Many homeowners and investors fantasize about transforming their beloved old homes and buildings into eco-friendly refuges without losing their charm. Consulting with a certified energy advisor can help you explore your options for various green upgrades, from sealing those sneaky air leaks to adding ground-source heat pumps that reduce greenhouse gasses.

In this guide, we’ll dive into how you can weatherize and green your rental property.

Get an assessment from an energy advisor

Getting an assessment from an energy advisor can help you eliminate the guesswork involved in finding solutions to make your rental properties more energy-efficient.

The Home Energy Savings Program helps homeowners in Prince Rupert and northern Vancouver Island improve energy efficiency through a comprehensive support system. After signing up, a representative provides personalized advice, arranges for an EnerGuide assessment to identify improvement areas, and assists in sourcing qualified contractors.

The program also offers guidance on available rebates and loans for financing upgrades and provides educational resources on various upgrades like insulation and heat pumps. This initiative strives to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions by providing solutions tailored to your needs.

Investigate and seal air leaks

Finding hidden air leaks can be as easy as getting a blower door test from a certified energy assessor. They’ll help you uncover leaks in the attic, the basement, uninsulated walls, and around your windows and doorways. Seal the leaks by insulating the attic and walls, adding weather stripping to your windows and doors, and caulking any gaps.

Upgrade heating and hot water systems

Energy-efficient heating and hot water systems have come a long way, so now’s the time to update your heating and water with energy-efficient upgrades. These upgrades can scale back on energy usage and lower energy bills, reducing your carbon footprint and becoming a significant selling point for potential tenants looking to minimize their utility bills.

Energy-efficient heating and hot water systems blend innovation with sustainability. Some energy retrofits and upgrades you can incorporate into your rental include:

• Air-source heat pumps
• Tankless hot water system
• Heat exchanger
• Lagging kit

Air-source heat pumps draw heat from the outside air, perfect for coastal BC. Tankless hot water systems—whether electric, gas, or propane—heat water on demand, eliminating the inefficiency of storage tanks. Heat exchangers capture and reuse waste heat in ventilation and hot water systems. Lagging kits insulate hot water tanks to prevent heat loss and reduce energy use. These advancements save energy and promote a more sustainable, conscientious way of living.

Choose sustainable materials for repairs

Choosing sustainable materials for repairs preserves the environment and enhances the value of your rental home.

For example, investing in the maintenance of wooden windows is a decision that pays off in the long run. With proper care, these windows can stand the test of time, lasting over a century while retaining their durability, natural beauty, and charm. Regular upkeep, such as painting and sealing, is all it takes to ensure their longevity.

Restoration over vinyl replacement preserves these elements’ timeless character and sustainability, adding lasting value and a sense of history to your home. 

Incentives for making your rental property greener

Making energy-efficient upgrades comes with many incentives. One of these is the Clean Buildings Tax Credit, which is a refundable income tax credit for retrofits improving the energy efficiency of commercial and multi-unit residential buildings with four or more units. If the retrofit meets energy-use targets, it offers 5% of qualifying expenditures made between February 22, 2022, and April 1, 2025. Applications can still be submitted until September 30, 2027.

FAQ: How to make your rental property energy efficient in BC