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How do I reduce humidity levels in my home?
In order to decrease humidity levels in your home and prevent moisture problems, you will have to produce less humidity and increase the ventilation of your home. The following is a list of suggestions to reduce humidity levels in your home: Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand?…
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Why is it important to check and possibly upgrade ventilation systems after building envelope upgrades?
Building envelope upgrades such as draftproofing (air sealing), installing new windows and upgrading insulation improve the air tightness of your home and keep the heat in more efficiently. However, an increase in airtightness may also increase the humidity levels of your home. It is important to have an adequate ventilation system to ensure that you…
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When should I upgrade my heating system?
In general, you should invest in a new heating or cooling system if your system is more than 15 years old or if it’s no longer keeping your home comfortable. Consider having a professional HVAC contractor look at your system if you’re unsure whether it needs to be upgraded or replaced. Prior to installing a…
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What is an EnerGuide home label?
After an EnerGuide home evaluation, you will receive an EnerGuide home label to affix to your electrical panel or another location. The EnerGuide label provides summarized information from your energy evaluation. The label includes: For a more detailed explanation of the EnerGuide Label, please view the EnerGuide Label Example [347KB PDF] and the Guide to…
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What are the costs of an existing homes EnerGuide evaluation?
The cost of an energy evaluation ranges and highly depends on your location, the energy advisor or service organization you choose, the size and complexity of your home, whether or not you have a secondary suite requiring a second blower door test, additional services requested (thermal imaging) and other factors. We recommend calling at least…
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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…
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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’…
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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…
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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…
