New home energy savings AI-tool launching in Durham

Durham Region has introduced the innovative Virtual Home Energy Assessment Tool as part of the Durham Greener Homes Program.

The tool utilizes artificial intelligence to generate a digital energy score to help individuals understand their home’s energy consumption compared to similar properties.

Additionally, the upgrade offers a customized “retrofit road map” to guide homeowners in reducing energy consumption and achieving cost savings, according to the durham.ca website.

Home energy use is a significant monthly expense for Durham residents and contributes over 30 per cent of the region’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.

The software aims to assist those in beginning their retrofit journey and connecting them to additional resources, such as Durham Greener Homes Energy Coaching, for hands-on support.

Customers can access this tool by creating an account for their home address and providing information about their residence, including any previous upgrades.

The tool also offers personalized renovation recommendations to help reduce overall energy consumption.

The Durham Greener Homes Program and Virtual Home Energy Assessment Tool will enable homeowners to take advantage of cash-back incentives and low or zero-interest loans through government and utility-run programs.

Residents may receive a Deep Retrofit Rebate incentive for reducing their energy use (Gigajoules/year) by at least 50 per cent between pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations, as noted on durhamgreenerhomes.ca.

Incentives range from $2,500 to $5,000 for achieving 50 per cent or greater energy use reductions, with incentives increasing by $50 for every 1 per cent of energy use reduced over 50 per cent.

In partnership with Windfall Ecology Centre, local area municipalities, and energy utilities, the Durham Greener Homes Program is a key part of the Region’s response to the Durham Regional Council’s climate emergency declaration.

The program is funded by a $3.4 million investment from the Community Efficiency Financing initiative, offered through the Green Municipal Fund and is funded by the Canadian government.

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