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Live Net Zero Email Service

Home energy use is one of the biggest contributors to household carbon emissions.

Your household can cut emissions – while saving money and improving home comfort – by improving efficiency, reducing energy waste, and shifting to cleaner power sources.

What your household should aim for:

This challenge is about taking action to improve your home’s energy efficiency – from quick, low-cost fixes to major upgrades. It’s also about understanding how your household action can spur bigger climate and community shifts.

How is your household taking action? Start with where you are at, like switching to LED lights, adjusting your thermostats, or sealing drafty windows. Or, you might opt for a bigger change, like switching to an electric heat pump or installing solar panels. This is a journey.

  • What’s already working? Reflect on what you’ve already improved – and celebrate past efforts.
  • What’s next? Take at least one new energy-saving action – small or big – to move closer to a net zero home.
  • What can we all learn? Share insights, surprises, and lessons learned – to inspire Canadians to Live Net Zero!

Action ideas

Starting points:

  • Windows and doors can account for up to 25% of total heat loss in your home.
  • To receive the full benefit from a new furnace or heat pump, you need to have a well-sealed building envelope. a smart thermostat to automatically manage your heating and cooling.
  • Switch to LED lighting to cut electricity use.
  • Seal air leaks around windows and doors.
  • Wash clothes in cold water and hang-dry when you can.
  • Unplug electronics when not in use, or use smart power strips to reduce phantom loads.
  • In winter, close curtains at night and open them during the day to keep heat in and use natural sunlight. In summer, keep curtains closed or use heat-blocking films to stay cool.
  • If your utility offers time-of-use pricing, sign up to shift energy use to off-peak hours.
  • Set your water heater to 55°C for energy efficiency and safety.

Bigger moves:

  • Upgrade insulation in your attic, walls and basement to improve comfort and reduce heat loss.
  • Replace old windows and doors with high-efficiency models.
  • Install an electric heat pump for efficient heating and cooling.
  • Consider installing solar panels where electricity is not hydro-powered.
  • Right-size your home: if it’s larger than you need, think about downsizing or renting out unused space.
  • Join or support a community energy program working on efficiency or renewable energy in your area.

Shift the system:

  • See if your province or city offers rebates for insulation, electric heat pumps and home energy audits.
  • Find out if your utility offers time-of-use pricing and smart meters to encourage efficiency.
  • Contact your utilities, provincial and local officials to ask for stronger incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy.
  • Ask your utilities to offer time-of-use pricing.
  • Encourage governments to provide incentives for home renovations to improve energy efficiency and/0r create rental suites.
  • Encourage your landlord or condo board to invest in upgrades that improve building performance.
  • Get involved with community groups advancing home energy efficiency or renewable energy projects.
  • Start or join a neighbourhood bulk-buying program for solar panels or home retrofits.
  • Share what you’re learning beyond your household: it helps others take action too.
  • Join public conversations about the future of home energy, whether in person or online.

Track progress and share your results

  • Document before & after: Take photos or videos showing your upgrades.
  • Keep a journal: Track your energy costs and savings over time.
  • Use an energy calculator: Find an online tool to measure changes in your energy use.

 

Share and engage for a chance to win prizes!

To enter, share your actions on public social media with #LiveNetZero2025, and check the How to Enter page to make sure your entry counts. Follow along with the hashtag to see what others are doing too! Use these sample social media prompts – or develop your own:

“Before & After – Check out my home energy upgrade!”
“Biggest energy-wasting culprit in MY house – what’s yours?”
“What’s your dream energy-efficient upgrade?”
“How are you pushing for broader change?”

If you’re in our Top 10 for this Challenge, you’ll have a chance to win a grand prize of $10,000 or a runner-up prize of $500.

How to enter

Follow along...

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