FEATURE
Engineering Tips
Jon Juffs,
C.E.T., LCCI
McIntosh Perry
N
ow that most of our Canadian winter has elapsed, we get to reflect on where we felt the cold, or when the most frost developed on the windows, and why the snow always melted along the eaves. Winter weather tells us something about how and where our buildings consume energy. It also hints at where and what we need to do to help reduce energy consumption, costs, and impacts. Here are 10 tips that can help make low-rise and townhouse buildings more energy efficient: 1. Insulation: Proper insulation can significantly reduce the amount of energy required to heat or cool a building. Adding insulation to walls, attics, and floor overhangs can help maintain consistent comfortable indoor temperatures and reduce the workload on your HVAC system. 2. Windows: Energy-efficient windows can help reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Consider installing double-pane or triple-pane windows with low-emissivity coatings to help regulate inside temperatures and reduce the fading effects of UV rays on interior finishes. 3. Lighting: Switching to LED (light emitting diode) bulbs can help reduce energy consumption. LED bulbs are more energy-efficient and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Condo News | SPRING 2023
25