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  • Five Reasons to Consider an Energy Retrofit 

    Five Reasons to Consider an Energy Retrofit 

    Making your Peterborough home more comfortable, efficient, and climate-ready 

    If you’ve noticed your home feeling chilly in the winter, stuffy in the summer, or simply not performing the way it should, it might be time to consider an energy retrofit. An energy retrofit refers to upgrades made to your home to improve its energy performance — like sealing air leaks, adding insulation, or installing more efficient heating and cooling systems. 

    In Peterborough, where many homes are older and built before today’s efficiency standards, retrofits can make a world of difference in comfort, health, and long-term durability. 

    Here are five reasons to take a closer look: 

    1. Stay comfortable year-round 

    No one likes shivering through the winter or sweating through the summer indoors — but that’s the reality in many homes with poor insulation or air leaks. Cold floors, uneven room temperatures, or hot upstairs bedrooms in summer are common signs of heat escaping (or creeping in) where it shouldn’t. 

    Energy retrofits can address these issues head-on. Air sealing—filling in gaps and cracks in your walls, attic, or around windows and doors—helps keep conditioned air where it belongs. Combine that with upgraded insulation in key areas like your attic or basement, and your home becomes far better at holding a steady, comfortable temperature throughout the year. 

    2. Cut down on energy waste 

    Even if your furnace or air conditioner is in good shape, it can only do so much if your home is constantly losing heated or cooled air. Drafty windows, unsealed ducts, and uninsulated walls or floors allow energy to escape—and that means more strain on your systems and more resources used than necessary. 

    By focusing on the building envelope—the physical barrier between the inside and outside of your home—an energy retrofit reduces this waste significantly. Sealing leaks and boosting insulation levels ensures your home holds onto the energy you pay for. It’s a smart way to reduce your impact without changing your lifestyle. 

    3. Make your home work more efficiently, not harder 

    If you’re still relying on a gas furnace or baseboard electric heaters, you might be surprised at how much more efficient newer systems can be. One of the most impactful upgrades is switching to a heat pump. 

    Heat pumps are all-in-one heating and cooling systems that move heat rather than generate it. In the winter, they draw warmth from the outdoor air (even in cold temperatures) and bring it inside. In the summer, they reverse the process and keep your home cool. Because they don’t burn fuel, they’re not only more efficient—they also produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. They’re a cornerstone of modern, energy-efficient homes. 

    4. Prepare for the future 

    Climate change is already reshaping how we think about our homes. In the coming decades, homes that are resilient, energy-efficient, and low-carbon will be the norm, not the exception. And thanks to programs like the Better Homes Peterborough Loan Program, it’s easier than ever to get started. 

    The program offers low-interest loans from the City of Peterborough to help residents complete energy-efficient upgrades—like air sealing, windows, insulation, and heat pumps. Combined with other programs there’s real momentum behind making homes in Peterborough more climate-ready. Getting started today means your home will be ready for tomorrow. 

    5. It’s a long-term investment in your home 

    More and more Peterborough homeowners are choosing to complete important energy retrofits on their homes. Energy retrofits are an essential action on one of a homeowner’s largest investments.  Whether you plan to stay in your home for decades or think you might sell   in the shorter term, upgrades like air sealing, windows, insulation, and heat pumps add real, tangible value. A modernized home provides an advantage to the seller, increasing buyer interest and supporting higher market valuations.  

    Curious about what’s right for your home? 

    Every home is different, and the best retrofit plan depends on your home’s age, structure, and condition. A home energy assessment is a great first step—it identifies where your home is losing energy and offers personalized recommendations to improve it.

    Reach out to our Energy Coach today to find out how the Better Homes Peterborough Loan Program can help you increase the comfort of your home.  

    Better Homes Peterborough

  • Ready to Upgrade Your Home? Join Our Free Webinar!

    Ready to Upgrade Your Home? Join Our Free Webinar!

    Thinking about making your home more comfortable, energy-efficient, and affordable? The Better Homes Peterborough program can help.

    This innovative program offers low-interest loans and access to energy rebates to help homeowners make upgrades that lower energy bills, reduce emissions, and improve year-round comfort.

    Join us for a free lunchtime webinar to learn how the program works, what types of upgrades are eligible, and how to get started.

    📅 Date: May 22
    🕒 Time: 12:00 PM
    💻 Register here

    The Better Homes Peterborough program is delivered by the City of Peterborough, in partnership with EnviroCentre, GreenUP, and Kawartha Credit Union.

    Better Homes Peterborough

  • What is a Home Energy Assessment? 

    What is a Home Energy Assessment? 
    Your first step toward a more comfortable, efficient, and climate-ready home.

    If you’re considering investing in energy upgrades for your home, like air sealing, insulation, or installing a heat pump, your journey should begin with a Home Energy Assessment (also called an energy audit). It’s the single most important step to help you understand how your home uses energy and where improvements can make the biggest impact.  Here’s what you need to know. 

    Why Start with an Energy Assessment? 

    An energy assessment is more than just a checklist. It’s a comprehensive, expert-led evaluation of your home’s energy performance. Conducted by a registered energy advisor, the audit gives you a clear picture of how energy flows through your home—where it’s being used efficiently, and where it’s being lost through things like drafts, poor insulation, or outdated heating and cooling systems. 

    A Home Energy Assessment is: 

    • The first step in any energy retrofit journey 
    • A tool to help you make informed decisions about upgrades that will truly make a difference in your home 

    What happens during the assessment? 

    During your in-home visit, a registered energy advisor will carry out a top-to-bottom inspection of your property. This includes: 

    • Checking insulation levels in your attic, basement, and walls 
    • Assessing windows and doors for drafts and heat loss 
    • Evaluating your heating, cooling, and ventilation systems 
    • Performing a blower door test to find hidden air leaks 

    What’s a blower door test?

    This test temporarily depressurizes your home using a high-powered fan placed in an exterior doorway.

    It helps pinpoint exactly where air is leaking in or out—no matter how small the gap. It’s one of the most effective ways to identify weaknesses in your home’s building envelope. 

     

    What will you receive after the audit? 

    Once your assessment is complete, you’ll receive a set of official documents to guide your next steps: 

    • EnerGuide rating label: 
      A standardized rating that shows how energy-efficient your home is, compared to a typical new home in Canada. It includes a breakdown of how much energy your heating, cooling, and other systems use. 
    • Homeowner information sheet: 
      A detailed explanation of how your EnerGuide rating was calculated, and a summary of your home’s energy performance. 
    • Renovation upgrade report: 
      This is your personalized roadmap. It outlines recommended upgrades, potential energy and emissions reductions, and helpful tips to improve your comfort and efficiency. It also flags any health and safety considerations that should be addressed. 

    How to prepare for your assessment 

    Before booking your Home Energy Assessment, make sure: 

    • All areas are accessible (including attic hatches, crawlspaces, and utility rooms) 
    • Windows and doors are closed and sealed 
    •  Wood burning fireplaces are free of ash and have dampers closed (in preparation for the blower door test). 
    • You have your property tax bill and roll number on hand 
    • Ensure that there are no renovations in progress, or large holes in the building envelope that impact the air tightness of your home 

    The assessment typically takes about 2 to 4 hours, and the legal homeowner must be present during the visit. 

    How much does it cost? 

    • Initial Energy Audit: $500–$700 
    • Follow-up Audit (after upgrades): $300 

    If you qualify for programs like Home Renovation Savings (HRS) Program or Save on Energy, these costs may be partially or fully reimbursed. Read our summary of the incentive and rebate programs that could be available to you for more information.

    Important: To qualify for most rebates or incentives, you must complete the energy assessment before starting any upgrades. Starting renovations early can disqualify your project from financial support, so don’t skip this step!

    Whether you’re looking to reduce drafts, improve your home’s comfort, or take meaningful action on climate change, a Home Energy Assessment is where it all begins. 

    Still have questions? Reach out to us today to see how Better Homes Peterborough can help you in your home energy upgrade journey!

    Better Homes Peterborough

  • A New Way to Retrofit Your Home: Better Homes Peterborough Launches

    A New Way to Retrofit Your Home: Better Homes Peterborough Launches

    We’re excited to announce the launch of Better Homes Peterborough, a brand-new retrofit financing program designed to help local residents lower their energy bills, improve home comfort, and take action on climate change.

    This four-year program offers low-interest financing, targeted incentives, and personalized support to make energy-efficient upgrades easier and more accessible for homeowners across the City of Peterborough.

    Whether you’re looking to install a heat pump, upgrade your insulation, replace drafty windows, or even add solar panels or an EV charger, Better Homes Peterborough is here to help you make it happen—with expert guidance every step of the way.

    “Retrofitting your home is not just an investment in your house, but an investment in the collective future of our residents and our city,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “By taking individual steps to reduce our emissions we can help the City hit its target of net-zero by 2050. Better Homes Peterborough is a key part of that effort.”

    Who is eligible?

    The program is open to property owners in the City of Peterborough who own:

    • Detached or semi-detached homes
    • Townhouses
    • Small multi-unit buildings (up to three storeys)

    Homeowners can finance a wide range of upgrades, including:

    • Insulation, air sealing, and high-performance windows and doors
    • Heat pumps and high-efficiency electric water heaters
    • Solar panels, battery storage, and EV chargers
    • Electrical upgrades and high-efficiency lighting

    You can even allocate up to 30% of your loan toward cosmetic or non-energy-related renovations—so the upgrades you need can come with the updates you want.

    Two flexible financing options

    Better Homes Peterborough offers two loan options to meet different homeowner needs:

    • A Local Improvement Charge (LIC) Loan through the City of Peterborough
    • A personal loan through Kawartha Credit Union

    “We are proud to partner with the City of Peterborough on Better Homes Peterborough,” said Norah McCarthy, President & CEO of Kawartha Credit Union. “This program reflects our commitment to sustainability and to empowering homeowners in our communities to embrace a greener future for all.”

    A strong partnership

    The program is delivered by the City of Peterborough, in partnership with EnviroCentre, Kawartha Credit Union, and Peterborough GreenUP, bringing together deep expertise in energy efficiency, financing, and community support.

    “Programs like Better Homes Peterborough show what’s possible when municipalities, financial institutions, and delivery partners work together to remove barriers to deep energy retrofits,” said Melanie Johnston, Director of Energy Programs at EnviroCentre.

    “The coaching that this program provides is critical to helping homeowners make their homes more comfortable and efficient,” added Tegan Moss, Executive Director of GreenUP. “We’re proud to support a program that will reduce emissions and improve quality of life in our region.”

    Ready to learn more?

    Explore the website or call us toll-free at 1-888-284-9417 to learn more. You can also book a free consultation with our Energy Coach, Clara Blakelock, for expert advice on where to start and how to get the most out of your retrofit journey.

    Better Homes Peterborough