Peterborough has experienced its share of weather-related disasters — from the ice storm this spring to the derecho in 2022, and the major floods of 2002 and 2004. Most of us have been touched in one way or another by extreme weather.

While no single weather event can be directly linked to climate change, the pattern and the science is clear: as climate change progresses, these events will become more frequent and more damaging. To address climate change, we need to better prepare for these extremes while tackling the root cause: the burning of fossil fuels.

Earlier this year, the City of Peterborough approved a climate change action plan that outlines how the city will reach net-zero emissions by 2050. A major part of that plan involves cutting greenhouse gas emissions from homes.

Most of us still heat our homes using fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil or propane. On top of that, a large portion of the energy we use is wasted due to poor insulation and air leakage.

Homes are a big part of the problem, and of the solution

Making our homes more energy-efficient and transitioning away from fossil fuels will take a collective effort. Programs like Better Homes Peterborough are part of that shift. The program offers low-interest loans, helps navigate available incentives, and provides expert advice so homeowners can complete deep retrofits that deliver real energy and emissions savings.

A deep energy retrofit often begins with the building envelope — the walls, ceiling, foundation, windows and doors that separate the indoors from the outdoors. Adding insulation, improving airtightness and replacing old windows and doors helps ensure the energy used to heat or cool a home isn’t wasted.

Once a home is properly sealed and insulated, the next step is to upgrade heating, cooling and hot water systems. Switching to electric systems that use heat pump technology is one of the most efficient and climate-friendly options available.

Finally, when energy use has been reduced as much as possible, solar power can help offset what’s left. With the right upgrades, some homes may even reach net-zero — producing as much energy as they use.

It may sound daunting, but hundreds of Peterborough homeowners have already completed energy retrofits and are now seeing the benefits.

Book a free consultation with the Better Homes Peterborough energy coach to get personalized advice and start tackling climate change at home.

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 requirement for most rebate and loan programs (including Better Homes Peterborough) 

• 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?

 

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!

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.