Taking Your Home to Net-Zero 

Here are four ways you can bring your home to net-zero to produce as much energy as you use and start saving you money at the same time.
1. Get an energy model done for your home to prioritize the stages of your project. This is critical because it tells you how much insulation you need, how much of a difference windows make, what size of heating system you require and what size of solar system is needed to power your home. Call your energy provider, many offer free inspections.
2. Start with an exterior renovation, you could be adding insulation and triple-paned windows, and improving your overall airtightness. This could cost about $30,000 to insulate and improve airtightness, and about $15,000 for windows.
3. As your furnace and water heater wear out, replace them with electric heat pump models (furnace and water heater) and add a heat recovery ventilator to provide pre-warmed fresh air in your tightly sealed home. Mechanical upgrades will run about $15,000. You can also rent and you may find it cheaper to replace old models.
4. Put in a solar array sized big enough to provide all of your electricity needs, which now includes your heating and hot water systems. If you require a larger solar system, about 10 kilowatts, it will run about $30,000. Some areas offer energy buyback programs where whatever energy you don’t use can be sold back to the grid as a credit.
These can all be done individually so that you don’t have to bite off this massive capital cost right up front. A search online will still help you find many rebates in Ontario. If you are thinking of doing a home renovation project, turn it into one that pays for itself. Creating a net-zero home requires an investment, but it will pay you back every month for as long as you own your home. It’s the future of housing.