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What is an Energy Efficient Home
Whether your home is brand new or decades old, it likely has energy savings potential. Any home can easily be retrofitted to boost performance. And the best part? Adopting simple energy-saving habits can make a world of difference for both the environment and your wallet. If you're not sure where to start, this page provides information on the most common types of energy efficient home retrofits, walks you through the steps to take towards a greener home, and offers resources and funding streams to achieve your home retrofit goals.
Benefits of a greener home Common home retrofits Steps towards a greener home Funding opportunitiesTry our new home retrofit quiz and see what funding you qualify for!
Benefits of a Greener Home
Most Common Types of Home Retrofits
| 1. Air Sealing |
| Air sealing your home—especially around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and vents—plays a crucial role in improving energy efficiency. By preventing drafts and heat loss, it helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, allowing your heating and cooling systems to run more efficiently. This leads to lower energy use and reduced utility costs, making your home more comfortable while saving money in the long run. |
| 2. Insulation |
| Installing adequate insulation in walls, attics, and basements is a key strategy for improving your home's energy performance. It minimizes heat transfer, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which reduces the workload on your HVAC system. This leads to lower energy consumption and decreased utility bills, all while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment throughout the year. |
| 3. Windows & Doors |
| Upgrading to high-performing ENERGY STAR® windows and doors not only improves your home’s energy efficiency but also enhances its aesthetic and increases its value. These products are designed to reduce heat transfer, helping to maintain indoor temperatures more effectively. By minimizing energy loss, they lower the strain on your heating and cooling systems, reducing utility bills. In addition to saving energy and money, ENERGY STAR® windows and doors offer a sleek, modern look that boosts curb appeal and adds to your home’s overall market value. |
| 4. High Performing Heat & Cooling Equipment |
| Investing in high-performing or ENERGY STAR® equipment, such as furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters, is a smart way to improve your home's energy efficiency. These appliances are designed to use less energy while delivering the same or better performance than standard models. By upgrading to ENERGY STAR® certified equipment, you can reduce your energy consumption, lower utility costs, and decrease your carbon footprint. In addition to saving money, these systems also enhance indoor comfort and add value to your home by meeting modern energy efficiency standards. |
| 5. Energy Efficient Appliances |
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Upgrading to ENERGY STAR® appliances, including refrigerators, stoves, clothing washers, and dryers, is an excellent way to enhance your home’s energy efficiency and save on utility bills. These appliances are designed to use significantly less energy and water compared to standard models, without sacrificing performance or functionality. By choosing ENERGY STAR® certified products, you can reduce your household's environmental impact while enjoying the benefits of modern technology. Additionally, these energy-efficient appliances often come with stylish designs that elevate your kitchen and laundry space, adding both convenience and aesthetic appeal to your home. |
| 6. Heat Pumps |
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Heat pumps are a versatile and energy-efficient solution that can replace both your furnace and air conditioner, offering year-round comfort with one system. By transferring heat rather than generating it, heat pumps use significantly less energy than traditional heating and cooling methods. ENERGY STAR® certified heat pumps can lower your utility bills while reducing your carbon footprint. In addition to providing efficient heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, they help maintain consistent indoor temperatures and improve your home’s overall energy performance. |
| 7. LED Lighting |
| Switching to LED lighting is a simple yet impactful way to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, significantly reducing your electricity costs while providing the same level of brightness. Additionally, they have a much longer lifespan, often lasting up to 25,000 hours, which means fewer replacements and less waste. Beyond energy savings, LED lighting offers versatile design options that can enhance your home’s aesthetic, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere while contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. |
| 8. Low Flow Faucets, Toilets, and Shower Heads |
| Installing low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads is an effective way to conserve water and reduce your utility bills without sacrificing performance. These fixtures are designed to use significantly less water while still providing strong, satisfying flow rates. By making the switch to low-flow options, you can dramatically decrease your household water consumption, which not only benefits the environment but also lowers your monthly water expenses. Moreover, modern low-flow fixtures come in a variety of stylish designs, enhancing the look of your bathrooms and kitchens while promoting sustainable living. |
| 9. Personal Energy Savings Habits (Smart Thermostats, Energy Conservation, etc.) |
| Adopting personal energy-saving habits, such as using smart thermostats and practicing energy conservation techniques, can significantly enhance your home's efficiency and lower utility costs. Smart thermostats allow you to optimize heating and cooling schedules based on your lifestyle, ensuring that energy is used only when needed. Simple actions, like unplugging devices when not in use, turning off lights, and using energy-efficient settings on appliances, can also contribute to substantial savings over time. By making these mindful choices, you not only reduce your energy consumption but also promote a more sustainable lifestyle, benefiting both your wallet and the environment. |
| 10. EV Charging at Home |
| Installing an electric vehicle (EV) charging station at home is a convenient and energy-efficient way to power your EV. With a home charging setup, you can easily charge your vehicle overnight, ensuring it’s ready for your daily commute without the hassle of searching for public charging stations. Additionally, having a home EV charger can increase your property’s value and appeal, as more buyers are looking for homes equipped for the growing trend of electric vehicles. Embracing EV charging at home not only supports a sustainable lifestyle but also offers significant savings on fuel costs over time. |
| 11. Renewable Energy (Solar and Wind Power) |
| Investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power is an excellent way to enhance your home’s sustainability and reduce energy costs. Solar panels can harness sunlight to generate electricity, significantly decreasing your reliance on the grid and lowering your utility bills. In Ontario, residents can benefit from Net Metering programs offered by Hydro One, allowing homeowners to receive credits for any excess energy they produce beyond their consumption. This means that if your solar panels generate more electricity than you use, you can offset future energy costs with the credits received, though these must be used within 12 months. Similarly, small-scale wind turbines can provide a clean, renewable source of energy, particularly in areas with consistent wind patterns. By incorporating renewable energy into your home, you contribute to a healthier environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing your energy independence |
Steps Towards A Greener Home In Orillia
Find an NRCan Registered Energy Advisor Now
Funding Opportunities
Orillia residents have access to several funding opportunities that can help lower the upfront costs of making their homes more energy efficient. These programs offer financial assistance for a variety of home upgrades, including improved insulation, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and renewable energy installations. Homeowners can receive rebates and incentives that make it easier to invest in long-term energy savings, reduce utility bills, and increase the value of their homes. Whether you are looking to upgrade windows, install heat pumps, or adopt renewable energy solutions, there are options available to make these improvements more affordable.
Please make sure to read all instructions provided by each individual funding opportunity to ensure you are following the correct steps and will receive the funding you qualify for.
| Canada Greener Homes Loan Program |
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The Canada Greener Homes Loan Program is designed to help homeowners make energy-efficient upgrades by providing interest-free loans of up to $40,000. This loan program is available to homeowners who have completed an energy assessment and are looking to finance eligible retrofits, such as insulation, windows, doors, heat pumps, and renewable energy installations like solar panels. Key Details:
Benefits:
This loan program complements existing grants and incentives, making it easier for Canadians to invest in sustainable home improvements.
Click here for more information on the Canada Greener Homes Loan Program. |
| Enbridge & Save on Energy Home Renovation Savings Program |
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The Home Renovation Savings™ Program is a collaborative initiative by Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy, supported by the Ontario Government, designed to help Ontario homeowners enhance their home's energy efficiency and comfort. The program offers flexible options, allowing homeowners to choose single or bundled upgrades for greater savings. Key Details:
Benefits:
Click here For more information on eligibility, available rebates, and how to apply.
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| Save On Energy Home Energy Saver Program |
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The Save on Energy Home Energy Saver Program provides financial incentives for homeowners in Ontario to upgrade to energy-efficient heat pumps and smart thermostats. Key Details:
Benefits:
Click here for more information on the Save On Energy Home Energy Saver Program. |
| Save On Energy Energy Affordability Program |
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The Save on Energy Energy Affordability Program (EAP) is designed to assist low-income households in Ontario by offering free energy-efficient products and services that help reduce electricity bills and improve home comfort. Key Details:
Benefits:
Click here for more information on the Save On Energy Energy Affordability Program |
| Enbridge & Save On Energy Winterproofing Program |
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The Enbridge & Save On Energy Home Winterproofing Program offers free energy efficiency upgrades to income-eligible homeowners and renters who heat their homes with natural gas. This program is designed to help households save on energy costs and improve comfort during the colder months. Key Details:
Benefits:
Click here for more information on the Enbridge & Save On Energy Home Winterproofing Program |
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Still not sure what funding you might qualify for?
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