Whether you’re planning small fixes or major renovations, consider making energy efficiency upgrades. It will help lower your consumption and energy bills, and add value to your home.

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Renovating for energy efficiency

Your home operates as a system. All its elements – the building envelope, ventilation, heating and cooling systems, the external environment and even the activities of the occupants – affect one another.

How these elements interact determines your home’s overall performance. For example, poor insulation or ventilation can cancel out your investment in a new furnace or upgraded windows and doors. Your energy efficiency upgrades will truly pay off only if you address the entire system.

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Assess your home’s performance

The first step is to assess your home’s overall energy performance. You can schedule an *EnerGuide home evaluation with one of our energy advisor who will prepare a comprehensive energy efficiency report.

This evaluation will show how much energy you are using, give insight into upgrades that can improve your energy efficiency, and even give you recommendations on what you should renovate.

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Planning your renovation

Once you know what type of upgrades you want to make, you’ll need to decide whether to tackle the project yourself or hire a contractor.

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Doing it yourself

If you choose to do the work yourself, keep health and safety always in mind.

• Use tools and products according to manufacturers’ directions.

• Wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment.

• Protect your home and family from dust, debris and possible contaminants.

• Take precautions when you work in areas that may contain vermin and their droppings, mould, lead, asbestos, vermiculite insulation and other hazardous materials.​

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Hiring a contractor

Your contractor is responsible for complying with local bylaws and relevant provincial, territorial and federal legislation and guidelines. Ask any prospective contractor questions such as:

• May I contact your references?

• Will this project comply with bylaws and other legislation and will it require building or utility permits?

• Do the products you recommend meet all applicable legislation and can you provide any available Material Safety Data Sheets?

• What experience do you and your team have with these products and procedures and what challenges have you experienced?

• What steps will you take to protect my home and family during and after the renovation?

Once you choose a contractor, ask for quotes in writing. Insist on a written contract before work begins.