Energy efficiency has quickly become a top consideration for new home buyers. In fact, CHBA’s Home Buyer Preference Survey shows that energy efficiency features like high-efficiency appliances and windows are frequently among the top 10 features homeowners are looking for in their homes year-over-year.

This has led to a growing popularity in Net Zero Homes, with over 1,700 homes now labelled under CHBA’s Net Zero Home Labelling Program.

If you’re not familiar with Net Zero Homes, you might be wondering why more home buyers are interested in purchasing one. Or maybe you’re someone who already prioritizes energy efficiency in your daily life, and you want to know how you can take the next step in your journey.

In this blog post, we break down why you should consider a Net Zero Home for your next home purchase.

What is a Net Zero Home?

Net Zero Homes are built to be up to 80% more energy efficient than typical new homes, and, through the use of renewable energy systems, produce as much clean energy as they consume.

Net Zero Home by Made to Last Custom Homes, Duncan, BC with Ryan Hoyt Designs Inc. and Bernhardt Contracting Ltd.: “Quamichan Net Zero” – Finalist in the Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home category in the 2023 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

Benefits of a Net Zero Home

When choosing whether to buy a Net Zero Home or a conventionally built home, it’s important to weigh the costs-benefits of your decision. A Net Zero Home’s features cohesively work together to significantly minimize your household’s environmental footprint.  There are also other important benefits to consider that homes built only to the building code may not offer, including:

Better home energy performance

Living in a Net Zero Home allows you and your family to enjoy exceptional energy performance.

Built to higher standards than conventional new homes, a Net Zero Home is more durable, boasting high-performance windows and a better insulated roof and walls. These features all contribute to the home’s airtightness, and subsequently to the energy performance of your home.

Aerial view of solar array on Net Zero Home by Sinclair Homes, Kitchener, ON: “The Village Farm” – Finalist in the Best Production Net Zero Home category in the 2023 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

Exceptional home comfort

Net Zero Homes deliver exceptional comfort all year round – and are aptly dubbed the “ultimate in home comfort.” Advanced construction methods and materials along with superior heating, cooling and ventilation equipment means more even temperatures throughout the house, in turn making your space feel more comfortable by minimizing drafts.

A Net Zero Home also has better indoor air quality for healthier living, with a built-in filtered fresh air system that reduces allergens and asthma triggers, such as dust, pollen and outdoor air pollution.

Finally, the tightly built and well-insulated building envelope of a Net Zero Home makes it quieter. Virtually silenced is outside noise such as traffic, lawnmowers, and barking dogs.

Interior of Net Zero Home by Doug Tarry Homes, St. Thomas, ON with Progressive Countertops: “The Mapleridge” – Finalist in the Best Production Net Zero Home category in the 2023 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

Lower energy bills

Of course, affordability is always a factor when it comes to buying a new home. While the initial investment of a Net Zero Home can be more than a conventional home (though not always!), its tightly built envelope, added insulation, and more efficient mechanical systems will result in your energy bills dropping to an all-time low.

A Net Zero Home’s features will offset costs related to typical energy consumption, and there are plenty of examples of Net Zero homeowners reporting that they break even on their energy bills (or even enjoy an energy surplus)!

Mechanical room in Net Zero Home by Maison Design + Build, Saskatoon, SK: “Sustainable Historical Beauty” – Finalist in the Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home category in the 2023 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

All in all, Net Zero Homes provide a better living experience and offer exceptional value. With improvements to home energy efficiency and comfort, as well as lower energy bills, a Net Zero Home is a worthy option to consider in your quest to buy the home of your dreams.

Learn more about all the benefits of Net Zero Homes or, if you’re ready to consider a Net Zero Home, find a Qualified Net Zero Builder in your region here.

Looking for Net Zero Home design inspiration? Follow @chbanetzero on Instagram for beautiful and unique Net Zero Homes from CHBA members across Canada.