Energy Audit - July 8, 2008

With a house built in the 1940s with little to no upgrades over the years, we knew that we would be eligible for a number of EcoEnergy Retrofit grants. The process starts by getting an energy audit done by a company certified by the NRC in order to establish a baseline. When the technician was setting up the blower test (by sealing the side door with a tarp and setting up the fan - the photo is not from our house but it shows you what we are talking about), he asked whether or not we had left a window open. With all of the old windows closed, this gives you an indication of the air leaks in the house and the lack of insulation. It was not a surprise to hear that if we get the work done (i.e., replace windows, seal air leaks, improve insulation) then we will be eligible for essentially all of the provincial/federal grants (up to $10,000). We have 18 months to make the improvements at which time the energy auditor comes back to retest the house. For more information, visit http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/