Deep retrofits are holistic energy efficiency home upgrades that also improve occupant thermal comfort and resilience to extreme weather events, while making housing more affordable by stabilizing utility costs for customers. This is achieved through the selection of low-carbon construction materials, installation of highly efficient technologies (like heat pumps) and integration with a supply of clean energy.
The New American Home is a “symbol of energy efficiency and innovation,” according to NAHB, and this year’s fenestration products helped contribute to the thermal envelope’s efficiency.
According to the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program website, the program is open to affordable housing providers to help them complete deep energy retrofits on existing multi-unit residential buildings.
Relieving energy poverty through deep retrofits sheds light on the urgent need for investments in deep retrofits to alleviate energy poverty among low-income households who face challenges in meeting their energy needs due to factors such as high energy bills and inefficient housing. As of today, approximately 20% of households in Canada are grappling with energy poverty, with half of them also falling into the low-income bracket.
The performance of the building envelope is impacted by a number of sub‐systems, such as heating, cooling and ventilating equipment, plumbing and electrical systems.
Faulty, leaking, windows can be frustrating, both financially and lack energy efficiency. Windows that let drafts in, cause cold spots, collect condensation, dampness, and mould, usually don’t offer enough defense against noise pollution. Due to these problematic results, windows have to go through a thorough testing process to make sure they have been designed correctly and offer sufficient protection and energy efficency to the resident.
The term ‘thermally broken’ is used in the window and door manufacturing industry to describe a window’s construction. It means that you manufacture the aluminum frame to have an interior and exterior side joined by barrier. The barrier helps inhibit conductive thermal energy loss.
Technological advances in insulated glass units, or IGU’s, have made a compelling case to upgrade your home’s first generation windows. If you care about your home’s indoor temperature and energy efficiency, you might want to think about how your windows are performing.
Westeck Windows and Doors hosts the Fenestration Canada’s Pacific Chapter Event with Sherwin-Williams on April 11th, 2024
The BC Codes 2024 will come into effect on March 8, 2024, and will apply to building permits applied for on or after that date. Buildings with permits in place under the BC Codes 2018 will generally not be affected by the new BC Codes.