The biggest environmental impact of a home over the years is related to the consumption of non-renewable energy which generates greenhouse gases and emits pollutants into the air and water, reducing biodiversity and harming ecosystems. Special attention must be paid to the performance of heating units and their use.

Our recommendations :

1. If building the addition provides the opportunity to change the heating system, bear in mind that there are many different sources of energy on the market these days, including geothermal, electricity, wood, natural gas, propane and oil. Before making your choice, consult with professionals to assess the availability of each source in your area, their impact on the environment and their long-term cost.
2. ENERGY STAR® rated devices guarantee a high standard of energy efficiency:
   • Residential forced air, oil or gas generators should have an energy rating of at least 90%.
   • Gas or oil boilers should have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of 85% or more.
   • Compared with conventional models, certified heat pumps must be 6% more efficient for heating and 8% more efficient for air-conditioning.
   • Geothermal equipment has to provide high energy-efficiency ratios (EER) and coefficients of performance (COP).
   • Besides generating more uniform heat, convectors can consume up to 10% less energy than electric baseboards, and they do not need to be installed directly under a window.

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