| With local and federal government in Calgary, Alberta | | | | Energy Efficiency (OEE). |
| putting emphasis on energy efficiency and the | | | | You may want to enlist the services of a professional |
| environment, residents have opportunity for a partially | | | | design expert or an architect to produce the drawings |
| subsidized home improvement. The federal | | | | for your remodel. Be sure that any changes to the |
| government has a rebate program to encourage | | | | plan are made on paper before work begins; changing |
| energy efficiency upgrades for existing homes. | | | | a design in mid-construction is a recipe for disaster. |
| Incorporating Energy Efficiency into a Remodel | | | | Include all the specific details for the home |
| Calgarians who are planning new roofing, kitchen | | | | improvement in the plans, such as materials, fixtures, or |
| remodeling, or a basement remodeling may be able to | | | | appliances. Detail projected costs and project timelines |
| include these efficiency improvements in their project, | | | | for completion. |
| and receive cash rewards for doing so. | | | | Selecting the Right Contractor |
| Recently in Calgary, three homes were given energy | | | | Once your project plans are complete, it is time to |
| efficiency retrofits of $1,000+, $2,000+, and $4,000+. | | | | select a qualified, licensed contractor. Some good |
| The $4,000+ home, located in Varsity, had a new high | | | | sources are word of mouth from friends or |
| efficiency furnace installed along with an attic insulation | | | | acquaintances that have had similar projects done, |
| upgrade from R-10 to R-40. Attic draft-proofing, door | | | | local licensing authorities, or a good contractor |
| and window caulking, and weather stripping were also | | | | homeowner matching web site. One such web site for |
| installed. | | | | Calgary, Alberta residents is: |
| The total cost of the package was $4,832.86, and will | | | | Be sure to give identical copies of the home |
| yield an annual natural gas energy savings of about | | | | improvement project plans to each potential candidate, |
| 46%, approximately $670, not to mention a reduction | | | | so that they can provide an accurate quote. |
| of 5,418 kg. of carbon dioxide greenhouse gas | | | | Ask each candidate for licensing and insurance |
| emissions. | | | | credentials, and referrals from similar recent projects. |
| Planning the Project | | | | Take the time to thoroughly check each; ask the |
| When planning home improvement projects in Calgary | | | | homeowner about the performance of the contractor, |
| such as roofing, kitchen renovation, or basement | | | | and whether or not they were satisfied with the |
| renovation, be thorough in developing your plan. If | | | | completed renovation. |
| possible, you may want to incorporate an energy | | | | By careful planning, utilizing government rebates, and |
| efficiency retrofit into your project. The federal | | | | carefully selecting your contractor, you are well on |
| government's Energuide for Houses Retrofit Incentive | | | | your way to a successful project. |
| Program (EGHRI) is available through the Office of | | | | |