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’ means that:
- The building is resting on a permanent foundation(s) or is a permanently moored float home.
- There is a space heating system in place at the time of the evaluation that is capable (or was, in the case of a heating system failure) of keeping the interior living space at 21 degrees Celsius.
- The envelope is intact, including the exposed ceilings, exterior walls, exposed floors, windows and doors, and interior and exterior finishes (e.g., drywall, and exterior siding).
- Up to one window or door unit can be missing as long as it is temporarily air sealed (e.g., covered with plywood with seams and edges sealed with caulking). Any broken window panes must also be air sealed (e.g., with taped polyethylene) for the duration of the blower door test. If the temporary air sealing fails during the blower door test, the building will be considered ineligible.
- Any renovations underway only affect interior partitions of the dwelling and do not perforate the building envelope.
- There must be a supply of standard AC electrical power available. If power is not available from a utility, the homeowner must come to an agreement with the service organization about arranging for a suitable power supply to operate the blower door test equipment.
For more information on eligibility requirements for energy evaluations for new homes please visit Natural Resources Canada’s Homebuilders webpage; for energy evaluations for mixed-use or multi-unit residential buildings, contact a program-qualified energy advisor or service organization in your area.
For additional home eligibility requirements to access rebates see What types of homes are eligible for the Home Renovation Rebate Program?
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