Energy efficiency: How to save on energy costs and improve home comfort.

Upgrading your home’s energy-efficiency not only saves on energy costs and improves home comfort — it also strengthens your resilience against extreme weather and power outages.

Benefits of an energy-efficient home

illustration of a house in a snow storm
  • Lower energy bills: Using high-efficiency appliances, LED lighting, and proper insulation means less energy wasted — and more money in your pocket every month.
  • Improved comfort: Better insulation, air sealing, and modern HVAC systems keep temperatures consistent and reduce drafts, making your home more cozy in winter and cool in summer.
  • Quieter living spaces: Efficient windows and insulation also help reduce outside noise, creating a more peaceful indoor environment.
  • Lower maintenance: Newer energy-saving systems and appliances typically require less upkeep, saving you time and future repair costs.
  • More prepared for extreme weather: Energy-efficiency is the lifeblood of a weather-ready home — when all systems must be operating at peak performance.
  • Higher property value: Homes that are energy-efficient often have higher resale value. Buyers are increasingly drawn to features like energy certifications, solar panels, and efficient heating and cooling systems.
  • Positive environmental impact: Energy-efficient homes use fewer natural resources and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a powerful way to shrink your carbon footprint without sacrificing comfort.

Durham Greener Homes services for energy-efficiency

Couple having web meeting with a Greener Homes Coach

Talk to a Greener Homes Coach

To help you better understand what may be the most effective green retrofits for you and your home, Durham Region residents can talk to a Greener Homes Coach — who will answer any questions you may have, and guide you through both the incentive process and the many retrofit options available.

Learn more about a Greener Homes Coaching

•There is no charge for this service.

•Available to Durham Region residents only.

vHEAT AI technology

Virtual Home Energy Assessment Tool

The AI technology of vHEAT™ allows you to explore your home's energy saving potential online. Experiment with a variety of retrofit options and discover how different combinations will impact your home's energy use.

Learn more about vHEAT™

•There is no charge for this service.

•Available to Durham Region residents only.

Energy-efficiency: Essential for a weather-ready home

During extreme temperatures or when the power goes out, an energy-efficient home doesn’t just survive — it thrives. Its superior insulation keeps the temperature stable, letting you stay warm or cool longer. Natural lighting keeps rooms usable by day, and if you’ve invested in solar panels and battery storage, your essentials stay powered. Plus, energy-saving appliances make the most of every watt. In moments of crisis, this kind of smart design doesn’t just offer comfort — it delivers peace of mind, resilience, and independence.

What happens when the power goes out

  • Refrigeration shuts down: Perishable food can spoil quickly without cooling.
  • Heating or air conditioning stops working: Indoor temperatures become uncomfortable or even unsafe.
  • Loss of lighting: Navigating the home becomes hazardous, especially at night.
  • Internet and communication disruptions: Routers and devices go offline, cutting access to the outside world.
  • Security systems may fail: Alarms, cameras, and smart locks might be disabled.
  • Medical equipment affected: Essential health devices can stop functioning.
  • Cooking and household tasks interrupted: Many appliances become unusable.
  • Work-from-home challenges: Computers and office tools lose power, affecting productivity.

Be prepared: Get started on your path to a greener, more energy-efficient, and weather-ready home today.

Talk to a Greener Homes Coach

by phone or virtual meeting

Durham Region residents can get free expert and personalized advice from a trained Greener Homes Coach

Make an appointment