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It’s so easy to decide that your windows need replacing, go down to the closest window company and buy whatever is on offer. The reality is that doing it this way can cost you a lot of money in energy bills.

If you take the time to consider the energy efficiency of the windows, how they can save you money and how they can improve the value of your home, you are on the right path.

Canada experiences extreme weather conditions and during the winter months you don’t want to be in a situation where your energy bill is through the roof and your windows are leaking to such a point that all your wonderful heat is escaping while the icy chill moves in.

The U Factor

The U factor measures how well the window prevents air from escaping. Normally windows will have a U factor of between 0.20 and 1.20, though they are only considered energy efficient and given an energy star rating if they have a U factor of less than 0.35.

If you can find windows with a U factor of 0.20, then you are definitely moving forward in the right direction when it comes to energy efficiency.

You may also notice that the windows have an R value, this is the insulation value. Find out what the windows you are looking at have before making any decisions.

Insulation

Making sure your windows are well insulated is important in energy efficiency. The materials used to make the windows can have insulation included; this is found mostly in vinyl and fibreglass windows, so bear this in mind when choosing your windows.

The insulation is as important as it reduces the amount of cold icy air entering your home. It defeats the purpose if you have the fire roaring, but you are still all wrapped up in blankets, your windows and doors should be well insulated to reduce this from happening.

Glazing

When choosing windows that are energy efficient, the window company will probably offer you double or triple glazed windows. Triple glazed is the most widely used in Canada because they have great insulation and can handle the extreme temperatures thrown at them.

Double glazing will still do the job, but never to the same effect as the triple glazed windows. It is worth spending a little money and knows that your home is well insulated for the winter.

Testing and Certification

When looking to buy energy efficient windows for your home you should have a good look at the certification of the windows and ensure they have been thoroughly tested. There are over 2,000 window manufacturers in Canada alone, but only a very small handful actually test their windows to ensure that they are well insulated.

Ask to see the certificate, check the energy star rating and confirm the windows have been tested before you buy them, this way you know you are getting what you paid for.

DIY or an Installation Expert?

Many of us think we will save ourselves a lot of money by replacing our windows ourselves and with a little bit of DIY know-how and a helpful friend, you probably can.

If you are choosing energy efficient windows, the recommendation is have them installed professionally. When installing yourself it’s so easy to miss something, not realise air is leaking and defeating the purpose of the energy efficiency all together.

While it may cost a little extra to get the professionals in, at least you know the windows have been installed to the highest standard and you can enjoy the benefits of energy efficient windows this winter.

More info at http://www.clerawindows.com/windows

Toronto is known as one of the world’s most multicultural cities where most of the people living in Toronto can claim heritage from Italy, England, Ireland and Scotland.  A lot of the residents have lived here most of their lives and this heritage can be dated back hundreds of years.

But Toronto is also home to many Mexicans, Chinese, French, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Romanians and Indians, just to name a few.  The amazing thing is that there are over one hundred languages spoken in Toronto today.

During the 2006 census, it was calculated that:

• 53% of the population were White
• 12% of the population were South Asian
• 11% of the population were Chinese
• 8.4% of the population were Black
• 4% were Filipino
• 2% came from Latin America
• 1% were Korean

Even though the majority of Toronto residents speak English, it’s easy to see why there are over 100 languages spoken in this Canadian city.  Chinese and Cantonese are the most spoken languages after English.

With this diversity, there are often multicultural influences in schools with some of the schools dealing with children that are unable to speak English and have different religious beliefs to the majority of the school.  Schools in Toronto now have to become diverse in their teachings to accommodate the amount of immigrants constantly entering the country.

Immigration Statistics

From 2001 to 2005 Toronto welcomed over 107,000 immigrants per year.  These days over three quarters of  Toronto residents over the age of fifteen have ties to immigration somewhere down the line.

Aboriginal residents are Toronto residents made up of North American Indians, Inuit’s and Metis.  There were 1,172,785 of Aboriginals in Toronto in 2006 and they make up 3.8% of the population.  Ontario has the largest number of Aboriginal residents made up of 59.5% north American Indians, 33.2% Metis and 4.3% Inuit.

Where to Go in a City Rich in Culture and Heritage

When you think of the multicultural side of  Toronto, there are certain districts you should visit that are rich in culture and heritage.  Cabbagetown is a beautiful day out and dates back to the Irish immigrant’s way back in the 1800’s.

Chinatown is obviously Chinese and is rich in culture; you can enjoy brightly coloured shops and fantastic food while leisurely walking the streets that make up this Chinese District of Toronto.

Greektown is predominantly Greek these days, though other cultures have moved into the area.  But it’s a great place to explore while visiting Toronto.

Little Italy is true to its name with pizzerias and pasta restaurants for you to try.  This is another great day out for the family.

Another district in Toronto that is now Brazilian and Portuguese residents is BrocktonVillage in Toronto’s west end.

The Multicultural History Society of Ontario has a museum which opened in 2004 and if you’re interested to find out all there is to know about the cultures of Toronto, this is where you should start.

The Multicultural History Society of Ontario Museum is situated on Lawrence Avenue West and is open from Tuesday through to Friday from 9.30am to 4pm.  As this is a non-profit organization they do appreciate a donation upon entry, but you can look at old photographs and information that will put everything in perspective when it comes to the multicultural make up of this wonderful city.

There are lots of museums where you can wander around and learn a little more about the history of this beautiful city.  To fully understand the multicultural influences of Toronto, you should take a guided tour to the different neighbourhoods to see what this magnificent city has to offer.