Helpful Resources

Renovation Tips from the Pros
Interior and exterior renovation advice from professional contractors

Cost Estimator Tool
Easy to use calculator designed for an average homeowner to estimate costs of home improvement projects

Home Maintenance Checklists
Having trouble remembering your home maintenance schedule? Use helpful reminder calendars for management

Energy Efficient Alternatives
Thinking of going green? Brush up on your energy efficient alternatives

Canadian Home Builders Association
Canadian Home Builders' Association is the voice of Canada's residential construction industry

Get It In Writing
Information that can help you hire a contractor to do construction, renovation or repair work

Solar Energy – Energy efficient alternatives

Home » Renovation Resources » Environmental Solutions » Solar

Solar Electric Products

Solar Electric (photovoltaic or PV) products convert the sun's energy into electricity. This electricity is then stored in batteries for later use, used to power an appliance such as a water pump directly or fed into the power distribution grid (grid-intertie systems). This energy is then used to run lights, stereos, and any electrical appliance, although it is not generally efficient to run appliances that generate heat such as a baseboard heater in all but the largest systems.

Solar Pool Heating

You can't beat free heat!
A solar heating system can dramatically decrease – and in some cases eliminate – pool heating costs. Using the free, unlimited power of the sun, heat is collected and transferred to your swimming pool water. Tried and true solar technology has been in place for over thirty years and is constantly being improved. Today's systems are reliable, durable, easy to install and maintain, and the benefits are many:

An immediate dramatic reduction or elimination of pool heating costs
A two-to five-year payback, after which your heat is free
An extended swimming season: more time to swim, play, and socialize outdoors
Increased value to your pool and your home
Decreased environmental impact

Domestic Hot Water (DHW) DHW systems use the sun's energy to heat hot water. This water may then be used for domestic hot water or for heating purposes. These systems can easily be added to an existing building or can be integrated into new construction. Kits that start around $1600 can be used to supplement your DHW requirements and still maintain your existing hot water heater for a backup. Depending on the specifics of your installation, a solar DHW kit can reduce your hot water bill by 50% - yes, even in Canada!