Providing independent advice for Durham residents

Durham Greener Homes offers free home retrofit consultations, over phone or video conference, to Durham residents considering or already engaged in completing retrofits for a greener home.

Our Coaches offer independent advice and address any questions you may have about the complexities of your home’s energy or weather-ready upgrades. They are not affiliated with any product manufacturer or installation service provider.

All Durham Greener Homes Coaches have one or more of the following professional designations:

• Natural Resources Canada Registered Energy Advisor (REA)
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
• Professional Engineer (P. Eng.)

All our Greener Homes Coaches have:

• Knowledge and understanding of Natural Resources Canada EnerGuide Rating System.
• Knowledge and understanding of EnerGuide Energy-efficiency Home Evaluations.
• Knowledge and understanding of home energy-efficiency retrofits including upgrades to the building-envelope, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and renewable energy options.
• Knowledge and understanding of home weather-ready retrofits for flood protection, heat protection, and wind resilience.
• Knowledge and understanding of all the financial incentives available, including rebates, grants, free programs, and interest-free loans.
• Knowledge and understanding how to best combine (stack) the various incentives and retrofits for your particular situation.

What to expect when you talk to a Greener Homes Coach:

In the initial consultation (up to one hour) your coach will present the results of an, AI powered, virtual home energy assessment — based on your home’s archetype and the information provided by you prior to, or during, the call.

The virtual assessment will provide a sound starting point for a productive conversation about your home’s energy-efficiency and weather-ready upgrade potential.

Additional topics may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Discuss and facilitate next steps, including how to schedule an EnerGuide Energy-efficiency Evaluation with a Registered Energy Advisor, or to schedule a Weather-ready Home Assessment.
• Provide information about programs and services available to help Durham residents maintain a greener home that is energy-efficient and weather-ready.
• Discuss what is required to qualify for the various financial incentives available (including rebates, grants, free-programs and interest-free loans).

A Greener Homes coaching consultation could also focus on a range of project management issues, including:

• Reviewing the results of the EnerGuide report.
• Suggesting an initial prioritized scope of work for a home retrofit project.
• Providing service provider selection assistance, including but not limited to a link to contractor directories.
• Providing support in reviewing service provider quotes.
• Providing assistance with completing rebate and other financial incentive applications to ensure your eligibility and that all forms are filled out correctly.