News release

Think "Energy Efficiency" When Renovating

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Think "Energy Efficiency" When Renovating


For many homeowners, spring brings thoughts of home improvement.

If you’re planning a spring or summer renovation project, it’s worth building energy-efficiency improvements into your plan. Memories of cold winter days and high heating bills should motivate homeowners during warmer weather to make improvements that will reduce their heating costs for many winters to come.

Here are some helpful hints to consider during your renovation:

  • When replacing windows, make sure you’re installing the high- performance type. While they may cost 10 to 15 per cent more than standard windows, they are more than twice as energy efficient.

  • When building an addition to your home, pick the right insulation for your wall space to maximize its effectiveness. Walls can account for up to 30 per cent of a home’s heat loss.

  • Insulating your basement can eliminate between 20 and 35 per cent of the heat loss in a house. It is important to fix any dampness that may exist before insulating this space.

Free publications are available that contain hundreds of ideas for reducing your energy costs. Many hints are for do-it-yourselfers, while other ideas can be incorporated into a renovation project or new construction.

To order publications or to talk to a home energy efficiency expert, call Home Energy Action Tips toll-free at 1-866-488 HEAT (4328). On the Web, visit www.gov.ns.ca/natr.

Home Energy Action Tips is a joint partnership of the provincial government and Clean Nova Scotia.