Benefits of a Net Zero Home
A Net Zero home generates as much energy as it consumes, eliminating the carbon footprint while providing a comfortable and sustainable living.
Climate Impact
A Net Zero home is one of the biggest contributions individuals can make to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Buildings and construction are responsible for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The majority of that is from single-family homes. The urgent need to reduce emissions highlights the importance that homeowners, like you, start the journey to a Net Zero home as soon as possible
A Net Zero home produces as much energy as it consumes. By making your home more efficient by upgrading insulation and windows, air sealing, and switching to heat pumps and energy-efficient appliances, you can reduce the energy used in your home. The energy you do use can be offset by electricity generated on-site using solar panels. Switching away from fossil fuels has a big impact on reducing the emissions of your home.
Throughout the 5 step process, Homes to Zero evaluates and recommends improvements to reduce the climate impact of your home.
Savings
Upgrading your home to Net Zero will not only reduce emissions – it could reduce your energy bills as well!
Since your home will produce the same amount of energy it utilizes, you will have lower utility bills that will stay low year-round, perhaps even eliminating some fossil fuel usage such as natural gas and oil. A Net Zero home also uses renewable energy systems such as solar panels to produce the energy it needs. Producing and storing your own energy leads to self-sufficiency and protects against future energy costs.
Homes to Zero’s Net Zero Assessment and Checklist provides you with important information about utility savings and rebates you can achieve through a Net Zero retrofit.
Comfort
Upgrades to insulation, windows, and air tightness lead to a more comfortable home. Increasing the insulation in walls and attics can help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, reducing the energy required for heating and cooling. As a result of these upgrades, air temperature is more consistent and controlled, and your home will be quieter since outside noise is decreased. Say goodbye to drafts and cold spots and hello to a quiet, comfortable home.
Airtight walls and advanced ventilation systems result in fresh, filtered air that is free of outside pollutants and allergens. The airtightness also means that homes are free of mold and water damage – often the cause of health problems. All of these add up to fewer allergy and asthma triggers for you and your family.
Studies have shown the negative health impacts of cooking with gas in our homes. An easy upgrade towards a Net Zero home is to purchase an energy-efficient induction stove that heats up food much faster and with more precise temperature controls, contributing to fewer emissions and better cooking results.
Home Value
Energy efficiency of the whole home, appliances, and windows were the top three rated ‘must haves’ by home buyers in 2021.1 75% of recent first-time homebuyers and 84% of those planning on buying a home consider an energy-efficient home as one of the important factors when considering a home to purchase. [2023 Sagen MI Canada's First-time Homebuyers Study by Environics Research on behalf of Sagen].
In some areas, an energy report is required to sell a home. As regulations come into effect, all homes will need to be Net Zero. By implementing upgrades now you will not only be reducing emissions sooner, but increase the value of your home.