Home Energy Audits - How Do I Begin? 

What does a Home Energy Audit consist of?

In order to qualify for the available government grants two evaluations must be conducted:

1. "D" Audit - This is the pre-retrofit evaluation that is performed to gather information about the current state of a home's efficiency. The process includes extensive measurements and modelling and inspection of the following: insulation coverage of the attic, walls, etc., mechanical equipment, windows and doors, an air leakage test and picture archiving. Once the initial audit is complete an Energy Efficiency Report is generated which outlines the details of the home as well as the recommended upgrades. The report prioritizes these recommendations based on their ability to reduce energy waste in the home.

2. "E" Audit - This is the post-retrofit evaluation which is performed to verify all of the recommended upgrades have been completed. This evaluation includes taking pictures of the upgrades, taking notes on the mechanical systems, and preforming a second Blower Door test to assess air sealing improvements. The 'E' Audit must be performed within 18 months of the initial 'D' Audit or by March 31st, 2011 (whichever comes first).


How Much Does a Home Energy Audit Cost?

• 'D' Pre-Retrofit Audit = $325 (plus HST)
  ($150 is rebated by the provincial government so net cost is $175)

• 'E' Post-Retrofit Audit = $175 (plus HST)
  

The Blower Door Test

The Blower Door is a vital component of the Home Energy Evaluation and is used to collect information that is integral to your home’s energy efficiency.

The test enables EnWise to asses the following two points:

1. Air change rate of a home - A high Air Change Rate indicates high air flow through holes in the building envelope or a leaky, drafty house.
2. Leakage area of a home - This indicates whether the house is tight or leaky and whether or not it requires weatherization or insulation. A leaky house may be equal to having a window open fully at all times of the year.

Test Process: 1. A 50Km/hr wind is simulated against the home by depressurizing the house with a Blower motor. This enables us to highlight the areas of greatest air infiltration. An EnWise EA will then enter this critical information in our Data sheets. 2. Blower door results and their implications are reviewed in the ecoEnergy report which will make recommendations on how to best improve your home’s energy efficiency.