Cut Energy Bills by 40% with a Full-Home Energy Retrofit

How Homeowners Can Cut Energy Bills by 40% with a Full-Home Energy Retrofit – And How You Can Too

Let’s say a homeowner like Steve, your average Canadian, thought his teenager’s long showers were the biggest culprit behind his high energy bills. But in reality, his outdated appliances, drafty windows, and inefficient HVAC system were draining his wallet every month. Steve realized his home was guzzling far more energy than necessary, and he needed a solution.

Like many Canadians, homeowners are losing money on energy bills without even realizing it. Heating and cooling alone account for around 65% of home energy use [1], and outdated appliances can add another 14.1% [2]. But by implementing a full-home deep retrofit, homeowners like Steve could slash their energy bills by up to 40%, saving around $1,500 CAD per year.

Here’s how targeting every corner of the home – from appliances to windows to smart thermostats – can transform your energy-draining house into a money-saving machine.

The Problem: Energy Drains Across Every System

Like many Canadian homeowners, Steve’s home was full of energy inefficiencies. From an aging furnace to leaky windows and older appliances, energy consumption was through the roof. According to Natural Resources Canada, major household systems like heating, cooling, and appliances consume up to 80% of the average home's energy use [1]. Focusing on just one system wouldn’t cut it – a comprehensive approach was needed.

Here’s where homeowners like Steve could be losing energy – and money:

• Heating and Cooling Systems: Responsible for nearly 65% of home energy use [1].
• Appliances (Fridge, Dishwasher, Washer/Dryer): Consumed around 14.1% of the home’s energy [2].
• Poor Windows & Doors: Drafty or inefficient windows and doors can increase energy costs by up to 30% due to air leakage.
• Inadequate Insulation: Insufficient insulation can raise energy bills by 20-40% through excessive heat loss or gain

The Solution: A Full-Home Deep Retrofit

To really maximize savings, a homeowner like Steve needs to optimize energy efficiency across all areas of the home. Here’s how a full-home deep retrofit can target multiple systems, cutting energy consumption and lowering bills.

1. Appliance Upgrades

A homeowner like Steve might start by upgrading their old appliances to Energy Star-certified models. These appliances are designed to use significantly less electricity:

• Fridge: Older refrigerators use up to 1,400 kWh per year, while newer Energy Star models use around 400-600 kWh, cutting energy use by more than 60% [3].
• Dishwasher and Laundry Machines: Upgrading to an Energy Star-rated dishwasher and washer/dryer can slash energy consumption by 15%, saving around $250 CAD per year.

2. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System

Replacing an aging furnace and air conditioning unit with high-efficiency models and adding a smart thermostat can help homeowners reduce heating and cooling costs by 20%.

• Smart Thermostat: Installing a smart thermostat allows homeowners to optimize temperature control, saving them around 10-12% on energy consumption, or $180 CAD annually [4].

3. Windows and Insulation

Windows and insulation are another major factor in home energy use. Homeowners like Steve can upgrade to Energy Star-rated windows and add proper insulation to seal off drafts and keep the temperature stable. This can reduce heating and cooling energy use by 15%.

• Windows: Energy Star windows help cut energy loss by 25-30%, potentially saving $150-300 CAD per year [5].
• Insulation: Adding high-quality insulation can reduce heating costs by another 15%.

4. Lighting and Smart Controls

Switching to LED lighting and installing smart lighting controls can make a huge difference as well. LED bulbs use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs [6], and smart controls allow homeowners to set lighting schedules to avoid wasted energy.

• Lighting: Upgrading lighting systems can reduce energy use by 10%, translating to about $200 CAD per year in savings.

Why Deep Retrofits Are the Key to Energy Savings

The true power of deep retrofits lies in optimizing multiple systems at once. Rather than focusing on just one area, a full-home approach ensures that appliances, infrastructure (windows, insulation), and home systems (HVAC, lighting) work together to maximize efficiency and deliver long-term savings.

The Results: 40% Energy Savings and $1,500 CAD per Year Back in Their Pocket

By addressing multiple systems through a full-home retrofit, homeowners like Steve can cut their energy consumption by up to 40%. Here’s how those savings break down:

• Appliance Upgrades: 15% reduction, about $250 CAD/year in savings.
• HVAC & Smart Thermostat: 20% reduction, about $600 CAD/year in savings.
• Windows & Insulation: 25% reduction, about $450 CAD/year in savings.
• Lighting & Smart Controls: 10% reduction, about $200 CAD/year in savings.

In total, homeowners could see annual savings of $1,500 CAD, making a deep retrofit not only an environmentally friendly decision but a financially savvy one as well.

The Secret Weapon: Government Incentives and the Greener Homes Loan

Fortunately, homeowners don’t need to cover all the costs out of pocket. Through the Canada Greener Homes Loan, they can access up to $40,000 at 0% interest through a loan that’s repayable over 10 years. This allows them to finance their entire retrofit without upfront costs, and the energy savings can easily cover the loan repayments over time.

There are also rebates available for homeowners who upgrade to Energy Star-certified appliances, smart thermostats, and windows, with the potential to receive up to $5,000 CAD in rebates for eligible retrofits. This makes deep retrofits more affordable and accessible for homeowners across the country.

Take Action: Get Your Free Home Energy Estimate Today!

Ready to see similar energy savings in your home? Start with Paddio’s free Home Energy Estimate, a quick 5-minute questionnaire that provides you with your home energy score, recommended upgrades, and access to government rebates and incentives. With the Canada Greener Homes Loan, you can get up to $40,000 at 0% interest to fund your retrofit and start saving right away.

Let Paddio handle the entire process from start to finish, so you can focus on enjoying lower bills and a more energy-efficient home.

References

1. Natural Resources Canada. (2023). Energy Use in Homes: Space Heating and Cooling. Canadian Centre for Energy Information.
2. Natural Resources Canada. (2023). Energy Use in Homes: Appliances. Canadian Centre for Energy Information.
3. Natural Resources Canada. (2023). Energy Star-Certified Appliances and Refrigerators. Canadian Centre for Energy Information.
4. Natural Resources Canada. (2023). Smart Thermostats: Energy Saving Benefits. Canadian Centre for Energy Information.
5. Natural Resources Canada. (2023). Energy Star Windows and Energy Loss Reduction. Canadian Centre for Energy Information.
6. Natural Resources Canada. (2023). LED Lighting and Energy Efficiency. Canadian Centre for Energy Information.

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