Heating & Energy Efficiency
for Canadian Homes

A reference covering residential heating systems, building envelope insulation, and the energy audit process — written for homeowners navigating Canada's cold-climate reality.

Recent Articles

Insulation boards applied on a building exterior wall

How Canadian Homes Lose Heat in Winter

Air leakage, thermal bridging, and inadequate R-values account for most heating costs. A breakdown of where heat escapes and which fixes deliver the best return.

Heat pump system schematic diagram

Comparing Heating Systems for Cold Climates

Natural gas furnaces, electric heat pumps, hydronic baseboard, and wood pellet — a side-by-side look at efficiency ratings, upfront costs, and operating expenses in sub-zero conditions.

Diagram showing common residential energy efficiency features

What a Residential Energy Audit Covers

A certified energy advisor examines more than just the furnace. From blower-door tests to thermal imaging, here's what the EnerGuide audit process actually involves.

Insulation Standards in Canadian Building Codes

The National Building Code of Canada sets minimum effective thermal resistance (RSI) values for attics, walls, and foundations. Provincial codes often exceed federal minimums — Ontario's SB-12 and BC's Part 10 are among the most demanding. Understanding which RSI tier applies to your climate zone is the starting point for any retrofit.

Read about insulation

About This Resource

LocalHearth.org covers residential heating and energy efficiency for homes in Canada's cold-climate regions. The content focuses on technical accuracy: R-value and RSI equivalents, AFUE and HSPF ratings, EnerGuide scoring, and NRCan rebate programs that change year to year.

Articles are written for homeowners making real decisions — not for search engines. References are drawn from Natural Resources Canada, the NRC's Institute for Research in Construction, and provincial energy offices.

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Insulation material on a building wall

Contact

LocalHearth.org

1200 St. Laurent Blvd, Suite 301
Ottawa, ON K1K 3B8, Canada

Phone: +1 (613) 555-0142

Email: info@localhearth.org

Understanding the EnerGuide Rating System

Canada's EnerGuide label rates a home's annual energy consumption in gigajoules. A lower number means a more efficient home. Homes built before 1980 typically score between 300–500 GJ; a well-retrofitted house can reach below 100 GJ. The label is issued after a licensed energy advisor completes an on-site evaluation.

Read about energy audits
Disclaimer: The content on this site is provided for general informational purposes only. Nothing here constitutes professional engineering or energy-efficiency advice. Consult a licensed contractor or certified energy advisor for decisions specific to your home.