regulate the actual temperature, giving a better climate control over all.Systems also work with most smart phone systems, meaning you can adjust the temperature inside your home, from virtually anywhere.

Automated Thermostat

5. Automated Electronics with Motion Sensors

Control your home electronics and appliances by using movement as the switch. By installing a motion sensor switch, your home will only use the items (like a television or light) when you’re in the room. You can use the system to arrange lights to turn on when you arrive home – without having to fumble in the dark or turn off a fan or appliance when you leave.

Automated Electronics with Motion Sensors

6. Electronic Door Lock System

Never worry about forgetting your key again with new automated door locking systems. These systems install much like a traditional deadbolt, however you’ll also receive a wireless ability to lock and unlock your door with a simple touch (provided you have your smart phone with you.) Most systems also work on a key fob system, which is ideal for families with children needing to let themselves into the home.

Electronic Door Lock System

7. Automated Kitchen Appliances

For families on the go, finding the time to eat together can be nearly impossible. Factor in the time it takes to prepare and cook the meal – and it can be a lengthy process. That’s why new improvements to everyday kitchen appliances are so important.New appliances are programmable to work with your smart phone – adjusting the temperature, cooking time, starting and stopping the appliance—all with the touch of a button. You won’t have to worry about hitting traffic on the way home, or over cooking your pot roast again.

iCofee More Than A Cup Of Joe

8. Smart Energy Switches

Much like the automated light switches, automated energy switches can be controlled with most smart phones or electronics with WI-FI access. You’ll be able to log into the software or app and automatically turn off the power to any device that is plugged into it – saving you costly wasted energy throughout the year.

Smart Energy Switch

9. Automated Smart Cam Products

If you’re stuck at the office have peace of mind throughout the day with an automated camera system. They can be installed virtually anywhere within the house – connecting you to a live-time view of your home while you’re away. You’ll be able to check in on the kids, pets or property from virtually anywhere with an internet connection; using audio and motion detection and two-way talking options too.

Automated Smart Camera

10. Lawn Maintenance and Irrigation Systems

Whether you’re on vacation or simply don’t have the time to maintain your grass on a daily basis, automated lawn care systems are easily installed for home owners on the go. With the ability to set the time and duration of watering – you’ll never be left with burnt grass again. Most systems include pop-up style irrigation systems meaning you’ll never trip over sprinklers again when you’re outside enjoying the sun.

Lawn Maintenance and Irrigation Systems Control

10 Coolest Automation Products for Your Home

10 Coolest Automation Products for Your Home

Home automation products, while not new, haven’t gained widespread adoption. However, interest continues to build. Among all consumers, 48% said they were either “extremely or somewhat interested” in purchasing home automation products. Among smartphone and tablet owners, the numbers are higher with 62% of consumers saying they are “extremely or somewhat interested” in purchasing.

With families becoming busier than ever, it’s important to stay on top of the newest advances in making our lives simpler. That’s why we love discovering new products that offer innovative solutions to constantly being on the go. Here are the top ten automation products for your home that we think you’re going to love.

1. Home Control Systems

These automated systems work perfectly with almost any device that accesses the internet – making them an accessible product that makes life simpler. They typically come with built in features that help keep your home safe and secure while you’re not home. You’ll be able to access your home’s lights, alarm system, thermostat, security cameras and door lock systems – using an online portal (like a smart phone or computer).

iPad Home Control System

2. Automated Light Switches

Perfect for outdoor lighting systems or virtually any room in the house, these automated light switches make the perfect accessory to an individual on the go. Simply access your app with any device compatible with WI-FI and turn your lights (or electronics) on or off effortlessly. Pay attention to the programming requirements for the automated light switches – some require an Apple product, where others allow basic WI-FI access to use.

Automated Light Switches

3. Wireless Camera Monitoring Systems

Long gone are the days of installing large clunky security cameras; new wireless security and monitoring systems take only seconds to set-up and offer exceptional viewing capacity. With automated recording, two-way talk, scheduling options and comprehensive software – these cameras can help keep your home safe and secure, even when you’re thousands of miles away.

Wireless Camera Monitoring System

4. Automated Thermostat Products

Although programmable thermostats have been around for a long time, new wireless options are making home comfort a top priority. New systems have been designed to control and monitor the temperature in your home based not only on a set degree – but on the indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidity levels too. This helps regulate the actual temperature, giving a better climate control over all.Systems also work with most smart phone systems, meaning you can adjust the temperature inside your home, from virtually anywhere.

Automated Thermostat

5. Automated Electronics with Motion Sensors

Control your home electronics and appliances by using movement as the switch. By installing a motion sensor switch, your home will only use the items (like a television or light) when you’re in the room. You can use the system to arrange lights to turn on when you arrive home – without having to fumble in the dark or turn off a fan or appliance when you leave.

Automated Electronics with Motion Sensors

6. Electronic Door Lock System

Never worry about forgetting your key again with new automated door locking systems. These systems install much like a traditional deadbolt, however you’ll also receive a wireless ability to lock and unlock your door with a simple touch (provided you have your smart phone with you.) Most systems also work on a key fob system, which is ideal for families with children needing to let themselves into the home.

Electronic Door Lock System

7. Automated Kitchen Appliances

For families on the go, finding the time to eat together can be nearly impossible. Factor in the time it takes to prepare and cook the meal – and it can be a lengthy process. That’s why new improvements to everyday kitchen appliances are so important.New appliances are programmable to work with your smart phone – adjusting the temperature, cooking time, starting and stopping the appliance—all with the touch of a button. You won’t have to worry about hitting traffic on the way home, or over cooking your pot roast again.

iCofee More Than A Cup Of Joe

8. Smart Energy Switches

Much like the automated light switches, automated energy switches can be controlled with most smart phones or electronics with WI-FI access. You’ll be able to log into the software or app and automatically turn off the power to any device that is plugged into it – saving you costly wasted energy throughout the year.

Smart Energy Switch

9. Automated Smart Cam Products

If you’re stuck at the office have peace of mind throughout the day with an automated camera system. They can be installed virtually anywhere within the house – connecting you to a live-time view of your home while you’re away. You’ll be able to check in on the kids, pets or property from virtually anywhere with an internet connection; using audio and motion detection and two-way talking options too.

Automated Smart Camera

10. Lawn Maintenance and Irrigation Systems

Whether you’re on vacation or simply don’t have the time to maintain your grass on a daily basis, automated lawn care systems are easily installed for home owners on the go. With the ability to set the time and duration of watering – you’ll never be left with burnt grass again. Most systems include pop-up style irrigation systems meaning you’ll never trip over sprinklers again when you’re outside enjoying the sun.

Lawn Maintenance and Irrigation Systems Control

10 Coolest Automation Products for Your Home