Home Energy Retrofits 101

A home energy retrofit is a way to improve how your home uses energy by upgrading light fixtures, sealing windows/doors, adding solar panels, etc.

Twenty-five per cent of Ontario’s GHG emissions currently come from heating and cooling buildings, and our population is growing. Every step you take to reduce your energy use is a step toward a more sustainable future. Before starting any home renovation project, check with your home insurance provider to ensure it will not change your coverage.

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Benefits of home retrofits

  1. Lower your energy bills
  2. Reduce GHG emissions
  3. Protect against potential energy price increases
  4. Improve occupant comfort
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Oakville homes are responsible for

  • 33 per cent of Oakville’s energy use 
  • 27 per cent of Oakville’s GHG emissions

EnerGuide home evaluations or home energy audits can help you understand how your home uses energy and identify potential retrofits that would be best for your home. 

  • Audits are carried out by a registered energy advisor
  • Audits will give you an EnerGuide rating for your home and an energy efficiency report to help you make decisions
  • Typically cost between $400 to $600
  • Homeowners pay up-front for evaluations, however, you may be eligible for grants or rebates to cover the costs of the evaluation through programs offered by Enbridge Gas or Natural Resources Canada

Rebates and incentives can be combined. Please review the details of each rebate to determine which ones you may be eligible for and would work best for you.

Federal government

Enbridge

Save on Energy

Save on Energy and Enbridge Gas, supported by the Ontario government, have partnered to deliver this new program to help Ontarians improve their home efficiency and comfort. 

Home Renovation Savings Program – No energy assessment required upgrades

Do one or more upgrades and receive rebates that do not require a home energy assessment. Learn more about the Home Renovation Savings Program – No energy assessment required upgrades.

  • Heat pumps: Up to $12,000
  • Solar panels and battery storage: Up to $10,000
  • Smart thermostats: $75

Home Renovation Savings Program – Energy assessment required upgrades

Start with an initial home energy  assessment, then complete at least two energy-saving upgrades to qualify for rebates. Learn more about the Home Renovation Savings Program – Energy assessment required upgrades.

For these upgrades, an initial home energy assessment is required before beginning any work. A registered energy advisor will assess your home and uncover energy-saving opportunities. To offset the cost of the initial and follow-up home energy assessments, you will receive a $600 rebate after successful completion of the program. Where an owner has tenants, the owner must apply.

  • Home energy assessments: $600
  • Heat pump water heaters: $500
  • Windows and doors: $100 per rough opening
  • Air sealing: Up to $250
  • Attic insulation: Up to $1,500
  • Foundation insulation: Up to $3,500
  • Exposed floor insulation: $300
  • Exterior wall insulation: Up to $3,600

Some upgrades can be done quickly and easily with a little research and guidance. Bigger upgrades, like replacing a furnace, water heater, or boiler are recommended to be completed by a licensed HVAC contractor. Be sure to ask for credentials and check reviews when choosing a contractor.

You can find a Registered Energy Advisor through Natural Resources Canada's database.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.

Heat pumps

Move heat from one space to another. In the winter, provides heating by transferring heat (from air or from the ground) inside and in the summer, provides cooling by sending heat outside

Benefits

  • Increase home value
  • Utility bill savings
  • Require less maintenance than combustion heating systems
  • Provide both heating and cooling

Building envelope improvements

Slow the flow of air into or out of your home

Benefits

  • Insulation slows the rate of heat loss
  • Air sealing prevents air leakage from windows and doors
  • Fewer drafts during the winter
  • Utility bill savings
  • Less outdoor noise pollution
  • Improves air quality 

Solar PV and battery storage

Converts energy from the sun into electricity

Benefits

  • Source of renewable energy; reduces GHG emissions
  • Utility bill savings
  • Increases home value
  • Solar generated can be stored by battery (for power outages) 
  • Excess power can be sent into grid (on-bill credits with Net-Metering)
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