Homeowners can significantly decrease their carbon footprint by retrofitting homes with energy efficient appliances, renewable energy sources and better insulation.

Are you thinking about making some home improvements to your single-family home but unsure how to enhance your home’s energy efficiency? Get started with a free home energy coaching session, offered by the Centre for Community Energy Transformation (CCET).

CCET is a non-profit organization to help advance and support the transition to a low-carbon future across Peel Region.

Home energy retrofits can deliver greater comfort and savings on utility bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). By reducing the energy demand of a home, homeowners can directly contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions, helping with the fight against climate change.

Getting started: take advantage of a free energy coaching consultation

As part of the launch of CCET’s services, Mississauga residents can take advantage of free energy coach sessions for a limited time. CCET’s Energy Coaches will provide tools, resources and tailored recommendations to participants navigating or thinking about starting a home energy retrofit. This includes information about how to schedule a home energy evaluation, access available rebates and incentives, and any other home energy questions you may have. Connect with a coach today.

The benefits of home energy retrofits

Improving the energy efficiency in your home can bring multiple benefits throughout the year, in addition to saving energy. Retrofits like upgrading insulation, sealing leaks and installing energy-efficient windows and doors can significantly reduce the need for heating in winter and cooling in summer. As a result, you can enjoy a more consistent indoor temperature and a higher level of comfort without relying heavily on heating and cooling systems.

One of the most immediate benefits of these improvements is the reduction in utility bills. Homeowners can see a substantial decrease in their monthly energy costs by decreasing the demand on heating and cooling systems. These savings can accumulate over time, potentially offsetting the initial investment made in energy efficiency upgrades.

If you are ready to shrink your bills and carbon footprint with home energy retrofits without coaching consultations, CCET also provides other resources like information about available rebates and common upgrades you can consider such as:

• Adding insulation to your attic, basement walls and crawl spaces to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer
• Sealing gaps with weather stripping to stop drafts
• Installing an air source heat pump for efficient heating and cooling
• Switching to LED lighting for better energy use
• Replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient ones
• Upgrading your water system

Take action for World Environment Day

As World Environment Day approaches on Wednesday, June 5, it serves as a reminder about our collective responsibility we all have to protect, preserve and enhance our environment. The City of Mississauga is encouraging individuals to take positive environmental actions to preserve, protect and restore the environment. Homeowners can significantly decrease their carbon footprint by retrofitting homes with energy efficient appliances, renewable energy sources and better insulation. Something like installing a heat pump provides about three times the heating capability compared to a furnace using less energy.

Retrofitting your home is a major step, but don’t forget that smaller actions can also make a big difference. Reduce your carbon footprint for World Environment Day by:

• Walking, cycling or taking MiWay more, and driving less
• Reducing your food waste
• Increasing your number of plant-based meals
• Refusing, reducing and reusing items
• Installing a smart thermostat
• Choosing the cold-water setting on your washing machine

As part of the Climate Change Action Plan, the City is working with partners like CCET to provide residents with more information on how to retrofit their building or homes with low-carbon and resilient technologies. The City is continuing to look for opportunities to provide incentives for residents to retrofit their homes and help reduce their carbon footprint.

Not sure where to start on climate action? Learn more about the City’s Climate Change Action Plan and its progress here.