What you need to know about Ontario's universal home energy audits
Imagine buying a new home in July and being stuck with an expensive energy bill when December comes around. Imagine finding out that your new home is part of a huge environmental problem that's releasing toxins in the form of emissions into the air – the same air you and your children breathe. Now imagine being able to prevent all of those unpleasant and harmful things.
On June 8, 2016 the Government of Ontario released the Five Year Climate Change Action Plan, which aims to reduce the carbon emissions released throughout the province. These toxins are harmful to both our current health as well as the sustainability of the environment. An important part of the plan is the new requirement for Universal Home Energy Audits, which will be mandatory when selling a home in Ontario.
Carbon toxins such as greenhouse gas are harmful to the environment and are released in several of our everyday activities such as driving our cars and heating our homes. The Ontario government realizes that we – as citizens – need to reduce these emissions, so they're stepping in to encourage Ontario residents to make their homes more eco-friendly. Since we're the producers of these toxins only we can make the necessary changes to eliminate them. That’s what is hoped for with the Ontario home energy audit.
What is the Five Year Climate Action Plan?
The Five Year Climate Action Plan is a major step that Ontario as a province is taking towards the fight against climate change. The plan takes effect in 2016 and residents will see a number of changes from the Government towards creating a more sustainable environment until 2020.
In addition to the Universal Home Energy Audits the government will also introduce several other initiatives such as reducing emissions waste, lowering energy costs, maximizing agricultural resources, working with Indigenous communities as well as providing funding for the research and innovation of low-carbon and no-carbon programs.
How can the Universal Home Energy Audits help?
If you're selling your home it will be subject to a mandatory Universal Home Energy Audit. The audit shows potential homebuyers how energy efficient a home is and how it operates when it comes to heating and cooling. A high energy bill could be the deciding factor if buyers are choosing between two properties. The Ontario home energy audit is provided by and paid for by the government and it must be completed during the purchase process before the final contracts are signed.
According to a recent press release on Market Wired, the new Universal Home Energy Audits will help protect both consumers as well as the environment: "Mandatory home energy labeling is an initiative the Home Energy Transparency Coalition and its members have championed for many years as they believe it is a valuable tool that can be used to improve consumer protection, increase the value of homes, strengthen energy literacy, and encourage homeowners to contribute to the fight against climate change."
What you need to do about the Ontario home energy audit
If you have home renovations planned, make sure they're energy efficient. Not only will you be doing your part in creating a more eco-friendly environment, you will also be giving home buyers a reason to choose your home over the neighbours’ homes.