As fall approaches, you may be wondering if now is the right time to embark upon a home energy retrofit journey. The heat waves of summer and the hum of the air conditioner are still alive in your recent memories as a familiar chill begins to stir. You may be wondering if you should hunker down for another winter of drafts and high energy bills, or if you may be ready to transform your home into a comfortable, affordable, and efficient haven.

Deciding when to invest in a home energy retrofit can feel overwhelming, and the best time to act often lines up with the other changes already happening in your home.

Let’s look at the best opportunities to start your home energy retrofit:

1. When you need to replace mechanical systems such as an air conditioner, water heater, or furnace.

Heating and cooling equipment, like furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters, don’t last forever. When your system reaches the end of its lifespan (or has already failed), it’s the perfect opportunity to consider an energy retrofit. By choosing high-efficiency equipment such as heat pumps and pairing it with upgrades like insulation and air sealing, you’ll lock in comfort and savings for the long run.

2. When you are renovating your living space.

If you’re already opening parts of your home for a project, it’s the ideal moment to think about energy efficiency. Renovations like finishing a basement, updating a kitchen, or even painting your walls, can create opportunities to add insulation or air sealing with minimal extra disruption.

One of the most important things to keep in mind: the walls you redo now are likely going to stay that way for decades. That’s why it’s worth investing in the best insulation you can, aiming for R22 to R24 if possible. Exterior projects like redoing siding also present an excellent opportunity to add insulation and improve your home’s envelope.

Better Homes Peterborough also allows you to include funding (30%) toward non-energy projects!

3. When comfort and cost become a concern

If you notice drafts, uneven room temperatures, or rising energy bills, that’s your home telling you it’s time for an upgrade. Energy retrofits don’t always have to be big, expensive projects – some of the highest-return improvements are actually lower cost. Air sealing and attic insulation, for example, can dramatically improve comfort and cut energy use without requiring major renovations.

4. When support is available

Better Homes Peterborough not only offers low-interest loans to help make your home energy retrofit more affordable – it also offers home energy coaching to ensure you are well supported! Staff are available to help answer your questions, walk through your retrofit plans with you, help you lean into deeper opportunities, and make the process as fun and informative as possible. If you have been on the fence about starting a home energy retrofit, now is a great time to get started in a supported way.

Making the most of the moment

Home energy retrofits are about more than saving money, they’re about comfort, resilience, and peace of mind. Whether you’re at the point of replacing old equipment, planning a remodel, or simply tired of drafts and high bills, these natural “decision points” are the best times to make changes that will serve you for decades. With Better Homes Peterborough in its first year offering low-interest loans, now is a great time to utilize this program to help your retrofits be more affordable.

Six common questions about heat pumps

Heat pumps are one of the most popular upgrades going into Peterborough homes. Hundreds of homeowners have made the switch and are enjoying energy-efficient heating and cooling with a fraction of the greenhouse gas emissions of a fossil-fuel based heating system. But do they work? And how? Here are some of the most common questions the Better Homes Peterborough team gets about heat pumps. Have your own questions? Book a consultation with our Energy Coach.

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is a dual-purpose system that provides both heating and cooling for a home. A heat pump works just like an air conditioner in the summertime: by removing heat from your home and pumping it outside using refrigerant lines. It also works in reverse in the winter, extracting heat from the outdoor air (even in very cold temperatures!) and pumping it inside the home. Because heat pumps are moving heat rather than burning fuel to generate heat, they are highly efficient, producing 2 to 3 times more heat energy than the electricity they use to operate.

Why are people choosing to install heat pumps?

There are a few reasons to consider a heat pump. Depending on your current heating system, you may see significant bill reductions because of the efficiency of the system (more below). Heat pumps also drastically cut down a home’s greenhouse gas emissions compared to a fossil fuel based heating system like a natural gas, oil or propane furnace.

There are also rebates and financing programs available to support the purchase of heat pumps (such as Better Homes Peterborough). When a heating or cooling system is up for replacement, heat pumps are often a great option.

What types of heat pumps are there?

What about very cold temperatures?

New cold climate heat pumps can produce heat down to very cold temperatures, with some units rated down to -30 C or below. However, they do lose some efficiency as the temperature drops, and depending on the insulation levels in the home and the size of the heat pump, they may not be able to produce quite enough heat in extreme cold. This is why most heat pumps are installed with a backup system, which can work in different ways. A central heat pump with electric backup has an electric resistance coil which can work at the same time as the heat pump to boost up the temperature when necessary. If a gas or propane furnace is used as backup, then in most cases the heat pump switches off and the furnace takes over during very cold temperatures.

Exactly when the backup system kicks in will depend on the type and size of heat pump, the insulation levels in the home, the outdoor temperature, and how the thermostat is configured. Some homeowners find they almost never use the backup system. In large, drafty older homes with poor insulation, the backup system will be relied upon more, especially as the temperature drops.

Is a heat pump right for my home?

Heat pumps, like any heating system, work best in homes that are airtight and well-insulated. While it is best practice to insulate and seal up a home as much as possible before installing a heat pump, in reality this isn’t always possible to do. Even homes with lower levels of insulation can drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by installing a heat pump, though they may rely more on the backup system when the temperature drops. If you end up installing a heat pump before you’ve improved your building envelope, you may find that its performance improves once you’ve done other upgrades. If you are planning major upgrades to the home, make sure your contractor knows about it so they can appropriately size the heating system.

How will my energy bills change after installing a heat pump?

This is probably the most common question Peterborough homeowners have, and unfortunately the answer is: it depends!

If you are currently heating with oil, propane, or electricity, switching to a heat pump will provide immediate savings – some homeowners reduce their costs by 50% or more, especially if combined with airtightness or insulation improvements to the building.

If you’re heating with natural gas, you will see large energy savings by switching to a heat pump, because the heat pump is at least twice as efficient as a gas furnace. However, you may not see large cost savings due to the relatively low current cost of natural gas in Ontario, when compared to electricity. Most homeowners who switch from a gas furnace to a heat pump find heating costs remain about the same. Electricity costs will go up, and gas costs will go down, mostly balancing each other out. Some smart thermostats will toggle between the heat pump and gas furnace depending on what is the lowest cost at that temperature and time of day. But if lowering greenhouse gas emissions is important to you, then the best option is to use the heat pump as much as possible.

If you’re replacing an older, less efficient air conditioner, then your air conditioning costs will be lower, as heat pumps are more efficient at cooling air.

Have more questions? Book your energy coaching consultation!

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Author: Clara Blakelock, BHPTBO Energy Coach

Read more on the Better Homes Peterborough blog

Help your clients say yes to energy upgrades and grow your business in the process. 

Many Peterborough homeowners are ready to take the next step toward a more efficient, comfortable home. Better Homes Peterborough makes it easier for your clients to say yes by offering City-supported low-interest financing that helps turn plans into reality.

A quick overview

Better Homes Peterborough offers low-interest financing to help residents complete a wide range of home energy efficiency upgrades. Homeowners can borrow up to $50,000, either through a property tax–linked loan (via the Local Improvement Charge system) or a shorter-term institutional loan. Both options come with affordable interest rates and a straightforward application process. 

Eligible energy efficiency upgrades include:  

• Insulation and air sealing 
• High-efficiency heat pumps 
• Energy Star® windows and doors 
• Solar panels and electric water heaters 
• Electrical panel upgrades 

In addition to the financing, homeowners receive personalized coaching throughout the process, from energy assessments to planning and follow-up. And as a bonus, they may qualify for up to $2,000 in performance-based incentives if they meet greenhouse gas or energy use reduction targets. 

Why this matters for contractors 

Contractors have likely had promising projects stall or fall through because of budget concerns. BHPTBO directly addresses this barrier by giving clients a manageable path to financing. This means: 

• More clients are likely to say yes to quotes; 
• Project approvals can happen more quickly; 
• The scope of work may expand to include higher-impact upgrades that previously seemed out of reach. 

Whether installing a new heat pump or planning a full envelope retrofit, the ability to point clients to a City-supported financing option can make a significant difference in how projects move forward. 

A marketing advantage for businesses 

Beyond helping clients get projects off the ground, BHPTBO can also give businesses a competitive edge. When they’re able to introduce a credible, City-supported financing option during client conversations, they’re positioning themselves as more than just contractors––they’re becoming a trusted advisor.  

Mentioning the program in estimates or during early discussions helps address cost concerns up front and builds confidence in the services offered. 

Consider: 

• Including a link to betterhomesptbo.ca in proposals 
• Preparing a short script to explain the program to clients 
• Requesting flyers to leave behind after site visits 

Sharing this information demonstrates a solid understanding of the challenges clients may have, and that practical solutions are at the ready. 

Get started 

Better Homes Peterborough is already helping local homeowners in your community make energy-saving upgrades. Make sure your clients are among them.  

If you are interested in receiving marketing materials, program information, or if you have questions about how BHPTBO fits into your workflow, reach out today!  

• Call us at 1-888-284-9417
• Email us at betterhomesptbo@envirocentre.ca
• Office hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Photo credit: Gabe Rivett-Carnac (EnviroCentre)

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Read more on the Better Homes Peterborough blog

Walking through any Peterborough neighbourhood, you’ll find homes that have undertaken an energy retrofit – though it takes some practice to know what you’re looking for (or you might not notice anything at all).

Some, like wall and attic insulation, or improved airtightness, might be completely invisible from the outside, but lead to greatly improved comfort and lower bills inside the home.

Photo credit: Gabe Rivett-Carnac/EnviroCentre

Attic insulation

Attic insulation is generally one of the easiest upgrades to tackle, and many homeowners have chosen to do this first– if you have a flat ceiling and an attic hatch, then it can be over and done within a day without too much disruption. If you’ve already done an attic insulation upgrade, but it happened years ago, it might be worth talking a look to see if it could use another top up. Today’s building code requires at least R50 in attics, which is 14” to 18” of blown-in insulation, depending on the type.

Heat pumps

Something you will spot more and more walking around town are heat pumps, usually located around the sides or backs of homes where you might normally see an air conditioner. You can learn to recognize the shape, which is typically square or rectangular, with a fan that blows out horizontally (though other models do exist). Over the last several years, heat pumps have been one of the most popular upgrades Peterborough homeowners have undertaken, and you’ll find one on almost any street in town.

Exterior insulation

You might notice a home that has new siding, and this could be a sign that the homeowner has opted for new exterior wall insulation. When replacing siding, there is a great opportunity to bring insulation levels up to current code levels, or beyond by adding a layer of foam board insulation underneath the new siding.

Home energy assessment

It’s possible on your walk you’ll encounter a door that is open, the doorway covered with a red tarp with a fan in it. It’s not an exterminator – it’s a blower door, and this means the homeowner is getting their home tested for airtightness. Airtightness improvements are also generally invisible, but can make the greatest difference for homeowners, by eliminating drafts, improving winter humidity levels and closing entryways for pests.

Photo credit: Gabe Rivett-Carnac/EnviroCentre

Solar panels

Finally, take a look at the roofline as you pass by, and you’ll be surprised at how many solar panels peer into view. They’re generally located on the south and east sides of the roof, so in some cases they may be on the backs of homes.

While you can get some clues from the exterior of a home, energy retrofits generally aren’t flashy – the proof of them comes in the comfort inside the home, and the low energy bills these homeowners enjoy!

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.  

Thinking about making your home more energy efficient, but not sure where to start? You’re not alone—and that’s where your Energy Coach comes in. 

The Better Homes Peterborough program offers support every step of the way, and at the heart of that support is Clara Blakelock, our local Energy Coach. Clara is here to answer your questions, help you understand your retrofit options, and guide you through the process of accessing loans, incentives, and trusted advice—whether you’re just starting out or ready to take action. 

Clara Blakelock (she/her) is the Home Energy Program Manager with GreenUP. She’s a Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) Registered Energy Advisor for homes, and she has completed energy audits on over 250 homes in the Peterborough region.  She’s also a Certified Energy Auditor in training for commercial buildings. Before joining GreenUP in 2021, Clara worked with Green Communities Canada, leading national projects on green infrastructure and climate resilience. 

With a Master’s degree in Engineering and Public Policy and an Advanced Certificate in Sustainable Energy Management, Clara brings deep knowledge and a passion for practical climate action. When she’s not advising on home upgrades, she’s likely sewing, cycling, swinging kettlebells, or chasing her young kids around Peterborough. 

What is an Energy Coach? 

An Energy Coach is your personal guide through the home retrofit process. Clara is here to help you: 

• Understand your home’s energy performance 
• Learn about upgrade options like insulation, heat pumps, and air sealing 
• Navigate available rebate and incentive programs 
• Prepare for your home energy assessment 

She’s here to make the process easier and clearer, so you can take the next step with confidence. 

Five Questions with Your Energy Coach, Clara Blakelock 

What’s the most common question you get from homeowners considering a retrofit? 

I very often hear from people who have heard about an incentive program that is being promoted, and they’re looking for trusted advice about what is available and how it might apply to their home. These programs can get complicated quickly, especially when there are multiple offerings that can be stacked together. Rather than interacting with a call centre, a lot of homeowners choose to call me to help them figure out their best options.  As part of my job, I learn the details of all the different rebate and loan programs, and because I work for a trusted organization in the community, people know that they can expect accurate, unbiased advice by calling me.  

Where should people start if they’ve never done anything like this before? 

There is a lot to consider when you’re thinking about upgrading your home. What is most important? What should be done first? How will some upgrades impact others? How much is it going to cost, and how much is it going to save? 

A home energy assessment by a registered energy advisor will teach you a lot about your home, how it is using energy now, where it is losing heat, and what upgrades are a priority, so this is a great place to start. The blower door test in particular can be particularly revealing, showing you where air is leaking from your home.   

If you’re not ready to invest in a home energy assessment just yet, you can start by getting yourself educated. Keeping the Heat In is an excellent, accessible resource from Natural Resources Canada that can help you understand the basics of building science, energy efficiency, and the “house-as-a system” approach to upgrades. It really helps to have a knowledge base before you start engaging with contractors.  

You’re also welcome to schedule a conversation with me, where we can discuss the current state of your home and what some of the options for upgrades might be. Once you get your energy assessment done, we can get further into the details.  

What do you wish more people knew about energy efficiency upgrades? 

I think a lot of people don’t realize just how much energy is wasted in most of the buildings we’re using today. Whether it’s drafty houses, lack of insulation, or inefficient furnaces and water heaters, so much of what people are paying in energy bills is actually going right outside and not towards improving their standard of living.   

Improving the energy efficiency of your home isn’t just about lowering your bills. It’s also about making your home more functional – it can mean that areas of your home that you couldn’t use before because they were too hot or too cold are now comfortable living spaces.  

I also want people to know how achievable it is to significantly reduce their home’s greenhouse gas emissions. In Peterborough, we have seen hundreds of homes reducing their emissions by 30% or more. 

What types of upgrades do you see most often in Peterborough homes? 

The number one upgrade we see in Peterborough homes are air source heat pumps. Heat pumps are highly efficient heating and cooling systems that are powered with electricity. When homeowners are replacing a furnace or air conditioner, a heat pump is a great option. Homeowners who have installed heat pumps are usually very impressed with how quiet they are, as well as how comfortable and even both the heating and cooling are.  

We also see lots of homeowners upgrading their insulation, whether in the attic, basement or walls, with great results. 

In terms of the best value for money, nothing beats improving the air tightness of homes. Using the results of the blower door test from their energy audit as a starting point, I’ve seen homeowners who take air sealing seriously reduce their rate of air leakage by 20% or more, often using a do-it-yourself approach. This improves the performance of all the other upgrades they might be doing in their home, as well as the home’s comfort by eliminating drafts.  

What’s your favourite part of helping people on their retrofit journey? 

I think it’s getting the chance to be a trusted resource in the middle of what – between disruption to the home, dealing with multiple contractors, and navigating loan and rebate programs – can often be an overwhelming and complex process. I get to give my clients an extra sense of security by being an impartial source for them to run ideas by and ask for advice, whether it’s about different approaches to insulation, or what qualifies for which rebate or loan program. I appreciate getting to work with members of my own community to tackle this important challenge of retrofitting their homes.  

And, of course, it’s great when my clients complete their retrofits and are happy with the results –whether that’s lower bills, a more comfortable home, or lower greenhouse gas emissions.  

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To reach out to Clara Blakelock or the Better Homes Peterborough team, email betterhomesptbo@envirocentre.ca or call 1-888-284-9417 (toll-free).

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.