For Homeowners
The Home Retrofit Journey
1. Understanding the Challenge
Climate change is driven by carbon pollution, primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels. In Toronto, buildings account for a staggering 58% of the city's carbon emissions, with single-family homes contributing 17% of total emissions. By addressing these emissions, we can make a significant impact in the fight against climate change.
2. Recognizing the Opportunity
Electrifying your home’s space and water heating, along with switching to electric appliances, can reduce the carbon pollution from your home by over 90%. Here are the key upgrade priorities to consider:
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Space Heating: Install a heat pump for efficient heating.
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Water Heating: Upgrade to an electric or heat pump water heater.
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Cooking: Switch to an induction or electric range or cooktop.
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Dryers, Fireplaces, and Barbecues: Electrify these appliances to reduce emissions.
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Air Sealing and Insulation: Enhance energy efficiency where it is effective and feasible.
3. Identifying the Right Time to Retrofit
There are several indicators that it may be time to consider a retrofit:
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An aging furnace or air conditioner.
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An uncomfortable home (too hot, too cold, or too drafty).
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Concerns about the health effects of using gas in your home.
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Planning a renovation or major upgrade.
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A desire to take action on the climate crisis.
4. Engaging a Retrofit Advisor
A Retrofit Advisor can help you navigate the retrofit process by creating a personalized roadmap for your home. They will:
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Consider energy audits, technical advice, and costs.
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Help you find qualified contractors and arrange contracts.
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Assist you in accessing financing and incentives.
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Answer questions and resolve any issues you encounter.
5. Finding the Right Contractors
Finding skilled contractors experienced in energy efficiency and heat pumps is crucial. Here are some tips to ensure you choose the right ones:
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Talk to at least three potential contractors.
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Get references and follow up to verify that previous clients had a good experience.
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Use resources like your Retrofit Advisor or seek recommendations from friends and neighbours who have undertaken similar projects.
6. Enjoying Your Updated Home
Once you’ve completed your retrofits, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable living space, improve your home’s indoor air quality, and potentially lower your energy costs—all while being kinder to the environment. Each retrofit signifies a commitment to sustainability and showcases your values.
Home Retrofit Forum
The Home Retrofit Forum is a thriving peer support group for Toronto homeowners, active for two years and featuring hundreds of members. It focuses on retrofitting homes so that you can improve your energy efficiency, reduce or eliminate your fossil fuel use, and enhance your comfort while lowering your operating costs.
Members can ask questions, share experiences, and offer advice based on their retrofit journeys, making it an excellent source for community suggestions. The forum welcomes contractors and other professionals to participate, enriching discussions with their expertise. However, please note that the forum itself does not endorse any service providers. Join to connect, learn, and work together to create a more sustainable future!
Retrofit Advisors
A Retrofit Advisor is a knowledgeable professional who guides homeowners through the retrofitting process. They interpret energy audits, create personalized roadmaps, recommend energy-efficient upgrades, connect homeowners with qualified contractors, and help access financing options. By answering questions and resolving issues, Retrofit Advisors empower homeowners to make informed decisions for a more sustainable home.
There are several Retrofit Advisors working in Toronto. Read the profiles below to discover their own specialties, business models and approaches.
Energy Neighbour
Jouleia
Goldfinch Energy
Homes To Zero
Financial Assistance
Navigating the world of grants, rebates, and loans for home retrofits can be a bit overwhelming, especially since programs frequently change. While many initiatives can help offset costs, they often require a fair amount of documentation, which can deter homeowners. It's important to remember that retrofits that reduce carbon pollution often, even without grants or rebates, represent significant cost savings in the long run. By investing in energy-efficient upgrades, you can reduce your utility bills and enhance your home's comfort.
The City of Toronto keeps a current listing of available incentives and rebates available to Torontonians.
They also administer the innovative Home Energy Loan Program, which can support large projects. This loan is attached to the home.
