Read up on four lesser-known benefits that Net Zero Homes have over homes built just to meet building code minimums.

As the desire for extremely energy efficient homes grows in popularity across Canada, many homeowners are asking Qualified Net Zero Builders/Renovators to deliver their Net Zero dream homes.

Canadian home buyers are increasingly showing interest in Net Zero Homes, and builders and renovators across the country are expertly producing the goods.

Canada has committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. But the country won’t be able to get there without significant energy efficiency improvements to Canada’s existing homes.

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.

As the energy efficiency of homes becomes a higher priority for Canadians, many are trying to decide if a Net Zero Home is right for them. With the ease of information sharing these days, there are also a lot of myths about these high-performance homes. As a result, these myths sometimes cause confusion about what Net Zero Homes really are and how they work.

Home energy efficiency is a growing topic of conversation among Canadians. Buyers and homeowners are increasingly showing interest in Net Zero Homes – and builders and renovators across Canada are delivering.

As home energy efficiency becomes a growing priority for home buyers and homeowners across Canada, custom or renovated Net Zero Homes, as well as production Net Zero Homes, are having their moment in the sun. From high-efficiency windows to a tighter building envelope, builders and renovators are increasingly being asked to meld energy efficiency requirements with great design. And their efforts are certainly quashing the myth that extremely efficient homes require sacrificing beautiful design.

Every part of a Net Zero Home works together in harmony to create the ultimate energy efficient living space. Every aspect of the home, including the building envelope, mechanical systems, and renewable energy systems, works together as a system to ensure peak performance. Through advanced “building science” techniques, technologies, and products, builders can significantly reduce a home’s energy consumption. Here are the three main components of a Net Zero Home.

Have you ever looked at your utility bill and wondered how you possibly used so much energy? As more workplaces adopt a work from home model, you’re likely using more energy than you ever have before. But if you’re someone who follows responsible protocols to conserve energy – like switching off the lights when they’re not in use or shutting down your computer at night – it might come as a surprise to you that turning off your devices doesn’t mean they don’t consume energy.

Today’s homes increasingly prioritize energy efficiency – whether it be through high-efficiency windows, energy efficient appliances, or a tighter building envelope. So, it’s no surprise that Net Zero Homes are gaining popularity among home buyers and homeowners.

Net Zero Homes were once only seen in custom homes, but committed and passionate builders across Canada are now offering Net Zero production homes and even full communities. Energy efficient homes are becoming more desirable to many Canadians who are looking for superior quality, greater comfort, and who want to be environmentally responsible. And Net Zero communities are helping reach Canada’s emission reduction targets

As the effects of climate change redefine how we think about our energy consumption, more home buyers and homeowners are prioritizing home energy efficiency by purchasing a Net Zero Home or renovating their home to Net Zero. But for those who are still exploring their options, a major question asked by customers is: Can a Net Zero Home really be cost-effective for the average buyer?

As home energy efficiency continues to be prioritized by new buyers, and government incentives like the recent Greener Homes Grant make home energy efficiency renovations more accessible to homeowners, Net Zero / Net Zero Ready Homes are growing in popularity. And as the products and techniques used to achieve Net Zero evolve, trained builders and renovators are becoming more creative with the designs they implement for their clients.

Good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) are both key to a healthier and more comfortable living experience. On top of being far more energy efficient than conventional homes, Net Zero Homes provide exceptional IAQ and IEQ for greater wellness and comfort. In this post, we break down why Net Zero Homes are healthier and more comfortable to live in.

An energy efficiency renovation improves the energy performance of your existing home. Undertaking an energy efficiency renovation on your home is an investment that delivers a multitude of benefits that you will enjoy immediately, and it can also increase the value of your home when/if you decide to sell.

Thinking about building a new home or renovating your existing one? Investing in energy efficiency for your home will pay off in lower energy bills and can even increase the value of your home. But not all energy efficient homes are the same. There are a few options that you and your builder/renovator can choose from if you want to verify the energy performance of your home.

If you’re purchasing a Net Zero Home, whether it’s a model from a builder you love or you’re building a custom home, your main point of contact is likely going to be your builder. If you’re renovating your home to Net Zero, your renovator is your main point of contact, though if you’re still living in the home for parts of the renovation you may end up meeting many of the professionals involved in your home’s transformation.

Net Zero Homes put on their best show yet in this year’s CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence. From rustic to modern, budget-friendly to luxury, new builds to renovations, qualified Net Zero builders and renovators across Canada showed that Net Zero Homes are pushing the envelope in energy efficient design, construction, and renovation.

If you’ve researched energy efficient homes, you’ve probably come across the terms “Net Zero” and “Net Zero Ready.” But what do they mean, and how are they different? We’re breaking down the differentiating features of a Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Home.

Energy Advisors (EAs) are specialists in rating home energy efficiency, and they provide guidance to homeowners who are interested in improving their home’s efficiency. EAs are registered by National Resources Canada (NRCan) to deliver EnerGuide Rating Systems (ERS) for new or existing homes.

Diversity in Net Zero builds wasn’t lacking this year for finalists of the 2020 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence, powered by Avid Ratings Canada. From custom homes in the country, homes with budget-friendly mindfulness, suburban homes for growing families, a complete Net Zero renovation of an existing heirloom home, to an urban project that pushes the boundaries of density without losing heritage roots – qualified Net Zero builders did what they do best this year.

Net zero homes are an excellent option for those looking for a comfortable, energy efficient space. By producing as much clean energy as they consume, net zero homes are up to 80% more energy efficient than typical new homes.