Selecting an energy-efficient home FOR MANY Canadians, selecting an energy-efficient home will rep- resent their major contribution to the environmentally-friendly task of cutting energy and fuel con- sumption. When selecting a new home, buyers should do an_ energy walk-through to assess the home’s energy efficiency. This is a simple procedure that requires little time or expertise, and can save money on the pur- chase and heating costs. It usually consists of five con- siderations: the heating system; air leakage; insulation; windows and . doors; ang lifestyle differences. This walk-through will indicate energy costs as well as identifying why they are high or low and -where improvements or renova- tions could be made. @ The heating system How old is the heating “system? Furnaces generally last from 15 to 20 years, while boilers can last for 25 years or more. If the system will soon have to be replaced, this could entail a major expense, but it does offer the opportunity to upgrade the system. Replacing the old_ inefficient system with a new, higher-effi- ciency model can improve energy efficiency by as much as 50%. The chimney is an important factor in a gas or oil home- heating system, and it should be in good condition both inside and out. Be sure to check these points: Look for a sticker from a ser- vice company to see if the gas or oil system has been serviced recently. If the heat is distributed by forced air, turn the heating system on and listen to it. It should sound as if the fan and burner are working well. Check the condition of the flue and air duct joints. There should be no cracks, and air ducts should be taped to avoid unnecessary air leakage. Locate the registers in a forced air system. Warm air registers shouid be near exterior walls to distribute heat effectively. © Air leakage Air leakage alone accounts for about 20% to 30% of a home’s heat loss. That means heating dollars are escaping through cracks and around windows and doors. Check weatherstripping installed around all movable joints; it should be flexible, continuous and tight-sealing to prevent air leak- age. The trim around doors, win- dows and baseboards should be caulked. Test for air movement with the back of your hand. If you feel a cold draft, air is enter- _VENETIAN BRINGS. Find the best selection and price at Industrial Revolution's Annual Pre-Season Outdoor Furniture Sale! [() WROUGHT IRON FURNITURE ij LOUNGERS . 3306 Granville Yat, 17 wats 734-4395 oo (.) RESIN CHAIRS AND TABLES () +UMBRELLAS SAVE 65” on 6 piece | Body Glove set from Samsonite. Blue Sling — White Frame Reg. $2000 NOW ONLY Paton ing the house through large gaps. Vent ducts, electrical outlets and water pipes installed through exterior walls should be well seal- ed. A well-sealed house needs a good ventilation system. Make sure there are exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms, and that they are properly vented to the ex- terior, not into the attic. See windows page 33 Handcrafted Pine Furniture, Authentic Milk Paint, Hand Forged Wrought Ironwork, Folk Art, Pottery, Glassware and Mayfair Signs Jackee’s Homecraft n Oa n 1761 Marine Drive, West Vancouver 926-5 Use these Home Show Dollars to save on purchases from pa rlcipating ex exhibitors at the Show. © Make your participating exhibit aia accepiable per ‘purchase. ‘best deal first, then use your Home Show Dollars to save! = Show Dollars may be applied to specified pruducts identified by ; © Exhibitors may limit the value and number of Home Show Dollars FEB. 14-23,1992 uN Use these Home Show Dollars to save on purchases from participating exhibitors at the Show. @ Make your ‘st dea! first, then use your Home Show Dollars to save! ¢ Show Dollars may be applied to specified products identified by participating exhibitors. © Exhibitors may limit the value and number of Home Show Dollars acceptable per purchase. yw SHOW DOLLARS Use these Home Show Dollars to save on purchases from participatin, g exhibitors at the Show. © Make ycur t deal first, then use your Home Show Dollars to save! * Show Dollars may be applied to specified products identified by participating exhibitors. ¢ Exhibitors may limit the value and number of Home Show Dollars acceptable per purchase. Use these Home Show Dollars to save on purchases from participating exhibitors at the Show. © Make your best deal first, then use your Home Show Dollars to save! * Shaw Dollars may be applied to specified products identified by participating exhibitors. ¢ Exhibitors may limit the value and number of Home Show Dollar__ ER Ce acceptable per purchase. Home Show dollars compliments of