Progress!!

I'm happy to report that the waiting game is over!

Just like our water heater, our furnace has recently decided that it's insulted with the idea of being replaced and has stopped working just to prove this point. Fortunately, it's been pretty warm, so this hasn't been a huge issue - but talk about timing!

Luckily - try as they may - their attempts are wasted. In just a few short days, I'll be the proud new owner of an instantaneous hot water heater, a high-efficiency propane furnace and HRV system. The many years my husband has spent trying to get me to appreciate the amazing qualities of these units must finally be rubbing off on me - I'm excited!

And, because a high-efficiency furnace installed in poorly insulated home will still result in hard-earned dollars leaking out the windows (and doors, and cracks in the basement, etc) - we have our basement-insulation appointment scheduled shortly after.

I appreciate the feedback I've received about whether or not an older home like ours should consider foam insulation - but after much consultation and research, we are confident this is the right choice for us! As always - be sure to do your own research to make sure you're doing what's right for your own home.

This is the exciting part - because once these upgrades are finished, we're one step closer to grant money in our pockets!!

Stay tuned!

We're in this together!!

Success! What a great story follower 'Phiddy' (Phyllis) took the time to share with me! I've posted it below. Yikes, with heating costs that high, I bet you own as many sweaters as I do!!
I like oil heat, but I'm looking forward to switching to propane - specifically - the 98% efficient furnace!!

Thanks again for the feedback - we really appreciate the support! Keep us posted on your progress!

To the rest of you, keep those stories coming - and if you have any questions, I'll do my best to try and get them answered!

"Hey there Kylee,We're just down the road from you in Jasper.

We went ahead and got our eco-audit done. Used the same guy you did... Derrick out of Kemptville. We too live in a not so new home. No records to prove when it was built but, everyone seems to think it's about 50 - 60 years old. We were rated at 41% energy efficient.... even less than your rating! Can you believe that? No wonder our heating (oil) bill was running about $100 to $125/week during our first winter here. We are going to be looking into the simple and most easily fixed things first. Insulating the attic and crawl space. The two areas we are losing most of our heat through.

Thanks for your blog. It sure has helped me on the way to making our home more energy efficient.
Phyllis

Oh and in the mail two days ago was the paperwork to fill out, send back in and then to receive our eco-audit rebate from the government.... sweet!"

The debate...

Thanks again to Timothy and Chris for the input offered on whether or not to insulate an old stone-walled basement. After doing research on the subject - it seems that opinions are quite varied! Some seem to think that insulating an old stone wall will lead to further damage down the road - as it will speed deterioration. Others believe this is only true of particular circumstances where the basement insulation is already showing damage and wear.

With interior insulation being the first on our to-do list (we should be starting in about 2 weeks) - we want to be sure we're doing the right thing for our home! We still have time... and we're still researching.

Thanks for the feedback - and the continued support!

Have any of you started your own eco-audit adventures? If so - share your stories with me! What are you doing? When? What do you plan to save?

I'd love to hear from you!

One size does not fit all...

Phew, I feel like I haven't written in awhile... probably because I haven't!

I'm happy to report that things are still coming together - first on our list will be the interior insulation. Right now, I'm sure we're like many of you - waiting to see if we'll get a tax return to help with some of these initial costs.
So, we're playing the waiting game!

Now would be a great time to thank Chris for the comments he made to my last posting. He brings up a great point! We'll certainly be doing the research on our end to be sure the choices we make are safe for our house now - and in the long run.

Remember that every house is different - with its own unique design flaws or quirks or maintenance requirements. The important thing is that I trust the professionals we've chosen because of their track record, knowledge of their industry, and thoroughness! But, afterall - it is my house - so it's my responsibility to remain informed.

The improvements we've chosen are what we feel are - and that have been recommended as - the best for our home.

Do your research - ask questions - keep informed!

I admit, I'm still learning -

The exciting news...

So, we're back in the paper! Page 11 and 12 of the Advance. Don't be confused, I actually wrote the article - not Ben.

Well, you've been very patient for the big news, so here it is!

The provincial government has now matched the 25% funding increase made by the federal government!

This is fantastic news as it means more money in your pockets - and even greater reason to act now.

It's simple:
1. Book your audit
2. Make the changes outlined in your personalized report
3. Book your post-retrofit audit
4. Wait for money to arrive in the mail!

Easy-peasy.

Looking for me?

For those of you following online - thank you! Be sure to keep your friends and neighbours updated, too!

I know not everyone gets online and will have an update for all you old-fashioned paper-readers shortly!

In the meantime - stay tuned! It's just about time to start getting the hands dirty! After all... we only have 18 months and a very big to-do list!

chocolate, turkey, and ... no hot water???

It must be karma.

We have been so happy to finally have the results of our audit - and are still coming down from the excitement of our open house; I think it's made us jaded. Or, maybe our house is insulted. Whatever it is, it sure is ironic timing!

Like most of you, we were settling ourselves for a weekend of turkey and easter egg hunts. After family meal #1 on Saturday, I was prepping myself for the second feast on Sunday when I quickly realized there was no hot water. As I had just been out for a run and had to spend the day with many people (as forgiving as family can be) - this was not a good thing.

I guess this is one of the benefits of marrying a heating guy - as my husband was quickly able to diagnose and treat the problem (although, I've been told it's just a temporary fix - our hot water tank is not happy with us).

What is it about appliances and machinery that makes them break down the minute you talk of upgrading? I swear they must have feelings.

Well, hot water tank - you can try your hardest but your threats don't scare me. You will be replaced with an instantaneous hot water tank - you're only making your time come to an end much sooner...