Heat protection: Retrofits
Measures you can take to keep your home cool during extreme heat events
Air sealing
Air sealing is one of the most affordable and easy ways to improve the energy-efficiency of a home. It's the single most important thing you can do to improve the energy-efficiency and should be the first step of any retrofit project. You can save up to 30% of your energy costs by air sealing areas where energy loss occurs.
Insulation
Insulation helps keep outdoor air from getting inside your home. It also prevents indoor air from escaping. It works by trapping pockets of air and slowing down the in/out process. For optimal energy-efficiency, your home should be properly insulated from the roof down to its foundation.
Windows and doors
Upgraded windows can make a significant difference to both the energy-efficiency and comfort of your home. Replacing single-pane windows with thermal-pane can eliminate cold drafts and lower your energy use substantially.
Shutters and blinds
Shutters and blinds can enhance a home's resiliency by offering both improved energy-efficiency and physical protection during heat waves and wind storms.
Cool roofs
Cool roofs reflect the sun's rays and reduce heat build-up through a light-coloured or highly reflective roofing product such as a coating, new membrane, or shingles.
Green roofs
Green roofs capture stormwater, improve air quality and support the growth of vegetation. They consist of a waterproofing membrane, drainage layer, organic growing medium (soil), and vegetation.
Smart thermostats
A simple and inexpensive switch to a smart thermostat can provide both a more comfortable home and reduce your energy use by 8% or more.
Heat pumps
Heating and cooling, most likely, accounts for the majority of the energy used in your home. Heat pumps will both heat and cool your home and can reduce your home energy costs by up to 50%.
Air exchangers / heat recovery ventilators
A Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV), often referred to as an air exchanger, is a ventilation device that helps make the air in your home healthier, cleaner, and more comfortable — by continuously replacing stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. During the heating season, an air exchanger captures heat from the stale air leaving your house, and uses it to preheat the fresh air coming into your house. This process is reversed during the cooling season.
Air conditioners
An ENERGY STAR® certified high-efficiency central air conditioner uses 8% less energy, on average, than a standard model.
Shade trees and shrubs
Planting trees and shrubs strategically around your property can significantly cool down your home on hot summer days and reduce energy use. These natural elements provide shade and wind protection, improve air quality, and absorb rainwater that could otherwise contribute to localized flooding.
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