When it comes to energy-saving upgrades, one size does not fit all. A townhouse with drafty windows will need different solutions than a rural home heated with oil. That’s where a home energy assessment comes in.  

For participants of the Energy Affordability Program or Home Winterproofing Program, the free home energy assessment is an important step to confirm your eligibility and determine which energy-saving upgrades are most appropriate. EnviroCentre is the only authorized delivery agent for these programs in Eastern Ontario. We support households with postal codes starting with “K.”  

If you’ve already applied or are considering it, read on to find out what a home energy assessment is all about. 

What is a home energy assessment?  

A home energy assessment is a comprehensive, expert-led evaluation of your home’s energy performance. It creates a clear picture of where energy is being used efficiently and where it’s being lost through things like drafts, poor insulation, or outdated heating and cooling systems.  

Who conducts home energy assessments? 

Your home energy assessment will be performed by a Registered Energy Advisor, which is a certified home performance expert. Energy advisors must pass specific national exams administered through Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and be registered with an NRCan-licensed service organization like EnviroCentre. The energy advisor’s role is to conduct impartial testing and offer unbiased information about your home’s energy performance. They do not sell anything or assess other aspects of your home. 

What happens during the visit? 

During the visit, you can expect the energy advisor to: 

• Confirm your eligibility and ask you to sign a participant agreement form 

• Take measurements and photos of the interior and exterior of your home 

• Inspect your heating and cooling system and hot water tank 

• Assess the age and efficiency of your appliances  

• Measure insulation and draft levels 

• Perform a blower door test, which involves using a large fan at the exterior door to depressurize the air inside, to find places where air is leaking into or out of your home 

• Provide you with information on how to reduce your energy use, lower your bills, and make your home more comfortable 

• Install qualifying upgrades, such as LED lightbulbs, efficient showerheads and faucet aerators, and a clothes drying rack. 

The visit takes about two hours and is scheduled on a day that works for you. You’ll need to ensure someone is at home for the assessment and that there is a clear pathway to the basement and the attic, if applicable. 

What happens after the visit? 

After the visit, our team will review the information collected, inform you what upgrades your home qualifies for, and arrange an installation date that works best for you. Depending on your situation and the results of the assessment, you could qualify for an air source heat pump, new appliances, increased insulation in the attics, walls, and/or basement, or comprehensive air sealing. You can accept or decline any upgrades offered to you. After installation, a follow-up assessment may also be scheduled to check the results.  

What does it cost? 

Nothing! Home energy assessments that are conducted through the Energy Affordability Program or Home Winterproofing Program are completely free for participants, and so are the upgrades offered.   

Ready to get started?

So far, we’ve helped over 18,000 families get free energy-saving upgrades. If you’re ready to get started, it’s free and easy to check if you qualify!