Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. Why should I invest in an energy evaluation?


An energy evaluation can address problems associated with energy-use such as window condensation, dry and stale air, uncomfortable drafts or abnormally high energy bills while lowering energy costs over time.

 

The expert, unbiased advice and information you receive from ATCO EnergySense can help you develop a long-term renovation plan so you can prioritize your projects based on your particular budget.  

 

In addition, if you invest into energy retrofits and decide to sell your home, the evaluation report and EnerGuide rating will reflect your improvements thereby becoming an attractive selling tool.

 

To receive a grant from the Federal Government you need to participate in the ecoENERGY Home-Retrofit Program.

 

 

Q. How much does the ecoENERGY Home-Retrofit evaluation cost? 


The ecoENERGY Home-Retrofit evaluation consists of two evaluations that you pay for separately:  $250 plus GST for the initial evaluation and $150 plus GST for the follow-up. For houses larger than 2400 square feet, there is an additional $4 fee for every one hundred square feet.

Retrofits that include a large addition are subject to an additional fee due to the increased work required to perform the follow-up evaluation.

Payment is due at the time of evaluation by charge card (VISA or MasterCard) or by cheque. 

 

 

Q. What is included in the energy evaluation?


The ecoENERGY Home-Retrofit Program is a two-step energy efficiency home evaluation. 

The pre-retrofit evaluation includes:

  • an initial on-site visit by an energy advisor who addresses your concerns and renovation plans

  • a blower door test (depressurization of the home) identifying air sealing opportunities in the building envelope

  • an energy package which includes:

    • an energy efficiency evaluation report,

    • a Home Energy Action Checklist which prioritizes the recommended high-efficiency upgrades and provides the grant amount for each,

    • an air change rating for your home and combustion test results,

    • an air leakage checklist,

    • an initial EnerGuide rating on your home,

    • a label which displays the rating, an overview of other possible energy efficiency upgrades, and

    • supplementary information on energy efficiency upgrades and issues.

The post-retrofit evaluation includes:

  • a follow-up on-site visit (blower-door test included)

  • verification of energy improvements

  • a revised energy efficiency evaluation report

  • a revised EnerGuide rating and label

  • the processing of your grant application to the Federal Government

 

Q. When is the best time of year to get the evaluation?


No matter what time of year the evaluation is done, the same results will be produced.

 

If you are experiencing undesirable conditions which are only present at certain times of year (i.e. window condensation and frost during the heating season), you may wish to schedule the evaluation during this time period so that you can show problem areas to the energy advisor. 

 

 

Q. I had a pre-retrofit evaluation done with EnerGuide for Houses.  Now that I have finally completed the work, can I get a follow-up evaluation done through the new program so I can qualify for the grant?

 

No.  The EnerGuide for Houses Program was completed on February 28, 2007 and any improvements done prior to the new ecoENERGY Home-Retrofit Program are not eligible for grants.

 

If you are contemplating further energy efficiency retrofits, you require a new pre-retrofit evaluation under the new program to qualify for grants.