While last week's cooler temperatures offered a slight reprieve, more summer heat is on its way ... which leaves many people considering the best way to stay cool.
Home energy upgrades are one of the best ways to stay comfortable indoors, both in the heat of summer and once the cooler temperatures arrive. And tools like heat pumps will become even more important with current research showing the region can expect more extreme weather, including hotter summer temperatures, with more extreme heat days and heatwaves.
"Most people are aware that heat pumps work to keep the house warm in the winter, but not everyone is aware that they also work in reverse in the summer to provide air conditioning," says Nikki Elliott, Capital Regional District’s Manager of Climate Action Programs.
“Not only do heat pumps and other energy-efficient upgrades help keep homes comfortable year-round, they also help to reduce carbon pollution," Elliott says, noting that buildings account for about 35 per cent of our region’s greenhouse gas emissions. "In addition, they’re also up to four times more efficient than a natural gas furnace or electric baseboards, which helps keeps energy bills low.”
Begin navigating your home energy upgrades today
So, where to begin on your home upgrade journey? Here in the capital region, the best place to start is with the free Home Energy Navigator program.
Sponsored by the CRD, Home Energy Navigator streamlines home energy upgrades and provides residents with free unbiased advice to help them transition to more efficient and cleaner homes, whether through a new heating system, better windows, improved insulation or even solar energy.
Since its launch in November 2022, hundreds of Greater Victoria residents have accessed Home Energy Navigator support for their home energy upgrades.
Here's how it works:
- Independent experts answer questions and provide local, objective guidance without sales pressure, such as how to sequence multiple retrofit measures and compare contractor quotes.
- They'll also share details about accessing rebates and financial programs like interest-free loans available to help cover the costs. For example, depending on household income, residents may be eligible to receive rebates that cover $44,900 of the cost of home energy upgrade costs.
Sign up for the Home Energy Navigator program and feel confident in your journey to a more efficient, comfortable and climate-friendly home! Visit www.homeenergynav.ca or call 1-866-381-9995 to get started.