Our Homes

Why this challenge matters

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.

Action ideas

Starting points:

• Use 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 with weatherstripping.
• 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 50°C for energy efficiency and safety.

Bigger moves:

• Upgrade insulation in your attic, walls or 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 geothermal heating or solar panels (especially 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, heat pumps and home energy audits.
• Find out if your utility offers time-of-use pricing and smart meters to encourage efficiency.
  Contact your local officials to ask for stronger incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy.
• 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.

Show me the research

• Studies show that homes with better insulation and efficient heating/cooling systems lead to greater comfort, better indoor air quality, and reduced stress about energy costs. 
• Households can reduce their energy bills 20-40% through energy efficiency upgrades. (Natural Resources Canada)
• Making these changes builds climate resilience – ensuring that homes stay comfortable during extreme weather. 
• Homes with better insulation and smart heating systems see improved indoor air quality and lower respiratory issues. (American Lung Association) 
• Efficient homes maintain stable temperatures, reducing strain on heating and cooling systems.

Share & engage for a chance to win prizes!

To enter the Our Homes Challenge, share your actions on public social media using #LiveNet Zero2025, inspiring others to take action 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.