What is your best retrofit strategy? Firstly, determine what shape your house is in and what can be done to improve it. For example, check the interior and exterior for signs of moisture damage and structural problems and maintenance and repair needs. Consider renovation opportunities, the level and condition of insulation, air leakage paths, and the age and condition of mechanical systems. Although each house is unique, here are some typical home retrofit opportunities. Typical Home Retrofit Opportunities Most houses will benefit from air leakage control, moisture control and ventilation to reduce the chance of condensation problems. Insulate a poorly insulated attic. Add insulation to an empty frame wall. Insulate the basement. If the insulation can be combined with water proofing on the exterior or finishing the interior, it will be even more worthwhile. Once building envelope upgrades are complete, it may be worthwhile to install a smaller capacity, high…
As the days grow shorter and the weather starts to chill, Canadian homeowners are turning up the heat. In the process, some of them are paying far too…
Retrofitting is simply upgrading or renovating a house so it will keep the heat in during the heating season and keep it cooler during the summer. This means…
AmeriSpec Inspection Services offers Energy Assessments across the country through the EnerGuide for Houses and Energy Star Programs. Learn more about AmeriSpec Home Energy Evaluations. Whether you’re a…
Whether your building a new home or renovating an existing one, energy efficiency should always be top of mind. Hiring a Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) registered Energy Advisor…
The City of Toronto launches BetterHomesTO to help residents shift to net zero homes. BetterHomesTO is a new online resource with information, rebates and incentives to help Toronto…
Improving the building envelope of your house is one of the best ways to get better energy efficiency. Air sealing your home considerably reduces your monthly energy bills,…
The City of Toronto’s Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) offers low-interest loans to homeowners to improve energy efficiency and save money! The high upfront costs of home improvements…
Toronto contractors and homeowners can benefit from the low-interest financing tool offered by the City for home energy improvements. The City of Toronto’s Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)…