Geothermal, Solar Air, & Hot Water in Midgic- GT, SE
The benefits of installing renewable energy have always made sense to the owners of this home. The family of four has installed three different systems, and see renewable energy technology as a great way to save money. Having a large home, they reduce their electrical bills by harnessing renewable heat from the sun and earth. They would have also installed a wind turbine, except they would have needed two, and the cost was too high, so they decided to wait and see how their friend’s turbine worked. By the time they saw how well it worked, the demand and price …
Off-Grid Passive Home in Baie-Verte- PS
Nestled on top of Uniacke Hill near Baie Verte, there is a unique off-grid passive solar home. Located on an old country road, it is surrounded by open fields that allow a rolling wind to cool the home in the summertime. It is a passive solar home because almost all of the windows are located on the southern facing side of the home, which allows for passive solar light and heat gain. Passive solar homes require significantly less energy because they harness heat through the windows on the sunniest side of the home. …
Passive Solar in Knowlesville- BE, PE
This family lived off-grid for a number of years, relying on batteries and a generator for their electricity, and learning how to conserve it. It was found that this was fairly high-maintenance and, as the home owner aged, it was decided to get grid electricity to help meet some of the lighting, appliance, and computer/internet needs. …
Earth Berm Home with Masonry Heater in Mazerolle Settlement- BE
This 110 m2 (1200 sq. ft.), 2-bedroom home was built with energy efficiency in mind. The owner constructed the home within the specifications of R-2000, which was difficult because local contractors were unfamiliar with this at the time of construction (1984). The home was very air tight and well insulated. It was built 1.2 m (4′) into the ground, so as to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter (though it has higher humidity as a result) — the owners find it very comfortable to live in. …
Passive Solar Home with Masonry Heater in French Lake- BE, PS
This passive solar, 232 m2 (2500 sq. ft.) home is located on a scenic, south facing slope. It is located on 2.0 hectares (5 acres) of waterfront property, facing the Saint John River and a lake. The home has lots of natural light, with each room receiving direct natural light at some point in the year. Though it gets too hot in the late summer at times, which is why they have added curtains to some of the south facing windows, they find it very comfortable the rest of the year. They have put their bedroom in the basement, which is comfortable year round. They …
Finnish Masonry Heater in St. Andrews- BE
Built in 2000, this home was constructed with comfort and efficiency in mind. The home is well insulated, has an in-floor heating system (heated by instant hot water) as the primary heating source, and sourced local and recycled wood for the construction. It has cork and finished concrete in the basement as well. …
Geothermal & Solar Hot Water in Edmundston- GT, SE
This apartment owner has decided that ground source heat pumps (GSHP) are an excellent investment, and the right environmental choice for lowering emissions. Since GSHPs work best in larger structures, such as this 26-unit, 2044 m2 (22000 sq. ft.) apartment complex, this building is ideally suited for such a system. Also, combined with the fact that this GSHP also integrates solar hot water (SHW), the system is very cost effective as a result, and easily meets all of the building’s heating and cooling needs throughout the year. …
Solar Hot Water in Upper Kent- SE
An R-2000 home! This self-installed solar hot water system (using propylene glycol) provides both domestic hot water and space heating through an in-floor heating system in the garage and house. The owner had originally considered installing oil to provide this heat, however, after looking at installation costs and the ongoing rising cost of oil, solar thermal was considered instead. They are very happy with their choice to go solar. …
Solar Hot Water in Rothesay- SE
This former cornerstore/butcher shop on Rothesay Road is being renovated, with the top floor being used as living space for two apartments, with 4 tenants in total. As part of their renovations, the owners and construction company decided to install a solar hot water system, so as to be green and to kick it up a notch. …
Passive Solar Home with Geothermal Heat Pump in Kingston Peninsula- PS, GT
The owners wanted to build a home that would have low long-term costs, be comfortable, and modern. They decided to build a passive solar home because it met these criteria. They find the home to be very comfortable, and are happy with their choice. They also chose very energy efficient appliances, and used recycled or very durable materials where they could. For instance, they used HardiePlank siding on their building exterior, as it is very durable and shouldn’t have to be replaced as long as the owners occupy the building. …
