Free Kelowna workshop helps you discover how to save home energy this weekend

The City of Kelowna, in partnership with City Green’s Home Energy Navigator Program, is offering a series of free workshops this weekend to help homeowners make their homes more energy-efficient, comfortable, and resilient. These workshops come at a perfect time, as many residents seek to reduce energy costs while preparing their homes for the colder months ahead.

Grant Stott, Program Manager at City Green, emphasizes the importance of the program and the upcoming workshops, “This initiative is a key part of Kelowna’s Climate Action Plan. It helps residents not only lower their carbon footprint but also save on energy bills. The best part? It’s completely free for Kelowna homeowners."

The Home Energy Navigator Program is designed to walk residents through the steps needed to enhance their homes' energy efficiency. As Grant explains, “We offer free virtual consultations with energy experts who provide homeowners with a personalized 'retrofit roadmap.' This roadmap outlines prioritized steps for improving energy efficiency, whether it's sealing windows, upgrading insulation, or improving air quality. But at the end of the day, the homeowner makes the decisions, and there’s no obligation to follow through if they don’t want to.”

Why home energy matters

Stott notes that there are a variety of reasons why homeowners might consider participating in the program. “Energy efficiency upgrades aren’t just about saving money,” he says. “They’re about improving the overall comfort of your home, whether it’s dealing with hot summers, cold winters, or poor indoor air quality. We’ve seen a lot of interest from people who suffer from dust, allergens, or wildfire smoke, and improving a home’s energy efficiency can make a big difference in those situations.”

In addition to addressing comfort and air quality concerns, the program is also about resilience. With wildfires and other climate-related challenges becoming more frequent, many homeowners are looking for ways to fortify their homes against future events.

“Whether you’re looking to save on your utility bills, improve your home’s comfort, or reduce your carbon footprint, the Home Energy Navigator Program is here to help,” says Stott. “And it’s all free for Kelowna residents.”

Free workshops this weekend

To provide more hands-on guidance, the program is offering a series of free workshops starting this Friday, September 20th. These workshops will be held at several convenient locations, including Okanagan College, Sandstone Community Clubhouse, and Kelowna City Hall.

“We’ve designed these workshops to be interactive and engaging,” Stott explains. “We’ll be covering everything from DIY air sealing to upgrading windows and insulation. Participants will also get hands-on experience with some of the common energy-efficiency upgrades they can make in their own homes.”

In addition to learning practical tips, attendees will also gain insight into available rebates and incentives, which can make energy-efficiency upgrades even more affordable. “We’ll walk people through the various rebates they can apply for and how to make the most of the financial incentives available to them,” Stott adds.

No obligation, just information

One of the key features of the Home Energy Navigator Program is that there is no obligation to follow through with the recommendations. “We understand that some people might be hesitant to participate in a program like this because they’re worried about obligations or costs,” says Stott. “But I want to emphasize that there’s no catch. The advice we give is completely unbiased, and it’s up to the homeowner whether or not they want to proceed with any of the upgrades.”

For those who do decide to move forward, the program offers a concierge service to help guide homeowners through the process. “Your concierge will be with you every step of the way,” Stott explains. “From planning to reviewing contractor quotes to helping with rebate applications, we’re here to make sure everything goes smoothly.”

Don’t miss out: Register for the free event

Spaces for the workshops are limited, and pre-registration is required. Interested residents can sign up for the workshop that best fits their schedule by visiting homeenergynav.ca/events. As an added incentive, each workshop will include a raffle for a home efficiency gift basket, making it even more worthwhile to attend.

“These workshops are a great opportunity for people to learn about energy efficiency in a hands-on, practical way,” Stott concludes. “And with no cost to attend and plenty of valuable information, there’s really no reason not to come.”

Whether you're looking to save on your energy bills, make your home more comfortable, or simply learn more about what energy-efficiency upgrades might be right for you, these workshops are an excellent place to start. Don’t miss your chance to take advantage of this free, informative opportunity.