Century Soul, Modern Control: The Transformation of 16 McKenzie Street

Owning a century home is a bit like being a steward of history. When we took on 16 McKenzie Street in Orillia, we knew we weren’t just buying a house; we were inheriting a century’s worth of character, quirks, and—as is often the case with 100-year-old homes—some serious efficiency challenges.

Orillia is a beautiful place to live, nestled between Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching, but the climate is demanding. Between the humid summers and the biting winds of a Simcoe County winter, an old house needs more than just a fresh coat of paint to stay comfortable. We set out to perform a comprehensive makeover that respected the home’s heritage while bringing its mechanical and structural integrity firmly into the modern era of 2026.

1. The Foundation: A 200-Amp Heart

Before we could add the high-tech heating and cooling systems we dreamed of, we had to address the "heart" of the home: the electrical system.

Many homes of this vintage were originally wired for a few lightbulbs and a radio. Over the decades, layers of renovations often leave behind a "spaghetti" of wiring and an undersized breaker panel that simply can’t handle the load of modern appliances—let alone a dual heat pump system.

We prioritized a full electrical panel upgrade. This wasn't just about safety; it was about capacity. By moving to a 200-amp service, we ensured that 16 McKenzie could handle the simultaneous draw of the new HVAC systems, modern kitchen appliances, and the tech needs of a 21st-century family. It’s the least "visible" part of the makeover, but it’s the one that lets us sleep best at night.

2. From Shadow to Sunlight: The Front Window Transformation

If there is one change that completely redefined the interior "soul" of the house, it was the front window.

Previously, the home featured a dark, shaded glass window. While likely intended for privacy in a different era, it made the living area feel disconnected from the world outside. It felt heavy, dated, and—quite frankly—it robbed the room of its potential.

We replaced it with a massive, clear picture frame window. The result was a revelation:

• The Light: Natural light now pours into the house, reaching deep into the living spaces and highlighting the original architectural details.

• The View: Instead of a dark pane, we now have a framed "living painting" of the mature trees across the road.

• The Connection: In a 100-year-old home, you want to feel grounded in the neighborhood. This window allows the seasons of Orillia to become part of the interior decor.

3. Sealing the Envelope: Hometech Windows & Diablo Red Doors

With the front window setting the tone, we upgraded the rest of the home's "eyes" with Hometech Windows. In a century home, windows are the primary source of energy loss. The original wood-frame windows were beautiful but drafty. The Hometech units provided a tight seal that immediately silenced the street noise and stopped the drafts, all while maintaining a profile that fits the home's historic look.

Then came the "handshake" of the home: two stunning Diablo Red doors.

• The Color: Diablo Red is a bold, sophisticated choice. It pops against the exterior, providing a focal point that gives the property incredible curb appeal.

• The Glass: Both doors feature intricate decorative glass. The way the morning light hits the glass and throws rainbows across the original hardwood floors is one of our favorite parts of the entire renovation.

4. Masterful Climate Control: The Heat Pump Revolution

Perhaps the most significant mechanical upgrade was the overhaul of the heating and cooling system. We moved away from old-fashioned, expensive energy sources toward an all-electric, high-efficiency setup.

The Midea 2-Ton Central Heat Pump

For the main body of the home, we installed a Midea 2-ton central heat pump. Midea is a leader in inverter technology, and this unit is the workhorse of the house. Because it’s a central system, it utilizes the existing ductwork to distribute air evenly. It provides whisper-quiet cooling in July and consistent, efficient heat throughout the winter.

The Gree 2-Zone Heat Pump

Old houses often have "difficult" rooms—additions or upper floors where central ducting doesn't reach effectively. To solve this, we added a Gree 2-zone heat pump system. Gree is world-renowned for its cold-climate performance. This setup allows us to have independent climate control in two specific areas of the house, ensuring no "cold corners" remain.

5. The "Brain" of the Operation: Smart Integration

A high-efficiency system is only as good as its controller. We didn't want a 100-year-old home that required manual tweaking every hour.

• Ecobee Essential Thermostat: We paired the Midea central system with an Ecobee Essential. It’s sleek, intuitive, and allows us to manage the home’s primary temperature from anywhere in the world. Its "Smart Recovery" technology understands how long it takes to heat the house, ensuring it's the perfect temperature the moment we walk through those red doors.

• Wi-Fi Control for the Gree Heads: We also equipped the indoor heads of the Gree multi-zone system with Wi-Fi control. This means we can independently adjust the temperature in the zones (like a bedroom or home office) directly from our smartphones. No more hunting for lost remotes.

The Physics of a Better Home

When you combine high-performance windows with smart HVAC, you aren't just making the house "nicer"—you are fundamentally changing its thermodynamics. We can actually look at the heat loss reduction through a simple lens:

By lowering the U-value (thermal transmittance) with our windows and by using the Ecobee to manage the temperature difference more intelligently, we have significantly reduced total heat loss.

The result? A home that is warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer, and significantly cheaper to run.

Reflections on 16 McKenzie Street

Renovating a home like this is a labor of love. It’s about preserving a piece of Orillia’s history while ensuring it's ready for the next 100 years.

When we stand in the living room now, looking through that new picture frame window at the trees across the road, the house feels alive. The Diablo Red doors beckon you in; the Midea and Gree systems keep the air perfect; and the Ecobee works quietly in the background to keep everything efficient.

We’ve proven that at 16 McKenzie Street, you don’t have to choose between heritage and high-tech. You can have both.

Feature	Before	After
Front Window	Dark shaded glass; disconnected.	Clear Picture Frame; Tree views.
Electrical	Dated, low-capacity.	200-Amp modern upgrade.
Entry Doors	Standard/Aged.	Diablo Red with Decorative Glass.
Windows	Drafty, single-pane feel.	Hometech high-efficiency units.
Main HVAC	Inefficient/Inconsistent.	Midea 2-Ton Central + Ecobee.
Zone Heating	Cold spots in the home.	Gree 2-Zone with Wi-Fi control.

Is your home ready for a 2026 upgrade?Whether it's the curb appeal of a Diablo Red door or the efficiency of amodern heat pump, the right choices make all the difference.