Getting a Home Energy Audit in Ottawa: What to Expect and How to Use the Results

# Getting a Home Energy Audit in Ottawa: What to Expect and How to Use the Results

# Getting a Home Energy Audit in Ottawa: What to Expect and How to Use the Results

Ottawa homeowners spend $2,000-$5,000+ annually on heating and cooling. An energy audit shows you exactly where that money goes—and which improvements will actually pay for themselves.

## What Is an Energy Audit?

A certified energy advisor comes to your home and performs a comprehensive assessment including:

- **Blower door test** - Depressurizes your home to measure air leakage

- **Thermal imaging** - Shows exactly where heat escapes

- **Insulation inspection** - Checks levels in attic, walls, basement

- **HVAC assessment** - Evaluates heating/cooling equipment efficiency

- **Window/door evaluation** - Identifies problem areas

- **Ventilation check** - Ensures adequate fresh air exchange

## Why Ottawa Homes Need Audits

Our extreme climate (-30°C to +30°C) stresses homes differently than most of Canada:

- **Ice dams** from heat escaping through roofs

- **Frozen pipes** from cold air infiltration

- **Condensation issues** from poor vapor barriers

- **High heating costs** from inadequate insulation

- **Comfort problems** from drafts and temperature variations

## Types of Audits Available

### EnerGuide Home Evaluation ($300-$500)

**What you get:**

- Pre and post renovation assessment

- Official EnerGuide rating

- Required for most rebate programs

- Detailed improvement recommendations

- Report comparing your home to similar homes

**Best for:** Homeowners planning major upgrades and wanting rebates

### Basic Energy Assessment ($150-$300)

**What you get:**

- Visual inspection

- General recommendations

- Blower door test (sometimes)

- No official rating

**Best for:** General understanding of issues without rebate plans

### Utility-Sponsored Audits (Often Free-$100)

**What you get:**

- Basic assessment

- Recommendations focused on specific upgrades

- Sometimes includes basic weatherization

**Best for:** Budget-conscious first step

## What Auditors Typically Find in Ottawa

### Very Common Issues

**Attic air leakage and inadequate insulation**

- Most pre-1990 homes have R-20 to R-30 attic insulation

- Current code requires R-60

- Air sealing often more important than adding insulation

**Basement rim joist gaps**

- Where floor meets foundation wall

- Massive source of cold air infiltration

- Often completely uninsulated

**Window and door air leakage**

- Weatherstripping deterioration

- Failed seals on double/triple pane

- Poor installation allowing drafts

**Ductwork issues**

- Leaky connections

- Uninsulated ducts in unconditioned spaces

- Poor design causing uneven heating

### Less Obvious Findings

- Bathroom exhaust fans disconnected or venting to attic

- Recessed lights creating heat bypasses

- Plumbing penetrations unsealed

- Electrical boxes on exterior walls leaking air

- Attached garage air entering living space

## Understanding the Results

### EnerGuide Rating Scale

| Rating | What It Means |

|--------|---------------|

| 0-50 | Very poor (old, uninsulated) |

| 50-65 | Below average (most older Ottawa homes) |

| 65-75 | Average (typical renovated home) |

| 75-85 | Above average (well-upgraded) |

| 85-100 | Excellent (new high-efficiency or deep retrofit) |

**Typical Ottawa home:** 55-65

**After comprehensive upgrades:** 75-85

### Understanding Air Leakage

Blower door test results are measured in ACH50 (air changes per hour at 50 pascals pressure):

| ACH50 | Leakage Level |

|-------|---------------|

| 1-3 | Very tight (new high-performance) |

| 3-7 | Average (acceptable) |

| 7-12 | Leaky (common in older homes) |

| 12+ | Very leaky (needs attention) |

## Which Upgrades Pay Off?

Based on Ottawa climate and costs, typical ROI:

### Best Returns (5-10 year payback)

**Attic air sealing + insulation top-up**

- Cost: $1,500-$4,000

- Savings: $200-$500/year

- Often has best ROI of any upgrade

**Basement rim joist insulation**

- Cost: $500-$1,500

- Savings: $100-$300/year

- Easy access, dramatic impact

**Programmable/smart thermostat**

- Cost: $200-$400

- Savings: $100-$200/year

- If you don't already have one

### Moderate Returns (10-15 year payback)

**Basement wall insulation**

- Cost: $3,000-$8,000

- Savings: $200-$400/year

- Comfort improvement significant

**Air source heat pump**

- Cost: $5,000-$12,000

- Savings: $500-$1,500/year

- Depends on current system and electricity rates

**High-efficiency furnace**

- Cost: $4,000-$8,000

- Savings: $300-$600/year

- Best when replacing failing unit

### Long Returns (15+ years, but other benefits)

**Window replacement**

- Cost: $8,000-$25,000+

- Savings: $200-$500/year

- Comfort, noise reduction, aesthetics matter

**Full wall insulation**

- Cost: $8,000-$20,000

- Savings: $300-$700/year

- Usually only during major renovation

## Available Rebates (2026)

### Canada Greener Homes Grant

- Up to $5,000 for eligible upgrades

- EnerGuide evaluation required (before and after)

- $600 reimbursement for audit costs

- Must use approved contractors

### Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate

- Up to $5,000 for insulation and air sealing

- Stackable with federal program

- Own requirements and approved contractors

### Ottawa-Specific Programs

- Check City of Ottawa website for current offerings

- Sometimes additional incentives for income-qualified households

## Finding a Qualified Auditor

**Look for:**

- NRCan-registered energy advisor

- Licensed for EnerGuide evaluations

- Local experience (Ottawa climate knowledge)

- Good reviews and references

**Questions to ask:**

- Are you registered with NRCan?

- How long does the audit take?

- What equipment do you use?

- When will I receive the report?

## Preparing for the Audit

**Before the auditor arrives:**

- Have utility bills available (past 12 months ideal)

- Note known problem areas (drafty spots, ice dams)

- Clear access to attic hatch

- Ensure auditor can access all areas (basement, crawlspaces)

- Have information on any recent upgrades

**During the audit (2-4 hours):**

- Walk through with auditor, ask questions

- Point out comfort concerns

- Take notes on findings

## What to Do with Results

### Prioritization Framework

1. **Safety first** - Anything affecting combustion appliances, CO risk, moisture

2. **Air sealing** - Usually best ROI, improves everything else

3. **Insulation where accessible** - Attic first, then rim joists, then basement walls

4. **Equipment upgrades** - When current system is failing or very inefficient

5. **Windows/major envelope** - When renovating anyway or if severely underperforming

### Getting Contractor Quotes

- Share audit report with contractors

- Get multiple quotes for each improvement

- Verify contractors meet rebate program requirements

- Ask about sequencing (some work should happen before other work)

## Common Audit Myths

**"My home will be too tight after air sealing"**

Not with proper ventilation. Most homes are far from being too tight. HRVs manage fresh air in tight homes.

**"New windows will solve my heating costs"**

Windows help, but are rarely the biggest issue. Air sealing and insulation usually matter more.

**"I should do everything at once"**

Not necessarily. Prioritized improvements over time can be more affordable and still effective.

**"Audits are just a sales pitch"**

Quality auditors are independent. Their recommendations should be based on data, not selling specific products.

## The Bottom Line

A $300-$500 energy audit typically identifies $15,000-$30,000 worth of potential improvements. But it also tells you which of those improvements actually make sense for your home, your budget, and your goals.

Most Ottawa homes built before 2000 have significant improvement potential. The audit tells you exactly where to start.