One way is to make it more comfortable and energy efficient. This makes it a nicer home to live in and improves its value. There is so much new technology and innovative materials that if you’re going to update a home, it makes sense to explore energy upgrades.
In our own home, WE UPGRADED our insulation with closed-cell spray foam (which not only seals every crack and crevice in your walls but also adds 300 percent structural integrity to the racking strength of your home), new windows and doors and a new heat pump and the results have been amazing. We HAVEN'T PAID A HYDRO BILL SINCE INSTALLING the heat pump and we still have credits to use up. It has been a highly-efficient form of heating for us this past winter.
This is what a “home retrofit” or "energy retrofit” is: the process of upgrading a home to be more comfortable and energy-efficient year-round.
Energy retrofits build many benefits for homeowners and building residents:
- A retrofitted home is more energy efficient which means that it is less costly to run, which equals money in the bank;
- A retrofitted home is more comfortable all year round, whether it’s hot, cold, wet, or windy;
- Many retrofits include the installation of heat pumps and this means that a home will be cooler in the summer thanks to a heat pump’s ability to provide cooling;
- Homes with heat pumps circulate cleaner air so living spaces will be healthier. In the summer with the increase in wildfire smoke this is a great benefit; and
- A retrofit can increase the resale value of a home.
Plus, right now, there are many funding opportunities available to assist with retrofit work. We have taken advantage of it, YOU CAN TOO!
You can download a range of materials and learn more by visiting communityenergy.ca/retrofit101
Considering buying an older home and need assistance with Buying or Selling? Contact us at HolgardGroup@gmail.com