Make energy efficiency a priority in home renovation plans – Toronto Star

Many people who are spending more time at home during the pandemic have decided to renovate. Whether you’re looking to add space for a home office or a larger kitchen to be together with your family, think about improving the energy efficiency of your home.

Energy-efficient windows, insulation, heating and air conditioning will make your home more comfortable and valuable. You’ll also reduce your energy use, lower your energy bills and cut the emissions that contribute to climate change.

The benefits of an energy-efficient home are often less visible, but you can see and feel the improvements in other ways. Your home will be more comfortable all year round and you’ll save on energy for years to come — good for both your pocketbook and the environment.

Before you start your renovation, schedule an EnerGuide energy-efficiency home evaluation with a registered energy adviser. They’ll assess your home, from top to bottom, identify opportunities to improve your home’s energy efficiency and provide you with a current home EnerGuide rating. They’ll also let you know about any rebates and incentives available from utility companies that are applicable to you.

The City of Toronto BetterHomesTO website is a one-stop for Toronto residents to help them make their homes more energy efficient and climate friendly. Contact the City of Toronto by email at BetterHomesTO@toronto.ca for more information.

Rebates, incentives, subsidies and low-interest financing are available to make your home more energy efficient. Available rebates and incentive programs include, the Eco-Roof Incentive, Enbridge’s Home Efficiency Rebate Program, Enbridge’s Winterproofing Program, and the Ontario Energy Board’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.

When your renovation is complete, schedule a post-renovation assessment to see how your home is performing and obtain a new EnerGuide rating. The adviser will also complete any forms required to receive applicable rebates from the utility companies.

RenoMark is a partner of BetterHomesTO and I encourage you to visit renomark.ca to find a renovator in your area. RenoMark renovators are knowledgeable and can help make your home more energy efficient.

All RenoMark members follow a code of conduct that give homeowner’s peace of mind. The code of conduct requires renovators to take part in continuing education where they keep up with the latest building code changes, materials and energy efficient products.

RenoMark renovators must also provide clients with a written contract, offer a minimum one-year warranty on all work, carry a minimum of $2 million in liability insurance, must be covered by WSIB and return client calls within two business days.

Original Source: https://www.thestar.com/life/homes/advice/2021/06/04/make-energy-efficiency-a-priority-in-home-renovation-plans.html