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Although budgets are tight and renovations may feel expensive, there are many everyday
changes you can make that will save you more money over time – and make your home more
resilient in the face of disaster.
After much of the country faced the grim realities of climate change in the past year, many
people are exploring how to make their home climate-ready for the long-term. In fact, it’s about
one-in-five of us according to data from insurance provider Aviva Canada’s recent How We Live
report.
Roofing redux
Your roof goes through a lot of wear and tear in the best of times, but there are sustainable
solutions that are also incredibly durable. For instance, metal roofs are not only made with
recycled materials, they can also improve the energy efficiency of your home, are not susceptible
to damage from pests or mould and typically they can withstand extremes of rain, wind and fire.
You won’t need to shell out for replacement nearly as often as you would with materials like
wooden shakes or asphalt.
Efficient seal
For a sustainable home, you need to ensure the space is well sealed. Replacing or recalking your
windows and doors will prevent wasted energy from loss of hot or cold air. Alongside an up-to-
date ventilation system, this will also help you keep the indoor air clean and healthy in the face
of contaminants like wildfire smoke.
When it comes to energy-efficient heating and cooling, electric heat pumps are becoming a gold
standard. They are free from fossil fuels, and because they transfer thermal energy, rather than
generate it, they use less power than other types of heating and cooling systems to save you cash
over time.
Landscaping luck
Naturalizing your yard with native plants not only adds crowd-pleasing colour and texture to
your outdoor space, but it also helps support a diverse ecosystem, which is a small but mighty
part of fighting climate change. As a bonus, native plants typically need less care and
maintenance than a lawn or annual blooms, so you’ll save on water usage. Permeable pavers are
also a great way to prevent water from pooling and causing damage to your home or garage. It’s
also essential to ensure your outdoor space slopes away from the foundations of your home to
prevent flooding.
Whatever you decide to do, be sure to review your insurance policy to make sure you have
appropriate coverage and ensure you’re taking advantage of options that reward climate-friendly
choices. You can learn more at aviva.ca.