Frequently Asked Questions
Existing Homeowners
Q: What is a Service Organization?
A: A service organization acts as an intermediary between Energy Advisors and Natural Resources Canada in providing the EnerGuide Rating Service. A fundamental role they play is providing quality assurance and supplemental training for Energy advisors.
Q: What is your Service Organization?
A: Canadian Home Builder’s Association (CHBA)
Q: Why would I use an Energy Advisor?
A: We work closely with our clients, helping to improve the comfort, health and energy efficiency of their home through energy modelling and air-tightness testing carefully creating detailed roadmaps to aid in the renovation process.
Q: Are there rebates available for home renovations?
A: Yes, for an updated list of available rebates we suggest visiting: https://betterhomesbc.ca/
Q: Who applies for eligible rebates?
A: As Energy Advisors we perform EnerGuide Evaluations and provide reports that make homeowners eligible for many rebates, but it is the homeowners responsibility to apply for them.
Q: How much does it cost to have an energy assessment done?
A: Many factors are considered when providing an estimate for our services including location, complexity of the home, and intended renovations. Please contact us so that we can provide you with an accurate estimate.
Q: When should I have the initial energy assessment performed?
A: During the planning phase before any renovations are begun. This is important regarding the eligibility of potential rebates and allowing us to help you make informed decisions.
Q: How long does the energy assessment take?
A: The on site EnerGuide Evaluation will take approximately 2-3 hours depending on the size of the home. Remaining energy modelling takes place in our office in which we strive to have results back to you within a week.
Q: How does a homeowner prepare for an energy assessment?
A: Clear access to basements, crawlspaces, attics, and generally all areas of the home (including suites) is required to perform our on-site EnerGuide Evaluation. We also ask that you consider any relevant issues you have noticed about the home and any renovations you may want to consider.
Q: What results come from the energy assessment?
A: The Energuide Evaluation will result in the following: A Home Owner Information Sheets (HOIS) providing information about the energy efficiency of your home as recorded during our on site visit. If applicable, a Renovation Upgrade Report (RUR) providing a list of potential renovations that could be performed on the home and their associated energy impact. An EnerGuide label providing summarized information from your energy evaluation which is usually affixed to your electrical panel.
Builders of New Construction
Q: What is a Service Organization?
A: A service organization acts as an intermediary between Energy Advisors and Natural Resources Canada in providing the EnerGuide Rating Service. A fundamental role they play is providing quality assurance and supplemental training for Energy advisors.
Q: Who is your Service Organization?
A: Canadian Home Builder’s Association (CHBA)
Q: What is the BC Energy Step Code?
A: The BC Energy Step Code is a compliance path in the BC Building Code that requires a targeted level of energy efficiency in new construction. These targets will allow for the residential construction sector to transform over time towards Net Zero Ready buildings improving health and comfort within homes while reducing energy consumption.
Q: Do I need to use an Energy Advisor to comply with the BC Energy Step Code?
A: All BC Energy Step Code compliance requires energy modelling and airtightness testing.
Q: Are there rebates available when constructing a new home?
A: Yes, for an updated list of available rebates we suggest visiting: https://betterhomesbc.ca/
Q: Who applies for eligible rebates?
A: Either the builder or their Energy Advisor can typically apply for available rebates with authorization given.
Q: What does a builder need to provide to get started?
A: An outline of what is needed and what to expect when working with an Energy Advisor can be found (page 1 / page 2)
Q: What happens if I fail an airtightness test?
A: We will help you identify air leakage locations and you will need to remediate the problems. A new airtightness test will then need to be performed.
Q: How long does it take to get started?
A: Generally, once we have all of the required information results will be returned within 1-2 weeks.
Q: How much do your services cost?
A: Many factors are considered when providing an estimate for our services including location, complexity of the home, and construction targets. Please contact us so that we can provide you with an accurate estimate.