Parade of Homes featuring the best of new homes in Manitoba, Canada
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1287371
Lund is quick to add that the benefits of building with energy efficiency in mind aren't just financial. "There are a lot of health, lifestyle and environmental benefits, too," she says. "It's more rewarding than ever to build an energy-efficient home." New energy-efficient homes are built with ventilation systems that offer improved air quality. They're airtight, with no cracks or gaps for air to escape, and they have higher levels of insulation, helping to regulate the temperature inside the house. They're quieter, with street noise reduced by the triple-pane windows. And they have a lesser impact on the environment than less efficient houses, too. To see some of these energy-efficient designs in action, you can reach out to one of the New Homes Program's preferred builders, listed on Efficiency Manitoba's website (Efficiencymb.ca). These builders have agreed to build all their homes to meet the program's minimum standards, so visiting their show homes can help you explore the different options available. Houses already built or in progress won't qualify for the New Homes Program as you need to apply before the design stage, but Efficiency Manitoba offers other rebates to increase a home's energy efficiency. Rebates are offered for certain models of ENERGY STAR ® certified appliances and smart thermostats. Depending on what you buy, you could get up to $325 in rebates on your purchases. "It's very easy and very convenient," says Kelsey Thomas, energy-efficiency specialist at Efficiency Manitoba. "Just be sure to check our eligible product list online before you make a purchase, so you'll qualify for the rebate and know you're making a solid, energy-efficient choice." The question of incorporating energy-efficient measures into a home isn't so much an if these days, but a how. How can this home be more efficient? How will these measures save energy, money and the environment? How will these measures contribute to the comfort, health and lifestyle of those living here? How can I adopt these measures into my home? Efficiency Manitoba is a good place to start, says Thomas. "We're trying to make energy efficiency as accessible as possible for all Manitobans." IT'S MORE REWARDING THAN EVER TO BUILD AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME. POH Parade of Homes Fall 2020 143