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  • What happens during a pre- and post upgrade EnerGuide home evaluation?

    During a pre-upgrade evaluation, your energy advisor will: During a post-upgrade evaluation, your energy advisor will: If you are planning to access rebates, ensure that you have all of the necessary documentation for your application at this stage. If you are selling your home, consider including your EnerGuide rating in the MLS listing for your home to…

  • Can you retrofit a building to the Passive House Standard?

    Passive House retrofit is becoming a viable and increasingly common option in Europe, especially for low-rise apartment buildings. Canadian houses are generally built without good passive design characteristics: So, although it can be possible to dramatically cut the energy consumption of a house or building, perhaps close to Passive House levels, it may not be…

  • What types of homes are eligible for EnerGuide home evaluations?

    These requirements are specifically for existing homes, for example: single family detached homes, mobile homes on a permanent foundation, permanently moored float homes, low-rise, semi-detached, and row houses. In order for an EnerGuide evaluation to be conducted in your home, it must be in an eligible state. According to Natural Resources Canada’s guidelines, an ‘eligible state’…

  • How do I ensure that I am getting a fair price for my requested services from a contractor?

    Obtain at least three estimates, quotes, or proposals from different contractors. In order to receive accurate estimates from a contractor, you need to give a description of the work that needs to be done on your home. Give contractors a detailed description of the job and any specifications you have for equipment or materials. Assess…

  • What questions should I ask a contractor during the interview process?

    During your first interview with a potential contractor it’s important to obtain as much information as possible. This will help you determine the contractor’s credibility and capacity to carry out your home-building or renovation project. Below are a list of key questions to ask contractors: It will be useful to record the answers during each…

  • What are the most cost effective DIY home energy improvements?

    Depending on how handy you are with home improvements there are a variety of DIY home energy improvements you can implement. Hot Water Savings Lighting Upgrades Draftproofing Heating and Cooling Appliances and Electronics To find the most energy-efficient models for your home, visit the Natural Resources Canada searchable product list or BC Hydro’s list of…

  • What is a net zero energy home? How can I make my home a net zero home?

    A net-zero energy (NZE) home produces as much energy as it consumes on a yearly basis and has at least one on-site renewable energy system. NZE homes are not necessarily energy autonomous or off-grid because they can be connected to the electricity grid and supply energy back to the grid when the home produces more…

  • Do I need a permit for my upgrade?

    The purpose of the permit process and related inspections is to ensure that the work on your home is structurally sound and meets provincial and/or municipal requirements for health and safety. During the planning stage of your building project or renovations, it’s important to check with the building department of your municipality directly to confirm…

  • Which upgrades are most appropriate for preserving the heritage and character elements of a home and achieving energy savings?

    To preserve the architectural heritage of older homes and improve energy efficiency, retrofits should minimize changes to the building’s appearance and focus on repairs rather than replacement. Below are a list of energy saving upgrades appropriate for heritage homes: Do you live in the City of Vancouver? Check out the Heritage Energy Retrofit Grant. The…

  • Which home energy improvements will make my home quieter?

    Several home energy improvements will have the added benefit of making your home quieter by creating a sound barrier from outside noise. Ask your energy advisor or contractor which home energy improvements will help soundproof your home and reduce outside noise. Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand?…