Climate change: what we are doing to make your home more comfortable

Toronto Community Housing has given out free energy-saving items like LED light bulbs, power bars, water-saving showerheads, faucet aerators, and more.

August 20, 2026

Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) is taking steps to make homes more comfortable, energy efficient, and better prepared for extreme weather.

As climate change brings more extreme heat, colder winters and changing weather patterns, energy-efficient homes can help maintain more comfortable indoor temperatures and reduce energy use.

Free energy-saving products for tenants

TCHC has provided tenants with free energy-saving products, including:

LED light bulbs

Power bars

Water-saving showerheads

Faucet aerators

Other energy-saving products

TCHC is also working with CLEAResult Canada, the authorized delivery agent for Enbridge’s Home Winterproofing Program and the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) Energy Affordability Program.

These programs provide eligible tenants with energy-saving upgrades at no cost.

Depending on how your home is heated, you may qualify for one of these programs.

Energy Affordability Program

The Energy Affordability Program is funded by the IESO through Save on Energy. It supports homes that use electricity for heating by providing free energy-saving products and eligible appliance replacements.

Qualified contractors have completed assessments of eligible homes. TCHC-owned refrigerators that require an upgrade are being replaced with new, energy-efficient models. Since 2022, 13,877 new refrigerators have been installed for tenants. The remaining eligible refrigerator replacements are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Some townhouses, detached homes, and semi-detached homes may also qualify for heat pump and insulation upgrades through this program.

As of May 2026, 137 heat pumps have been installed.

Home Winterproofing Program

The Home Winterproofing Program is funded by Enbridge Gas. The program helps reduce heat loss and improve comfort in eligible homes.

TCHC is currently piloting insulation and draft-proofing improvements in several communities. These pilots will help TCHC learn what works best before considering the expansion of these upgrades to more buildings.

Energy-saving upgrades can help:

Keep homes cooler in summer

Keep homes warmer in winter

Reduce drafts

Improve indoor comfort

Help maintain more stable indoor temperatures

Reduce energy use

Using less energy can also help reduce building operating costs. Lower operating costs can support TCHC's ongoing work to maintain and improve homes and communities.

Supporting TCHC communities

All assessments and installations are completed by qualified professionals. Eligible improvements are provided to tenants at no cost.

If you have questions about an upcoming assessment in your home or energy-saving improvement, please speak with local staff like your superintendent or Community Services Coordinator.