Heating & Cooling

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Electric Vehicle Chargers

Electric Vehicle Chargers, more commonly known as EV Chargers or Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations, deliver energy to both all-electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. 

Types of Home Chargers

  • Level 1 chargers, which use a standard 120 V wall outlet and provide 3 to 8 km of range per hour of charging time. Level 1 chargers can take 8 to 16 hours for a full charge.
  • Level 2 chargers, which require a 240 V wall outlet (like those used for clothes dryers and electric stoves) and provide 16 to 80 km of range per hour of charging time. They require 4 to 6 hours to fully charge, depending on the battery size.

What to Look For

  • Install an ENERGY STAR® certified model which use 40per cent less energy when not actively charging a vehicle – which is typically 85 per cent of the time.
  • Consider a unit with Wi-Fi technology to allow for remote power monitoring.
  • If you do not park your EV in a garage, you’ll need a charger rated for outdoor use.

Things to Consider

  • Charging at home, and at night, is the least expensive way to charge your electric vehicle.
  • Level 2 chargers require a permit from an Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and should be installed by a licensed electrician.
  • If your main breaker is under 150 amps, installing a Level 2 charger will require your home’s electrical services to be upgraded.
  • Level 1 chargers are better suited for owners who drive, on average, less than 50 km a day.
  • Before plugging in a Level 1 charge, make sure the outlet is in good condition and does not supply any other outlets.
  • When ordering your charger, make sure the charging cable is long enough.
  • Before you start your project, apply to see if you’re eligible for the Better Homes Kingston Program.
  • Get a home energy evaluation to help you understand how your home uses energy and identify all improvement opportunities.
  • Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$1,700 to $4,000+, including installation.

Source: Natural Resources Canada

Energy Storage (Batteries)

Electric Vehicle Chargers, more commonly known as EV Chargers or Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations, deliver energy to both all-electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. 

Types of Home Chargers

  • Level 1 chargers, which use a standard 120 V wall outlet and provide 3 to 8 km of range per hour of charging time. Level 1 chargers can take 8 to 16 hours for a full charge.
  • Level 2 chargers, which require a  240 V wall outlet (like those used for clothes dryers and electric stoves) and provide 16 to 80 km of range per hour of charging time. They require 4 to 6 hours to fully charge, depending on the battery size.

What to Look For

  • Install an ENERGY STAR® certified model which use 40per cent less energy when not actively charging a vehicle – which is typically 85per cent of the time.
  • Consider a unit with Wi-Fi technology to allow for remote power monitoring.
  • If you do not park your EV in a garage, you’ll need a charger rated for outdoor use.

Things to Consider

  • Charging at home, and at night, is the least expensive way to charge your electric vehicle.
  • Level 2 chargers require a permit from an Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and should be installed by a licensed electrician.
  • If your main breaker is under 150 amps, installing a Level 2 charger will require your home’s electrical services to be upgraded.
  • Level 1 chargers are better suited for owners who drive, on average, less than 50 km a day.
  • Before plugging in a Level 1 charge, make sure the outlet is in good condition and does not supply any other outlets.
  • When ordering your charger, make sure the charging cable is long enough.
  • Before you start your project, apply to see if you’re eligible for the Better Homes Kingston Program.
  • Get a home energy evaluation to help you understand how your home uses energy and identify all improvement opportunities.
  • Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$1,700 to $4,000+, including installation.

Source: Natural Resources Canada

Smart Thermostats

Heating and cooling account for about two-thirds of your home’s energy use. A smart thermostat can keep your home comfortable and reduce your energy use by 8 per cent or more.

A smart thermostat, also known as a connected thermostat, makes it easy to monitor and control your home’s heating and air conditioning systems using a smartphone, computer or tablet. You can also set a schedule to reduce heating and cooling when you’re asleep or away from home.

What to Look For

Choose an ENERGY STAR certified model that allows you to control your heating and cooling systems remotely through your smartphone, computer or tablet.

Things to Consider

  • Before you purchase, make sure it will work with your home’s HVAC and electrical systems. Many popular models have online compatibility checkers.
  • A smartphone, tablet, or computer is needed to get the most out of your smart thermostat’s remote monitoring and control capabilities.
  • Lower your thermostat at night and when you’re away from home for several hours or more. You’ll save up to two per cent on your heating bill for every degree you roll back the temperature.
  • Before you start your project, apply to see if you’re eligible for the Better Homes Kingston Program.
  • Get a home energy evaluation to help you understand how your home uses energy and identify all improvement opportunities.
  • Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$200 to $500

Source: Natural Resources Canada

Solar PV Panels

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems convert energy from the sun into electricity. Solar PV panels have few operating costs and can be installed on any kind of home or building, providing a safe and reliable source of electricity that produces no on-site pollution or emissions. And the fuel – sunshine – is free!

What to Look For

  • Work with a qualified system designer to select the appropriate technology and system size for your home. The Canadian Solar Industries Association provides guidance on selecting qualified solar energy service providers.
  • Make sure your home is as energy-efficient as possible before you add solar. To determine the right size system for your home, review your energy bills for the past 12 months to see how much energy you use.
  • Hire a solar contractor and install and connect your system to the utility.

Things to Consider

  • Consider adding energy storage (batteries) to store electricity generated by your system for future use.
  • Before you install, make sure your roof is in good condition. It should be less than five years old.
  • The orientation of your roof matters – the priority should be south-facing roofs, followed by west and then east.
  • Trees and buildings that shade your roof can lead to a less powerful system.
  • Before you start your project, apply to see if you’re eligible for the Better Homes Kingston Program.
  • Get a home energy evaluation to help you understand how your home uses energy and identify all improvement opportunities.
  • Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$25,000 to $30,000 with installation.

Source: Natural Resources Canada

Water Heaters – Solar

Water heating accounts for approximately 20 per cent of your home’s energy bill. Solar hot water heaters, also known as, solar domestic hot water (SDHW) systems, use the sun’s energy to generate hot water, which lowers your energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.

Several solar hot water systems are available, but for year-round water heating in Canadian climates, it is important to pick a system that can be protected from freezing. Only freeze-protected systems will generate hot water when the temperature dips well below zero.

While solar water heaters have longer life expectancy than other models, they are generally designed for use with a back-up water heater, either electric or gas. A tankless (on-demand) model may be used as the back-up.

What to Look For

  • An ENERGY STAR® certified solar water heater will use 60 per cent less energy, on average, than a standard model.
  • Choose a freeze-protected system for year-round use.
  • Make sure you purchase a tank-size appropriate for the number of people in your house.

Things to Consider

  • Hire a qualified solar thermal systems contractor to install your system, as they will need experience in electrical, plumbing and carpentry. Solar hot water heaters must be installed to CSA standards.
  • Solar water heating systems almost always require a backup system for cloudy days and times of increased demand.
  • If you have a heated swimming pool, solar systems can drastically reduce your utility bills and save you even more.
  • Before you start your project, apply to see if you’re eligible for the Better Homes Kingston Program.
  • Get a home energy evaluation to help you understand how your home uses energy and identify all improvement opportunities.
  • Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$6,000 – $10,000 with installation.

Source: Natural Resources Canada

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