Written for: The Globe & Mail
Cool Condos
Canadians are no strangers to odd temperatures—we have been known to enjoy drinks on a patio in January, then dig out our parkas in May. But while we are used to the fluctuating temperatures, our homes may not be. Luckily, there are plenty of experts to help create the most energy-efficient, climate-controlled homes possible.
The process begins, often literally, from the ground up. Geothermal heating and cooling has become the go-to eco-friendly option, says John Jamnisek of 24/7 Mechanical. Piping underground takes energy from the earth and transforms it into heat in the winter, and reverses the process in the summer, making it the cleanest—but most costly—system available. Even if a consumer has the cash to shell out, geothermal isn’t for everybody; multiple factors must be taken into consideration when choosing the optimal heating or cooling system. “We calculate heat loss and gain,” says Jamnisek. “The thickness of walls, the size of the glass in the windows, location of the home…we calculate everything.” The “design temperature,” the lowest mean daily temperature of a region, can dictate what type of climate control is—and isn’t—best for a home.
Slightly above ground, but equally important, are the windows. In addition to being one of the most expressive features of a home, windows can also be a huge liability. In fact, up to 70 per cent of climate control loss occurs through the glass of a window. Ken Simpson, owner of Fieldstone Windows, coats his windows in a silver particle that reflects light and heat in the summer, and refracts it in in the winter. The protection afforded by this method is top-notch, but comes at the cost of visibility.
In a city that is building up faster than building out, the view from a condo can be one of its most appealing features. For those people hoping to take advantage of the scenery, Simpson recommends multi-layered windows. “Double-glazed windows, and multiple layers of glass filled with argon gas are all things that help insulate a home better,” says Simpson. Window installation is also a matter of compromise—some materials, like aluminum, are more durable but conduct heat or cold, causing “leaks.” Other materials, like vinyl, are more durable and less likely to leak, but don’t stand up well to wind load and resistance.
So, the windows are selected and installed—what then? Jane Lockhart, of Lockhart Interior Design has the answer. “The big thing is how much privacy you need, and how much access to the window you need,” says Lockhart. Less visibility out of a window is no problem if the residents of a home are never actually there. “I would install operable blinds,” says Lockhart. “For those people who are always away, and want to control their window coverings on their phone.” A high-rise condo with slightly leaky windows would be less of a problem if dressed appropriately. “The more you add to your windows, the more control you have over managing your space,” says Lockhart. Keeping in mind that these are not the over-the-top window treatments of the 80s, or the Spartan coverings of the 90s, drapes and blinds are the perfect way to add the final customized touch to your space.Slightly above ground, but equally important, are the windows. In addition to being one of the most expressive features of a home, windows can also be a huge liability. In fact, up to 70 per cent of climate control loss occurs through the glass of a window. Ken Simpson, owner of Fieldstone Windows, coats his windows in a silver particle that reflects light and heat in the summer, and refracts it in in the winter. The protection afforded by this method is top-notch, but comes at the cost of visibility.
Thanks to an unprecedented number of options, homeowners can now create a completely bespoke system of controlling their home environment. The happy marriage of design and technology has made modern living as comfortable—and stylish—as possible.