EnerGuide Tests and Evaluations for Homeowners

The Familiar EnerGuide Label

The distinctive EnerGuide Label, with the big “G” logo, is already familiar to most Canadians. It’s universally stuck on new appliances, new furnaces, and even on light bulb packaging. The basic idea is to clearly state how much energy a specific product uses. In short, there are two important pieces of information - annual energy consumption (kilowatt hours) and energy consumption
when compared to other models. For domestic appliances, the label is MANDATORY. For furnaces, central air conditioning, and heat pumps, the label is VOLUNTARY at this time.

The EnerGuide Home Evaluation

When it comes to home energy efficiency, and a desire to improve efficiency, the EnerGuide home evaluation is the ideal place to start. Evaluations are performed by professional Energy Advisors who are registered with Natural Resources Canada. In general, the advisor will explain the scope and intent of the evaluation so that the homeowner has a good sense of the process.

In some cases, the advisor will go into greater detail about the diagnostic tools being used, and explain how the “blower door test” is used to determine airtightness throughout the home. The EnerGuide home evaluation includes both the exterior and interior of the home.  All of the data collected is then entered into energy simulation software for processing and analysis.

The bottom line with a home evaluation is to determine an EnerGuide Rating for the home. This is based on the data collected during the actual evaluation. The results are both informative and revealing for most homeowners, and allow for realistic improvements to be made going forward.

  • Airtightness of the home from top to bottom
  • Insulation levels in attic, walls, and basement
  • Efficiency of the heating and air conditioning
  • Evaluation of air circulation and ventilation
  • General energy efficiency and performance

Undertaking Energy Efficiency Improvements

When a home energy evaluation is complete, areas that need improvement are clearly articulated in a published report. In Toronto, and throughout the GTA, Barrier Sciences Group is an accredited Energy Advisor, working under the auspices of Natural Resources Canada. BSG works with homeowners to evaluate energy evaluations and recommend viable retrofits.  These recommendations may include improvements to heat loss and air leakage; enhancements to R-Value insulation performance; and upgrading of ventilation systems throughout the home.

All things considered, the idea is to resolve energy-efficiency weaknesses. Bottom line, every effort is made to reduce energy consumption, and therefore reduce the costs of winter heating and summer cooling. In Ontario, it’s an ideal time to undertake energy retrofits, as the province offers a number of rebates and incentives to improve home energy efficiency. With Barrier Sciences Group, retrofits and upgrades can make a big difference year to year. In fact, in the near future, most homes will require an EnerGuide Rating and “Label of Proof” as a matter of course.

To find out more about home energy evaluations, EnerGuide ratings, and residential Label of Proof,
contact BSG at 1-866-333-3920

The Canada Greener Homes Grant offers home efficiency renovation grants up to $5,000.

Homeowners Canada-wide are eligible for the Canada Greener Homes Grant, announced on May 27, 2021. This new incentive offers up to $5,000 in grants for home efficiency retrofit renovations, plus a $600 reimbursement for pre- and post-work EnerGuide evaluations. Eligible retrofit scopes include home insulation, heating, doors, windows, photovoltaic solar panels, resiliency measures, and thermostats.

Learn More

Please, enter a valid value

Incorrect values!

Thank You!

Your inquiry has been successfully submitted!
We will contact you shortly.

Please, enter a valid value