Avoid These 7 Mistakes When Going Net-Zero in Canada

Introduction

Going net-zero sounds exciting — lower bills, greener living, maybe even some rebates to help you along the way. But here’s the truth: without the right planning, your dream project can quickly turn into a costly headache.

From oversizing solar panels to missing out on rebates, Canadian homeowners often make a handful of avoidable errors when upgrading their homes. In this post, we break down 7 common mistakes people make on the path to a net-zero home — and how to avoid them.

Want to sidestep all the pitfalls? Just enter your postal code on Solenery Insights to get upgrade suggestions, rebate info, and personalized tips in seconds.

Skipping the Energy Audit

Before you spend a dime on upgrades, book a home energy audit.

Why it matters:

• Required to access most federal and provincial rebates
• Identifies areas of high energy loss (like insulation gaps or leaky ducts)
• Helps size your future systems correctly

Installing Solar Before Improving Efficiency

This is one of the most common (and expensive) missteps.

Here’s what happens:

• You size your solar panels based on your current energy use
• Later, you add insulation or a heat pump that cuts your energy use by 30%
• Now your solar system is oversized — meaning wasted money and less optimal ROI

The fix: Reduce before you produce. Upgrade insulation, windows, and air sealing first — then calculate your solar needs based on your new, lower demand.

Overlooking Heat Pump Sizing & Compatibility

Heat pumps are amazing — but only when sized and installed properly.

Common mistakes:

• Oversizing the system, causing short cycling and inefficiency
• Undersizing, leading to comfort issues in extreme cold
• Not checking if ductwork is compatible
• Using standard models in cold climates instead of CCHPs

Solution: Always choose a contractor experienced in cold-climate heat pump systems and request a Manual J or equivalent sizing calculation.

Failing to Future-Proof Your Electrical Panel

Adding a heat pump, EV charger, and solar panels can overload your existing electrical panel — especially in older homes.

Symptoms of an undersized panel:

• Breakers tripping frequently
• Limited capacity for future loads
• Incompatibility with Level 2 EV chargers or battery backup systems

Pro tip: When planning your upgrades, ask your electrician to assess panel capacity. Upgrading to a 200-amp panel early can save you from multiple costly re-visits later.

Missing Out on Layered Rebates

Many homeowners only claim one or two rebates — leaving thousands on the table.

Why this happens:

• Confusing eligibility rules
• Not bundling upgrades
• Applying too late or through non-approved contractors

Real example: A homeowner in Ontario installed a heat pump without doing an energy audit. Result? They missed out on $7,800 from the Enbridge HER+ program.

The fix: Use Solenery Insights to view all stackable programs in your area, and make sure your contractor is registered under the required rebate platforms.

Choosing the Wrong Contractor

Not all contractors are created equal — especially for net-zero upgrades.

Red flags:

• No proof of rebate registration (e.g., Enbridge, CleanBC)
• Pushing only one brand/product line
• No references or case studies in your climate zone

What to look for:

• Experience with full home retrofits, not just single upgrades
• Knowledge of rebate processes
• Offers performance guarantees or follow-up support

Bonus: Solenery Insights includes vetted contractor recommendations in your area based on postal code.

Ignoring Smart Tech Integration

Once you have solar, a heat pump, and an EV charger, smart controls aren’t optional — they’re essential.

Mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping a smart thermostat — costing you up to 20% more in energy use
• Not installing a load controller to manage panel demand
• Missing out on automation tools that shift energy use to off-peak times

Pro tip: Add a smart energy monitor like Emporia or Sense early. It helps you track real-time usage and identify savings opportunities across your whole home.

Conclusion

Avoiding these seven common mistakes can mean the difference between a high-performing net-zero home and an expensive learning experience. With the right plan, the right upgrades — and a little help from Solenery — you can save money, boost comfort, and build a cleaner future.