New Virtual Home Energy Assessment Tool launches in Durham Region

A new Virtual Home Energy Assessment Tool (vHEAT) is launching in Durham Region as part of the Durham Greener Homes Program. vHEAT uses artificial intelligence to produce a digital energy score to help users understand how much energy their home consumes compared to homes of similar size, age, and type. The tool also provides each homeowner with a customized “retrofit road map” showing how they can reduce energy consumption, resulting in cost-savings.

Home energy use is a significant monthly cost for Durham Region residents. It also contributes more than 30 per cent of total annual greenhouse gas emissions in the region. The objective of vHEAT is to help homeowners get started on their retrofit journey and connect them to other resources, such as Durham Greener Homes Energy Coaching, to provide hands-on support through the process, provide information on cash back incentives as well as low or zero interest loans available to residents.

To use vHEAT, customers have the option to create an account for their home address and provide additional information about their residence - including any upgrades they have already completed. The tool also provides users with a set of personalized renovation recommendations to help reduce overall energy consumption.

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