8 easy weekend projects - jen atkinson, the windfall ecology centre

7/31/2019 8 Easy Weekend Projects - Jen Atkinson, The Windfall Ecology Centre

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PresentsPresents

8 Easy Weekend Projects:8 Easy Weekend Projects:

Green Home Energy SolutionsGreen Home Energy Solutions

Jen Atkinson, Director of OperationsJen Atkinson, Director of Operations


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Established in 1998, Windfall

Ecology Centre is a non-profitsocial enterprise dedicated tobuildin sustainablecommunities.

inspired by a vision of healthycommunities, where economic,

soc a , an env ronmen aneeds achieve balance throughsocial innovation, communitypar ners p, an commun y

action.


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Windfall EcologyCentre is known forinnovation in design

and integration ofpublic policy initiatives,sustainability planning

innovative programs.


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International, National,and Local Initiatives

Programs areas include:Energy Efficiency

& Solar ServicesWater Protection

in l Tr n r i nYouth Internships & EducationRepower Ontario Green Career TrainingCommunity Celebration & Outreach

Member of Green Communities Canada


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A Part of Your Communit Green Communities are built on partnerships.

s a commun y- ase a ance, we rece ve e w e

support of municipalities, local businesses, utilities andcitizens groups.


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HomeComfort,EnergysavingsandaHealthierEnvironment

n nergy u wdetermine the energy

home/building and

hel ou find wa sto remedy problemsrelated to energy

use.

Offering Expert Independent Advice


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o reen our ome

and Reduce Your Energy Bills Now!


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#1 The Black Hole#1 The Black Hole

Air Sealing between the inside and outside of abuilding are often the biggest sources of heat

. ,

they are often hidden.

Have a blower door test done by an energyadvisor or use a smoking incense stick tocheck for holes around an i e, wire or holethat enters or leaves the house.

- ,of rubber gloves and old clothes, read thedirections and seal up those holes. Caulking

around joints.


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The most important lesson is that you have

to think about your House as a System.

Man forces at workincluding:

Structure loading

Wind and Weather

Flow of Moisture

Heating and Cooling


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KEEPING THE HEAT IKEEPING THE HEAT I

v


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#2 Wall Outlets#2 Wall Outlets

Have ou ever noticed a cold breeze in

your home coming from somewhere ona windy day?

Air leaks in your home often travel

through drafty outlets located in exteriorwa s.

outlets and light switches on your exteriorwalls.


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##33 The Attic HatchThe Attic Hatch

The attic hatch is often forgotten as a source.

.Imagine this as an invisible chimney in your

, .hatch can reduce your heat loss by 5%.

Keeps hot, moist air from collecting in theattic and contributin to ice dammin too.


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##44 Window WorriesWindow WorriesOlder windows are often big energy wasters.Assess your windows by looking at theircon on.

your walls. Caulk and weather-strip them.

Put heat-sensitive plastic film on draftywindows. Extend the border to outside the

frame.

If window frames are rotting, it may be time to

invest in new energy efficient windows.


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##55 Hot Water WondersHot Water WondersThe heating of water accounts for approximately15% of your total energy bill. That means if your

approximately $150 to heat water for your home.

degrees C). You need that temperature to killbacteria in the water, but you dont need it anyhotter. Measure the tem erature usin a cookinthermometer under running water from the tapclosest to the hot water heater.

Insulate any exposed hot water pipes to reduce heatloss.

Use a water tank blanket to insulate the tank and

help keep the water hot a little longer.


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#6 Furnace Facts#6 Furnace FactsIf youre on a furnace, especially oil, and havent hadit cleaned in a few years, make an appointment right

. ,

burner can be costing you an extra 10%.

Install a programmable thermostat and set it to dropy egrees w en you re ou or as eep. uc a

drop can reduce your bill by 15% that will easilypay the cost of the new thermostat.

Remember that on average it takes only 15 minutesto heat your home to a comfortable level. Turning

heat your house any faster.


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#7 A Whole New Light#7 A Whole New Light

Consider this: Replacing one 60-watt incandescent bulbwith a 15-watt compact fluorescent saves about 570

-

Hydro One rural rates of 5.5 cents/kilowatt-hour, thatsapproximately $31.35.

Invest in compact fluorescent bulbs for your home.

Invest in LED li ht bulbs for hi h-use areas. LED li htbulbs give off directional light, so the light goes whereyou aim it. They are closer to the color of daylight, whichnew studies suggest is good for staying alert. LED light

halogen light bulbs. The bright, white LED light producedby LED Light Bulbs works especially well for task lightingand reading light.

Use motion sensors and timers to limit energy use.


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##88 Look for Green AlternativesLook for Green Alternatives

It is important to make wise choices in theproducts and materials that you choose to use in

.

To create a health home we must find wa s toreduce pollutants (also referred to as VolatileOrganic Carbons). VOCs are released from avariet of items inside the home like car etinpaints and cleaning products.

Cleaning products

Insulation and buildin materials

Paints, flooring, fabrics


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QUESTIONS?


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Windfall Ecology Centre

EE--mail: [email protected]: [email protected] 93A Industrial Parkway South93A Industrial Parkway South

Local:Local: 905905--727727--04910491

www.windfallcentre.cawww.windfallcentre.ca

Aurora, ONAurora, ON

Located at Sheppards BushLocated at Sheppards Bush

8 easy weekend projects - jen atkinson, the windfall ecology centre

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