Real Estate Information and Market Trends| Real Estate Victoria BC

Real Estate In Victoria May Not Be As Hot As It Use To Be

With some of the hot temperatures that we have had lately there are ways that we can save on energy and keep our Real Estate Investment cool.  How you may ask? Well the trick is to keep the heat outside, stay cooler inside and save money during the hot days of summer by installing ENERGY STAR (ESTAR) windows. It does not have to be a lavish or prestigous property to install these windows.

With ESTAR windows, homeowners will experience less direct heat from the sun, fewer drafts,reduced condensation and may hear less outside noise. As an added benefit, homeowners can save up to 7 per cent on energy costs,or about $127 a year, by replacing their windows and doors with ESTAR qualified products. ESTAR windows are also PST exempt, saving consumers an additional 7 per cent.

In the winter, heating one’s home can account for more than half of a home’s energy bill, and up to one-third of the heat from homes can escape through windows. Therefore, windows are an ideal target for energy conservation measures and increased comfort for occupants.

If just ten per cent of the households in Greater Vancouver replaced all of their windows with ESTAR windows, there would be an energy saving of more than $10.4 million a year.

You can identify ENERGY STAR labelled windows in three ways:

• Ask your local window contractor or salesperson for ENERGY STARlabelled windows.
• Go to Natural Resources Canada’s website to find model numbers of all ENERGY STAR labelled windows qualified under the Canadian criteria.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR label.

To learn more about ESTAR windows,as well as BC Hydro’s Power Smart residential programs, such as mail-in rebates, the refrigerator buy-back program and Power Smart New Homes,visit www.bchydro.com/powersmart.

For more information about renovations to green homes and buildings, visit BCREA’s Green Tool Kit for REALTORS® at www.greentoolkit.ca.

Any thoughts on the above? To Stay on top of the local Victoria Real Estate Market, subscribe to our free on line News Letter.

Cheers,
Bill

Bill Ethier B.Sc – REALTOR®

Properties in Victoria Professionals- Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty

Bill has been a REALTOR® in Victoria since 2006. Originally from the Vancouver area, Bill moved to Victoria to attend the University of Victoria where he received his Bachelor of Science. Not only does Bill have a wealth of real estate knowledge he is also an active member of the community. He is a member of Triple Shot Cycling Club, Island Road Racers and is the Race Director for the Sooke River 10K.
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