Maximizing Your Regina Home's Energy Efficiency and the Energy Audit

Everyone is looking for ways to save money and make their homes more energy efficient these days. Here, in Regina, as the summer is giving way to fall, and we all know winter is just around the corner, right now is a good time to give some thought to energy efficiency and how to improve it in our homes. Following some good tips from others who have learned from some of their mistakes can not only save you more money, it can save you headaches along the way.

First, if you already own a home that needs some energy efficiency upgrades, before you do anything, be sure to first have an energy audit done. While it will cost you up to $400 for the service, you could be eligible to receive a $750 rebate when all of your upgrades are completed, you will likely qualify for additional government rebates up to $5000, and you will be gaining expert advice. This will help you focus in on the best improvements to make and get more for the money you invest.

To find a certified adviser and make your audit eligible for government rebates and a retrofit grant, check with Natural Resources Canada (www.ecoaction.gc.ca), then follow these easy steps:

1. Hire a certified energy adviser to do an energy evaluation on your home.
2. Once you receive your energy audit report, look at your EnerGuide rating and your home energy action checklist, then choose the improvements you want to make.
3. Complete all the energy improvements within 18 months of the audit report.
4. Contact your certified energy adviser to come back to do a post-retrofit evaluation, confirm your new energy rating, and submit your rebate application on your behalf.
5. Watch the mail for your rebate cheque - you should receive it within 90 days.

When your home has been retrofitted, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the savings and energy efficiency that you’ve achieved. It doesn’t hurt that you’ll also enjoy getting that cheque in the mail!

If you’re in the market for a home that is already energy efficient, or simply want a new place to live that you can retrofit yourself, give me, Clair Whittington, a call! I am an expert and backed by Exit Realty Fusion, Canada’s first ecobroker, so I am well equipped to help you find the perfect home!