Climate change and global problems were important issues for Erick and Lisa Ouellette to consider when they built their new energy-efficien t home just beyond the Fredericton city limits.
Committed to being environmentally responsible, the couple along with their builder, Kelly's Homes, a Kent Homes retailer, explored alternative heating and construction options for the house. The couple focused their efforts on:
- An ENERGY STAR air source heat pump;
- a very energy-efficient housing envelope, including high levels of insulation;
- energy-efficient windows; and
- a high standard of air tightness.
This combination allowed them to achieve an ENERGUIDE rating of 82 for their new ranch-style home with a
walk-out basement.
Through Efficiency NB, the government of New Brunswick is helping the first owners of newly constructed homes, like Erick and Lisa, make energy-efficient choices by providing financial assistance for homes that are R-2000 certified or have a rating of at least 80 on the ENERGUIDE for Houses scale.
The Ouellettes received a $2,000 rebate through the program, which they are reinvesting in their home by finishing the basement. By insulating their basement floors, they will not only further increase their ENERGUIDE rating but also improve the comfort of their home.
The Ouellette family's choice to use a heat pump in their new home helps to reduce New Brunswick's use of electric space heating – a step in the overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
By committing to building an energy-efficient home, the Ouellettes have reduced their potential greenhouse gas
emissions by 9.3 tonnes, to only 12.5 tonnes – a reduction of almost 40 per cent. As such, they can expect to have significant savings of as much as $1,800 per year on their heating bills. Savings which Lisa says will be useful in the future for both the environment and their children's education, "By building an energy-efficient home, we not only save money that can be put toward our children's education, but we also teach our children to be environmentally responsible by example." |