Green Remodeling Information - PAGE 2 - Simply Additions https://www.simplyadditions.com/Green-Home-Improvement-Ideas Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:44:18 -0500 en-gb The Benefits of Geothermal Energy https://www.simplyadditions.com/Green-Remodeling-Information/The-Benefits-of-Geothermal-Energy.html https://www.simplyadditions.com/Green-Remodeling-Information/The-Benefits-of-Geothermal-Energy.html
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Why Use Geothermal Energy?

There are so many great benefits when choosing a green solution to heat your house, but the best ones are operating costs and energy efficiency.

     

With a geothermal heat pump you'll enjoy these benefits:

     
     
  •  Energy Efficiency & Lower Operating Costs - A Geothermal heat pump system can save you money. The pump uses the earth's thermal properties to save costs on running your heating and air conditioning systems. On average, homeowners can save between 30 - 70% in their heating costs and 20 -50% in cooling costs when compared to a conventional HVAC systems. A Geothermal heat pump provides an effciency of 300 to 400%.
  • Geothermal energy does not rise with inflation!
  • Extremely Dependable - Canadian government states that Geothermal Systems last 20 percent longer as well as the lowest cost of lifetime maintenance.
  • Environmentally Friendly - Geothermal systems lower the need for power generation and eliminate fossil fuel consumption. These systems produce a large impact on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.
  • Higher Comfort - Because the earths temperature is mostly stable, you can expect a constant source of heating in the winter and improved humidity control in the summer months of operation.
  • Flexibility - Geothermal Systems can operate in almost all combinations, including: forced-air heating, radiant in-floor heating, domestic hot water, and air conditioning from one unit. A Geothermal System can handle houses, office buildings, swimming pools and everything in between.
  • In harmony with nature and your pocket bookQuiet Operation- neither -  Geothermal heat pumps are quiet and small. You will hardly know its there, but you'll notice the dramatic difference in your energy bills.
  • Healthier Air Quality - Eliminates Carbon Monoxide because nothing is combusted. 
  • Safer - No flames, no chimneys, no odors, and especially no risk from carbon monoxide. Simply safe and reliable operation.  

Manitoba Hydro's Residential Survey Results:

  • 91% of respondents were satisfied at their decision to install a geothermal heat pump system
  • 83% were satisfied with the energy savings achieved.
  • 93% were satisfied with the comfort of their home
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]]> [email protected] (Voitek Klimczyk) Green Remodeling Information Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:54:31 -0500 Save On Heating Costs With Solar Hot Water https://www.simplyadditions.com/Green-Remodeling-Information/Save-On-Heating-Costs-With-Solar-Hot-Water.html https://www.simplyadditions.com/Green-Remodeling-Information/Save-On-Heating-Costs-With-Solar-Hot-Water.html
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Home heating costs seem to keep rising every year and Americans are looking for alternative options such as Solar Hot Water to lower their bills.

One of the largest expenses for a homeowner is the cost of heating water and their home.

Statistics state that heating costs account for approximately 40% of our annual bills, and it makes no difference if you are a renter or a homeowner.

Add to the fact that crude oil keeps fluctuating and rising, people across the nation are finding it harder than ever to manage their bills.

Solar Water Heating is the most cost-effective and affordable solution to lower heating costs. On average people save around 75% from the first month of installation. Now, isn't that something worth looking into?

solar panel for hot waterA Solar Hot Water System is a water heater that is linked to your existing water heater to offset some of its load. Solar Hot Water Collectors preheat your water by being exposed to the sun, this means that your conventional water heater, whether it is powered by natural gas, propane, or oil, does not have to work as hard anymore. The technology is relatively simple and people are installing these systems more often now, because of all the bragging their neighbors or friends do once they have installed theirs and saw their first heating bill.

The big question is how much does Solar Hot Water Systems Cost?

Most systems are purchased for under $4,000; most people recoup the costs of their Solar Hot Water System within a 2-year period. This new heating option will eventually become a standard option in new construction, if enough people adopt this technology in their home.

Do not forget that hot water is needed to Wash Laundry, Dishes, Showers and Baths. Sign up to get a free estimate on your Solar Hot Water Project below.{loadposition followbtns}

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]]> [email protected] (Voitek Klimczyk) Green Remodeling Information Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:10:48 -0500 How To Seal The Gaps In Your Home https://www.simplyadditions.com/Green-Remodeling-Information/How-To-Seal-The-Gaps-In-Your-Home.html https://www.simplyadditions.com/Green-Remodeling-Information/How-To-Seal-The-Gaps-In-Your-Home.html
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One of the most cost effective ways to improve the energy efficiency in your home is to insulate it well and seal the shell properly. This means that you go over all the areas where air gaps occur such as: outer walls, windows, doors, ceilings, and floors.

 

A little bit of caulk goes a long way around your windows and doors. There are special thermal imaging cameras that can illustrate drafts in real-time, but you don't need to get that fancy. Go to your favorite home improvement store and buy a few tubes of door and window caulk. Next go around the entire exterior envelope of your home and caulk around all of your windows and exterior doors. You can also caulk around vents, electrical wires and utility boxes etc.

Attics and basements are often overlooked, study the diagram below and caulk or insulate around any cavity that can cause air leakage to occur.

When your home is sealed and insulated properly, you will spend less money on heating and cooling costs. And don't forget that you can do most of the work yourself with a minimal investment. Conduct an entire house audit of your home with a notebook and a pencil. Go through each room and identify the areas where you think air leakage can occur. This includes any opening into the exterior, basement, or attic. Keep in mind that older homes will require more insulation and caulking then newer homes.

Common places to seal around:

  • Click the picture to enlarge it

    Seal Energy Leaks in your home
    Wall sockets
  • Windows
  • Doors
  • Ducts (get silver duct tape and seal the seams of your duct work)
  • Vents
  • Electrical Wires and Components (cable wire from the exterior coming into your house)
  • Pipes

Once you complete these simple steps, your home will be less expensive to heat and cool. Filling little gaps doesn't seem like much, but once you complete the process you will be able to see the difference in your energy costs!

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]]> [email protected] (Voitek Klimczyk) Green Remodeling Information Wed, 05 Sep 2007 08:15:54 -0400