Deep Energy Retrofits in Okanagan Valley:
Overcoming Challenges for a Sustainable Future
The Okanagan Valley, with its unique climate and environmental conditions, faces specific challenges when it comes to home renovations, especially those aimed at achieving a “deep energy retrofit” (DER).
What is a DER? Simply put a deep energy retrofit refers to a retrofit of a building through envelope improvements and mechanical system upgrades with a goal of reducing energy costs by 50-100%. It has many other benefits including: improving occupant health and comfort, and future-proofing buildings against climate change impacts, and creating a more peaceful living environment. With how our summers have changed homeowners need to navigate through obstacles like overheating and smoke from wildfires. Increased cooling loads and increased levels of contaminants in the air provide greater challenges for building happy and healthy homes. At Station Craft Building Optimization our entire focus is on helping homeowners and contractors achieve the greatest results possible based on your project goals. This article delves into these challenges and offers strategic solutions to turn them into opportunities for sustainable living.
Photo via Owen Williamson https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/201907/Hundreds-evacuated
Challenges and Solutions:
Overheating in Summer Months:
Challenge: The Okanagan Valley experiences hot summers, which can lead to overheating in homes, making them uncomfortable and increasing the need for air conditioning, thus raising energy costs.
Solution: First tackle the low hanging fruit: find and address air leakage. We do this via a blower door and thermography (infrared cameras), or even through the use of theatrical fog to visually identify air leakage. Implement passive cooling strategies such as shading devices, reflective roofing materials, and strategic landscaping to reduce solar gain. Additionally, upgrading insulation and windows can help maintain cooler indoor temperatures. Installing energy-efficient cooling systems like cold climate heat pumps that offer both cooling and heating efficiently can also address this challenge.
Smoke from Wildfires:
Challenge: Smoke from wildfires is a growing concern in the Okanagan Valley, affecting air quality and occupant health.
Solution: Improve home sealing and ventilation systems to filter out pollutants. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems can significantly reduce the infiltration of smoke particles, ensuring cleaner indoor air. MERV filters at the higher levels also do a great job of protecting your interior air from pollutants and lower the potential health concerns. Consider energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) that improve ventilation while minimizing energy loss.
High Energy Costs:
Challenge: Traditional homes in the Okanagan Valley may have high energy costs due to inefficient heating, cooling, and lighting systems.
Solution: Retrofit homes with high-efficiency appliances, LED lighting, and smart home systems to monitor and control energy use. Driving down energy use via envelope upgrades and installing a cold climate heat pump that is properly sized to the home. Solar panel installations can offset energy costs further, making use of the valley's ample sunlight.
Future-Proofing Against Climate Change:
Challenge: With the threat of climate change, homes need to be prepared for both extreme weather events and gradual environmental shifts.
Solution: Beyond energy retrofitting, consider incorporating rainwater harvesting systems to manage water use and protect against drought conditions. Fire-resistant materials and designs can protect homes from wildfires, while enhanced drainage systems can prevent flood damage. All of the strategies we employ to energy retrofit your home will have great effects on making sure your home can still function well with an increased cooling load, and provide clean and healthy filtered air throughout the fire season.
Get in touch with us to book a home evaluation and to develop a strategy for improving the health of your home and reduce your energy costs. We provide in home testing and consultation as well as in depth reports and strategies for you to decide which strategies will give you the greatest bang for your buck in addressing these concerns.