Upgrade your older home to:
- make it more comfortable;
- improve how it functions;
- increase it's aesthetic appeal: and
- reduce maintenance demands.
You must follow the National Building Code (NBC) to retrofit your Yukon home. In Yukon we also have Yukon-specific laws and regulations.
- Request a copy of the National Building Code
The City of Whitehorse has developed codes for construction in the city.
New heated buildings and additions must have the minimum R value for home construction. This doesn't apply to residential accessory buildings like unheated sheds and garages.
You might need a permit and inspections for home maintenance projects. Email buildingsafety@yukon.ca or contact the City of Whitehorse Bylaw to find out if you need a building permits.
Look at your whole home to identify what you need to repair or replace. Contact a building professional if you don't know what to check for. They will examine your home and recommend:
- how to get the best return for your investment; and
- how to address your home's critical safety deficiencies.
These Energy Efficient Housing Guidelines for Whitehorse or Energy Efficient Housing Retrofits guidelines may help you identify projects to upgrade your home.
Appliances
Replace older appliances with new energy efficient models. Find out about the government's appliance rebates.
Windows and doors
Replace old windows and doors with high-efficiency models. These use low-E coatings, inert gas fills and use better edge spacers and frames. They offer significant improvements in solar control, thermal comfort and energy savings.
Natural Resources Canada's guide to modern windows and doors
Electrical systems
Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in bathrooms, kitchens and outdoors. They help prevent electrocution. Run regular tests on them to make sure they work.
Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV)
Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV) exchange stale moist air with clean oxygenated fresh air. They minimize heat loss during the exchange process. An HRV is a municipal bylaw requirement for all new homes constructed in Whitehorse.
Learn more about HRV systems and HRV controls.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Every home in Yukon must have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Combustion air supply for fuel burning heating appliances
You must make sure your heating appliance has a supply of fresh air. These appliances produce combustion gases as the fuel burns. You must vent combustion products outside through a chimney or vent pipe.
If the volume of incoming combustion air is equal to or greater than the outgoing exhaust, the gasses may spill into your home. This can cause critical health and safety dangers.
Have your combustion heating appliance inspected by a qualified technician every year.
A replacement heating system
We recommend you hire a professional to run an energy assessment on your home. This will show you where you can invest your money to get the greatest benefits.
Many older homes aren't insulated well so they feel cooler and cost more to heat. This can be the case even when your furnace is performing adequately. Before you replace your heating system you can add insulation and seal your house better.
- The government's rebate for energy assessments.
- Natural Resources Canada's advice on heating equipment for residential use.
- Watch a video on energy assessments.
Once your home energy assessment is complete
You will know what you need to do to improve your home's heating performance.
- Find out more about energy efficient heating in Yukon.