A Net-Zero Home: Good for Your Family, Good for the Planet

Home Building & Renovation Trends

Interested in improving the comfort of your home while reducing your utility bills and your carbon footprint? Enhance your Markham home’s energy efficiency with a net-zero home renovation.

whole home renovation netzero building in progress in markham ontario

Proper insulation is the key to home comfort.

net-zero-completed-home in markham exterior

The result is a beautiful, energy-efficient home.

What Is a Net-Zero Home?

Net-Zero homes not only reduce the use of energy but also produce it. Ideally, a net-zero home makes as much energy as it uses, leaving a net-zero carbon footprint. More commonly used in new home construction, the approach can also be incorporated into renovation plans for existing homes.

A net-zero renovation is an excellent idea if:

Your home is freezing in the winter and scorching hot in the summer
Family members frequently develop headaches, sinus problems, or asthma flare-ups due to the poor air quality inside your home
Outside noise makes it difficult to enjoy your home
Your energy bills are too high
You’re concerned about the environment and want to do your part to protect the planet

netzero custom kitchen renovation with barstool at island yellow pendant lights and hexagonal backsplash in markham

What’s Involved in a Net-Zero Home Renovation in Ontario?

Your Markham net-zero renovation includes products and techniques designed to increase efficiency without harming the environment. As part of your renovation, we may install:

Solar Panels

Solar panels added to your roof or yard power your home by harnessing the sun’s ability to produce electricity. If your house produces more energy than you need, you may be able to sell the excess power to the utility company. Ontario is the ideal place to install solar panels, as the province receives more solar irradiation (light energy output) than many other parts of the country, according to Energy Hub. Thanks to the energy produced by your solar panels, you may notice a significant decrease in your utility bills. Solar panels usually last about 25 years and can be purchased or leased.

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Upgraded Insulation

Insulation helps your house stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Insulation is rated by its R-value, the ability of the product to resist heat. If you live in an older home or a newer home with insufficient insulation, adding new insulation with a higher R-value offers a simple way to reduce the burden on your heating and cooling system. Replacing your insulation may also lower your utility bills and prevent energy loss through the walls or roof of your home.

Energy-Efficient Doors and Windows

Windows and doors are a common source of energy leaks in your home. During your Markham net-zero renovation, we’ll add double- or triple-paned windows designed to meet net-zero recommendations. Energy-efficient doors and windows reduce the amount of heat lost through the glass and contain special coatings that prevent ultraviolet light from making your home too warm in the summer. Replacing insulation, doors, and windows keeps your home quieter by making outdoor sounds less noticeable.

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Heat Pump

A heat pump offers an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly way to heat and cool your home. When it’s cold, the pumps pull heat from the air and circulate it throughout your home. During hot summer days, the heat pump removes heat from your home. Heat pumps are less expensive to run than other types of heating systems, don’t produce carbon emissions that affect the air quality inside and outside your home, and tend to last longer than furnaces. Today’s heat pumps can continue to provide warm air even if the outside temperature drops to -8C.

ENERGY STAR Appliances

Appliances that have received the ENERGY STAR designation require less energy to run and help you achieve net-zero status. Adding these appliances to your home during your renovation is yet another way to lower your utility bill and reduce the amount of electricity you use. Appliances manufactured to meet ENERGY STAR requirements include washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, air purifiers, televisions, and computers.

Water-Saving Systems

According to Danamark, the average Canadian uses 335 litres of water per day. Cooking, drinking, bathing, dishwashing, flushing the toilet, and doing laundry account for many of those litres used. In addition to buying energy-efficient washers and dishwashers, you can reduce the amount of water you use by installing low-flow and motion-activated faucets and adding tankless water heaters to your renovation. These water heaters produce hot water only when it’s needed rather than continually maintaining a supply of hot water like traditional water heaters.

Energy-Efficient Lights

Older light fixtures use much more electricity than newer versions. Energy-efficient fixtures still provide ample light but won’t increase your energy costs. Most of these fixtures use light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs that are 90% more efficient than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs and last 15 times longer, according to the Government of Canada.

Smart Home Technology

Smartphone-controlled thermostats learn your temperature preferences depending on the time of day and can be adjusted remotely. Smart sprinklers only turn on the water when the soil is too dry, while smart humidity sensors automatically decrease humidity when it’s too high.

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What Are the Key Benefits of a NetZero Renovation?

Value

A NetZero home brings together quality construction, energy efficiency, and user-friendly home technology, giving you tremendous value for your money.

Comfort

A NetZero home takes comfort to the next level. Your family will feel great all year, in every part of the house. Say goodbye to intrusive outside noise, drafty rooms, and cold floors under your feet.

Health

A NetZero home is a healthier home for your family. The superior air filtration system reduces allergens and asthma triggers such as dust, pollen, and outdoor air pollution. You will experience improved indoor air quality throughout your home.

Control

A NetZero home gives you more control over your energy consumption and costs and provides you greater independence from your electric utility company. This cutting-edge technology allows you to monitor the status of your home at a glance.

Responsibility

You’re doing your part to protect the planet against climate change and preserve natural resources for future generations. A NetZero home is the most responsible choice for the environment and your family.

Bottom line – NetZero is good for your family and good for the planet.

A NetZero Home in Markham, Ontario

Considering a zero-net renovation for your Markham home? Get in touch with us and we’ll help you explore ways to make your home more environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

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