New home energy assessment tool now available in Durham Region

A new virtual home energy assessment tool (vHEAT) was recently launched in Durham Region as part of the Durham Greener Homes Program.

According to a news release put out by the Region earlier this month, the vHEAT uses artificial intelligence (AI), to produce a digital energy score that helps users understand how much energy their home consumes compared to homes of similar size, age, and type. The tool also provides each homeowner with a customized “retrofit road map” showing how they can reduce energy consumption, resulting in cost-savings.

“Home energy use is a significant monthly cost for Durham Region residents,” says the release. “It also contributes more than 30 per cent of total annual greenhouse gas emissions in the region.”

According to the Region, the objective of vHEAT is to help homeowners get started on their retrofit journey and connect them to other resources, such as Durham Greener Homes Energy Coaching, which can provide hands-on support through the process.

To use vHEAT, customers have the option to create an account for their home address and provide additional information about their residence - including any upgrades they have already completed. The tool also provides users with a set of personalized renovation recommendations to help reduce overall energy consumption.

Durham Greener Homes and vHEAT will help homeowners take advantage of cash back incentives and low or zero interest loans, available to residents though government and utility-run programs.

The Durham Greener Homes Program is delivered in partnership with Windfall Ecology Centre, local area municipalities, and energy utilities, and is a key part of the Region’s response to Durham Regional council’s climate emergency declaration. Funding is provided through a $3.4 million investment from the Community Efficiency Financing initiative, which is offered through the Green Municipal Fund delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada.

For complete information on home energy upgrades, access to a home energy coach, an interactive web-portal, and financing incentives, including the Deep Retrofit Rebate, visit DurhamGreenerHomes.ca.