# What is an energy-efficient home?

- Link: https://buildingexpert.ca/blog/2024/09/13/what-is-an-energy-efficient-home/
- Published: 2024-09-13T13:36:03-04:00
- Author: Larbi Toumi

**Any home can be more energy-efficient**

Any home, no matter when it was built, can be energy-efficient. Modern construction
standards demand greater energy efficiency in new homes, but older homes can be 
upgraded to improve their energy performance. And the people living in these homes
can be energy-efficient in their habits, too.

**An energy-efficient home is…**

![](https://buildingexpert.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NRCan_EnerGuide_House_Illustration-
1024x738.jpg)

**Cost-effective**

It’s got a great EnerGuide rating. That means it’s well insulated and airtight, 
with high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment that helps keep utility bills
low. It’s outfitted with low-flow accessories to lower water consumption and water-
heating costs. The people living in this home keep inside temperatures reasonable,
use electricity wisely and buy ENERGY STAR^(®) certified products and appliances.

**Comfortable and healthy**

It’s warm in winter, cool in summer and free of drafts. The home has great ventilation
and excellent air quality; it’s never too humid or dry. The people living there 
use a programmable thermostat to manage heating and cooling at night and when they’re
away.

**Always adding value**

This home’s fixtures and upgrades show a commitment to energy efficiency that adds
resale value. Newer windows and doors, and high-efficiency lighting and appliances
not only save money and energy, they also look great to buyers. And investments 
in renewable energy like solar panels can pay off for years to come.

**Kind to the environment**

All the efficient features and elements work together to lower energy consumption,
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shrink the home’s carbon footprint.

[FIND AVAILABLE INCENTIVES IN YOUR AREA](https://buildingexpert.ca/provinces/)

**Useful links and sources:**

Learn how you can [make your home more energy-efficient](https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/make-your-home-more-energy-efficient/20550).

Take charge of your home’s energy performance with an [EnerGuide energy efficiency home evaluation](https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/energuide/energuide-energy-efficiency-home-evaluations/20552).

What does the [EnerGuide](https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/what-energy-efficient-home/what-does-energuide-label-mean/20562)
label mean?

[https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/what-energy-efficient-home/20548](https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/what-energy-efficient-home/20548)

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## About our expert:

![](https://buildingexpert.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Larbi_Toumi.jpeg)

### **Larbi Toumi,** Ambassador / Energy Advisor / Quality Assurance Specialist