Discover practical energy efficiency improvements for Canadian homeowners. From quick wins to long-term upgrades, we guide you toward a more comfortable, cost-effective home.
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Expert-curated articles to help you make the biggest impact on your home's energy performance.
Beginner
Learn why proper attic insulation is the foundation of home energy efficiency. This comprehensive guide covers R-value requirements for Canadian climates, material options like fiberglass and cellulose, and how to spot insulation gaps that waste energy.
Solar Basics
Explore the fundamentals of residential solar PV systems in Canada. Understand panel efficiency in northern climates, typical system sizes for Canadian homes, net metering programs by province, and what to ask solar installers before committing.
Quick Win
Discover how programmable and smart thermostats reduce energy waste by automatically adjusting temperatures when you're away or asleep. This guide covers installation basics, optimal temperature schedules for Canadian seasons, and compatibility with your existing HVAC system.
Explore six essential areas to transform your home's energy performance.
Simple, low-cost actions that deliver immediate energy savings, like LED bulbs, power strips, and draft stoppers.
Understand R-values, attic upgrades, basement wall insulation, and how to seal your building envelope against Canadian winters.
Learn weatherstripping techniques, caulking best practices, and how to eliminate drafts around windows, doors, and outlets.
Switch to energy-efficient lighting and smart controls. Save up to 75% on lighting costs with modern LED technology.
Choose ENERGY STAR appliances, understand EnerGuide labels, and reduce plug loads from idle electronics.
Explore solar panel basics, net metering, system sizing, and whether solar makes sense for your Canadian home.
Our most-read guides covering every aspect of home energy improvement.
Beginner
Compare window efficiency ratings, understand U-factor and solar heat gain coefficients, and learn when triple-pane windows justify their higher cost in cold climates. Includes regional recommendations for different Canadian climate zones.
Safety First
Prevent moisture problems while upgrading basement insulation. This guide covers vapor barrier placement, interior vs. exterior insulation, rigid foam boards, and how to meet building code requirements while preventing mold and condensation issues.
Beginner
Modern cold-climate heat pumps can operate efficiently down to -25°C or lower. Learn how they work, typical efficiency ratings, backup heating requirements, and whether they're right for your home. Includes real-world performance data from Canadian installations.
Quick Win
Calculate energy savings from LED conversion, choose the right color temperature for different spaces, understand lumens vs. watts, and learn dimming compatibility. This practical guide helps you select the perfect LED bulbs for every room in your home.
Beginner
Decode ENERGY STAR labels and EnerGuide ratings to understand real-world energy consumption. Compare refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine efficiency, calculate payback periods, and learn which appliance upgrades deliver the best return on investment for Canadian households.
Beginner
Install whole-home energy monitors or smart plugs to identify energy hogs. Learn about different monitoring technologies, how to interpret consumption data, set energy budgets, and use insights to optimize your home's energy use patterns throughout the day and year.
Quick Win
Seal air leaks around doors and windows with minimal tools and cost. This hands-on guide covers measuring gaps, choosing weatherstripping materials, installing door sweeps, and sealing electrical outlets. Perfect for renters and first-time homeowners seeking immediate improvements.
Seasonal
Reduce window heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer with strategic window coverings. Learn about R-values for window treatments, cellular shade designs, thermal curtain fabrics, and optimal usage patterns to maximize seasonal comfort while reducing HVAC loads.
Real experiences from people who've transformed their homes' energy performance.
"After following the attic insulation guide, our heating bills dropped by 30% the first winter. The step-by-step checklist made it easy to verify the contractor's work. Best home improvement investment we've made."
"The LED conversion guide saved us over $600 annually. We replaced 32 bulbs throughout the house, and the recommended color temperatures for each room made a huge difference in comfort. Payback was under one year."
"I was skeptical about air sealing making a difference, but the draft detection tips helped me find leaks I never knew existed. Simple weatherstripping and caulking reduced our gas bill by 18%. The guides are practical and jargon-free."
Recently published articles with the newest energy efficiency insights for Canadian homes.
Quick Win
Stop air leaks through electrical outlets and switch plates on exterior walls. This quick guide shows you how to install foam gaskets behind faceplates in under 5 minutes per outlet. A simple, affordable project that reduces drafts and improves comfort in bedrooms and living spaces.
Beginner
Learn to read time-of-use rates, demand charges, and distribution fees on your utility bill. This guide explains provincial rate structures, how to identify consumption patterns, and strategies to shift usage to off-peak hours for maximum savings in Ontario, BC, and other jurisdictions.
Safety First
Proper attic ventilation prevents ice dams, roof damage, and insulation degradation. Understand the ratio of intake to exhaust vents, ridge vent installation, soffit vent requirements, and how to maintain airflow even with thick insulation. Essential reading before any attic upgrade project.
Quick Win
Reduce standby heat loss from older water heaters with an insulation blanket. Learn which tank types benefit most, proper installation techniques, safety precautions for gas units, and how to calculate energy savings. This one-hour DIY project can save 7-16% on water heating costs annually.
Browse our comprehensive guides organized by home improvement area.
Simple, low-cost actions that deliver immediate results for renters and homeowners.
Browse GuidesMaster the building envelope with attic, wall, and basement insulation strategies.
Browse GuidesReduce heat loss and gain through strategic window and door improvements.
Browse GuidesOptimize HVAC systems, thermostats, and heat pumps for Canadian climates.
Browse GuidesSwitch to LED technology and smart controls for up to 75% lighting savings.
Browse GuidesChoose ENERGY STAR appliances and eliminate phantom power waste.
Browse GuidesUnderstand residential solar panels, net metering, and system sizing basics.
Browse GuidesTrack energy use, maintain systems, and optimize performance year-round.
Browse Guides