How do we make our home more comfortable?
Question from G.S. in Williams Lake, B.C. —–
Dear Shell,
We have heard about Icynene insulating foam and wondered if you may have any recommendations regarding the removal of our blown- in insulation in favor of Icynene in the attic and/or walls. Our house is unbearably hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It’s as if there is NO insulation at all. Windows ice up from condensation in winter. The attic is vented at the gable ends and with one of those whirly-gig fans. We installed a bathroom fan, and a fan in one bedroom and also use a de-humidifier in the winter. The house is about 40years old and 1140sq ft in size. Would the Icynene product improve the situation?
G.S., Williams Lake
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Dear G.S.,
Icynene is a wonderful product but in answer to your question “no”, it is unlikely that it will do much to solve your problem. Even though you have taken some steps to address the problem, your home exhibits symptoms found in many other homes and has items that require further attention, such as:
1. Poor air circulation perhaps caused by a single speed low efficient natural gas furnace (I’ll assume it is)
2. Above normal moisture conditions (leading to high humidity and the condensation on your windows)
3. Inadequate exhaust ventilation
4. The need to improved draft proofing and insulation
5. A review of the performance of your windows
In other words your home needs to be dealt with as a system.
There is an incentive program offered by Natural Resources Canada that offers funding by way of a grant for energy efficient home improvements. To become eligible for the grant, you must get an Energuide for Houses Evaluation.
The evaluation will cost approximately $150.00 depending on who you get to do it. The evaluation has a value of $300.00 but Natural Resources subsidizes it to the tune of $150.00. As part of the in-home evaluation, you will receive an “A” report outlining and prioritizing any and all improvements that could be made to make your home more energy efficient.
After you have completed the recommended improvements, your home is retested at no extra charge and you will receive a “B” report. This report identifies the value of the improvements you have made. The difference in rating between the “A” & “B” evaluation reports will be used to calculate the amount of the grant you will receive.
As a rough ballpark calculation, the grant for addressing the items 1 through 5 above could amount to $800.00 to $1500.00 with the largest gains coming from the replacement of an old, standard efficiency furnace. In my opinion, the grant should be considered a bonus for taking steps to upgrade the energy efficiency of your home.
For more information, please contact Shell Busey’s HouseSmart at 604-542-2236.
Eligibility Criteria for Grants Under the EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Incentive (EGHRI)
The official announcement of the EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Incentive has caused quite a buzz in the news and within the home improvement industry.
For more information about the grant, please click on the following link to the area on Natural Resources Canada’s website that provides details with respect to eligibility, etc.
As you will learn from the article, an Energuide For Houses Evaluation is the first step in the process.
There is already a rush of homeowners who are booking the evaluations so if this program is of interest to you, you may want to call to make your own arrangements sooner than later. The program is forecast to be in effect until 2007 but as we all know, time flies when you’re having fun.
On a final note, the government has made an offical announcement that the Energuide Incentive program has been approved (as of August 12, 2003) but the program has yet to be launched officially. This means that you will not be able submit your grant applications until the official launch of the program. (No “official” date has been set as of yet.)
Why do it now? Because there will be a huge demand on everyone connected with the program and the sooner you get “with the program” the more likely it is that you won’t have to wait in line for months to get an evaluation or a new furnace, etc. Not only that, with the increased price of heating fuels, you will start saving from day 1 if you have already had the evaluation and upgraded the energy efficiency of your home. You have beaten the rush and will enjoy a more comfortable house that is less expensive to heat.
As soon as the program is officially launched, everyone who has had their Energuide B (follow-up) evaluation will be contacted by their Energuide provider to help them through the submission of their grant application.
The Energuide providers are not able to explain all of the details about the submitting of the applications because they have yet to receive the official documentation from NRCAN.
Please be patient and while you are waiting for the official launch, remember to reward yourself for doing the right thing for you, your heating bills and for the environment. If you have qualified for a grant, you might think of it as a bonus for doing something that needed to be done anyway.
Remember, for the most current information available about the Energuide For Houses Program and the Energuide Incentives, visit the government’s website at www.climatechange.gc.ca or call NRCAN at 1-800-387-2000.
In Alberta, call ATCO EnergySense toll free at 310-Save (310-7283) or visit them on the Internet at www.atcoenergysense.com
In Saskatchewan, call SaskEnergy’s authorized delivery agent, the Sun Ridge Group at 1-800-667-3700 (extension 10) or use the convenient on-line booking form that you will find on their website at www.saskenergy.com
In British Columbia, call Amerispec of Canada through its BC franchisee, Energy Wise Solutions at 604-777-7741 or toll free at 1-877-787-4328). Energy Wise Solutions is licensed to deliver the Energuide For Houses Program by Natural Resources Canada through Amerispec Home Inspections.
Folks that live in other parts of the country can find out who delivers the Energuide Program in their neighbourhood by calling:
Natural Resources Canada
Office of Energy Efficiency
Residential Programs
580 Booth Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0E4
Fax: (613) 996-3764
Toll Free Phone Number: 1-800-387-2000
Local (Ottawa) Telephone Number: 613-995-2943
E-Mail: energuide.houses@nrcan.gc.ca
Or better yet, by visiting their website at www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca
Vacation Safety Tips
Vacations, whether alone or with the entire family, have become part of our way of life. Vacations are supposed to be a time for fun and relaxation. A time to “get away from it all.” Unfortunately, there is no vacation spot in the world that is 100% safe from criminal activities. Therefore, the crime prevention measures that you incorporate into your daily routine must be incorporated into your vacation planning.
Do not develop a false sense of security just because you are on vacation. Actually you should develop a greater awareness to your surroundings while in unfamiliar territory. Don’t let your vacation be ruined by becoming another crime statistic. The following precautions will help you to have a safe and enjoyable vacation.
Before You Leave Home:
Plan your trip and give the itinerary with emergency phone numbers to a trusted friend or neighbour.
Place identification tags on the inside and outside of your luggage. Use your first initial and last name only.
Install good locks on your doors and windows and be sure to use them.
Remove all exterior “hidden” house keys.
Make sure all valuables are engraved with your driver’s license number.
Make a record of your credit card and travelers check numbers and keep it in a safe place.
Arrange for a friend or neighbour to pick up your mail, packages and newspapers on a daily basis. You can also stop delivery of both for the time you will be gone.
Make arrangements to have your lawns mowed and watered.
Use timers for interior lights and radios. Make your house look “lived in.”
Give your local law enforcement agency the dates that you will be out of town. As time permits, they may conduct extra patrols of your neighbourhood.
Make arrangements for the care of your pets.
Purchase a prepaid phone card if necessary.
When Traveling:
Prior to any long distance motor vehicle trips, have your vehicle serviced by a reputable mechanic.
Never carry large amounts of cash, use travelers checks.
Always be aware of your surroundings.
Always check the interior of your vehicle before entering.
Do not stop and assist a stranded motorist. Go to the nearest phone booth and call for help.
Never let your gas tank get below one-fourth full.
Use well traveled roads, avoid shortcuts.
Keep your doors locked and windows up at all times.
Do not pick up hitchhikers.
Never advertise your plans for strangers. If you think you are being followed, drive to the nearest populated area telephone and call the police.
Always park in well lighted areas.
Always carry your purse or wallet with you.
Keep your valuables out of sight, preferably locked in the trunk.
Engrave your car stereo, car phone and other removable items with your driver’s license number.
Avoid late night driving.
If lost, stop at a well lighted service station for directions.
At The Hotel:
Unpack and arrange your belongings so you can tell if anything is missing.
Lock your suitcases so they can’t be used to carry your property out of your room.
Always take your cash, credit cards and car keys with you when leaving your room.
Do not open your door to strangers. Look through the door viewer before opening your door.
Do not leave jewelry, cameras or other expensive items lying around your room. Use the hotel safe to store your valuables and extra cash.
Always use the hotel’s auxiliary locking devices on the doors and windows. Consider purchasing and using portable locks and alarm devices.
When leaving, if the maid has cleaned your room, hang the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the outside of the door.
When you go out, leave a light and the radio turned on.
Take your room keys with you. Do not leave them at the front desk.
Be aware of your surroundings. Notify the management of any suspicious persons in the area.
Do not give out your room number to strangers.
Report any missing items to hotel management and the police.
While Sightseeing:
There is safety in numbers. Tours should be taken with a group. Verify the tour agency or guide is reputable.
Be wary of strangers who ask a lot of questions about you and your vacation plans.
Never carry large amounts of cash. Leave what you don’t need in the hotel safe. Separate the larger bills from the smaller ones in order to avoid flashing all your bills in full public view.
Stay in public areas. Do not wander off from your tour group.
Looking lost will make you an easy target for crime. If you need directions ask a service station attendant. Do not ask pedestrians directions.
If renting a car, consider covering the car rental agency’s name or logo with masking tape. A rented car is a good indication that you are a tourist.
Before leaving the hotel, ask if there are any areas in town that should be avoided.
Travel brochures and maps are a good indication that you are a tourist. When not in use, keep them in the glove compartment.
Remember, vacation planning, thought, and security awareness will reduce your chances of becoming the next victim of a crime.
Is Your Child Safe?
Your home is a place where your child is safe from harm – or should be. Children are curious and cannot easily recognize and avoid hazards; therefore, they need extra protection and care. Many burns, poisonings and falls can be avoided. By supervising your children carefully and making their surroundings safe, you can prevent injuries.
Toys
Canadian consumers spend approximately $1.3 billion a year on toys. It is important to know that no matter how much safety is built into a toy, supervision, proper use and maintenance of toys are essential.
Select only toys suitable for the child’s age group, and make sure to read and follow all instructions that come with the toy.
Toys with small parts are dangerous for children under three years. Keep them out of their reach.
Check toys regularly and throw away broken toys which may have sharp edges.
Keep plush toys and soft toys away from stoves, fireplaces, heaters and other sources of heat.
Toy Boxes
Make sure that large toy boxes have good ventilation in case a child climbs inside.
Choose toy boxes with lids that are lightweight and have good supporting hinges; heavy lids have fallen on children’s necks causing death.
Toy boxes should be inspected regularly to ensure the hinges are secure and well-maintained.
Balloons
Although balloons are not toys, children do play with them. It is dangerous for a child to play with broken balloons or deflated balloons. Throw away pieces of broken balloons.
Always blow up balloons for children and supervise children playing with balloons.
Toys with Batteries
Make sure batteries in toys for young children are properly installed and not accessible to the child.
It is dangerous to mix older batteries with newer ones, or to mix alkaline with carbon, or rechargeable with non-rechargeable.
A child should not take battery-operated toys to bed.
If a child swallows a button battery, call your doctor or poison control centre immediately.
Strollers
Many children are injured in baby stroller and carriage incidents because the lap belt was not properly fastened, or children were left unattended – for just a moment!
Choose a sturdy stroller that is recommended for your child’s weight and height.
Make sure that the lap belt is solidly attached to the seat or frame of the stroller. The seat should not pull away from the frame, even if you pull sharply on the lap belt.
Always use the harness or lap belt.
Use the brakes and make sure the wheels are fixed tightly.
Before making adjustments to the stroller, ensure that the child’s hands and feet are clear.
Do not carry additional children, goods or accessories in or on the stroller except as recommended in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not use a stroller on an escalator.
High Chairs
Many children are injured by falling from high chairs or sliding under the tray. In most instances, injuries can be prevented if the harness or belt is properly used and the child is closely supervised.
A safe chair is stable and has a wide base to reduce the risk of tipping.
The harness should consist of a strap which fits between the child’s legs and a waist belt that is easy to fasten and kept in good condition.
Set up and maintain the high chair as recommended by the manufacturer.
Ensure that the child’s hands, arms and legs are clear of any moving parts before making adjustments to the chair or the tray.
Never allow older children to climb onto the chair.
Keep the chair a safe distance away from walls, doors, windows, blind cords, mirrors, appliances and other furniture.
Pacifiers
A pacifier can quickly become a child’s most precious possession.
Never tie a pacifier or any other object around a baby’s neck. Infants can strangle when cords are tied around their necks.
A teething ring should be used instead of a pacifier if the baby starts to chew on the pacifier. When a baby chews on a pacifier, it could get stuck in the throat.
Changes in texture, tears or holes can appear with age, heat, exposure to food and sunlight. Pacifiers should be changed every two months rather than waiting for signs of breakdown.
Remember that some medicine can damage a pacifier.
This article and others like it that are related to product safety issues can be found on Health Canada’s website at the following link: Health Canada
