FAQ

• Introduce and identify myself
• Measure the exterior dimensions of your house
• Record the number type and size of windows on doors on each side of the house
• Take photographs of the 4 sides of the house, and of outside central A/C unit if present
• Examine and record details of the furnace and hot water heater
• Look into the attic and record insulation type and levels, and construction details, and take a pictures.
• While in the attic, check for the presence of Vermiculite.
• Examine each room, noting fans, central Vacuum, and other appliances
• Take details of each wood burning appliance and gas burning appliance
• Do a blower door test to measure the rate of air leakage
• Do a fan depressurization test to check for combustion spillage risk in applicable homes
• Walk around with homeowner while blower is running to locate typical air leaks.
• When appropriate, use a thermal imaging camera to locate air leaks around windows, doors, and basement header area, and many other locations.
• When there are rooms that are hard to heat or cool, use the thermal imaging tool to check for proper insulation.
• Discuss any renovation plans and how energy efficiency improvements can fit into those plans

Later at my home office I process the data gathered and enter it into a home simulation program, and then within 14 days I send you a report on your home's current energy efficiency, and the projected improved efficiency if all the recommended improvements are done. This is not done while at your home as it is too time consuming.

The winter and early spring and late fall are the best times. The air leaks are easier to detect when there is a large temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the house. Similarly the use of the thermal image scans to detect insulation problems is most effective when there is a large temperature difference, and on a cloudy day.

When there is no temperature difference between inside and outside, the thermal imaging is not very effective. If you house is air conditioned, you can force a temperature difference in the summer, or choose to have the thermal scan done very early in the day when there is a natural temperature difference. When there is no temperature difference, then air leak detection will be done primarily using the blower door to force air flow through the leaks and the use of various mechanical indicators to detect air flow.

What is Vermiculite and why is that important?

This is a type of insulation that is made from expanded mica, a mineral. It is a good stable granular insulation that is easy to install by pouring. It is no longer used in new home construction, it was used from the 1920s to 1990. One source of Vermiculite originated in a mine in Libby, Montana. The Vermiculite from this mine, sold under various trade names such as Zonolite© has traces of Asbestos in it. Vermiculate form other mines is safe. If we detect Vermiculite insulation we inform you, and if found we will give you a pamphlet telling you all about Vermiculite and answer your questions about it. You can send a small sample and have it tested for a small fee. We are not involved in this testing. We can't determine on the spot if the Vermiculate is the type to be concerned about.

In general even if your Vermiculite is from the Libby mine, it is safe in your home if it is not disturbed.

More details about Vermiculite are available here on Health Canada's web site.

What is a Brushless DC Motor and how does it benefit me?

This is a high efficiency variable speed motor. It is also referred to as a ECM motor (Electronically Commutated Motor). It uses electricity far more efficiently than a standard AC motor that is in older furnaces. This allows you to run the furnace motor on low speed all year round, or all during the heating season, at a very low cost. This benefits your home by keeping the air temperature more uniform, and reducing the likelihood for stale pockets of air providing the conditions for mould growth. You will feel more comfortable walking around your house in the winter because each room is more likely to be a uniform temperature.

NRCan recommends the use of an ECM fan on low all through the heating season on the basis that if the air temperature on different floors is more uniform, then possibly the owner will be comfortable at a slightly lower temperature, and lowering the thermostat even a degree can save more than enough to pay for the electricity used by the fan.

The OPA currently (in 2012) gives a $250 grant for a furnace that has this type of motor, as it lowers electricity use compared to the less expensive AC fractional horsepower motor on a base model furnace. This also helps lower electricity use in the summer when the A/C is in use.

Why Do You Ask About Fireplaces and Ashes?

When we do the house depressurization test, air will run backwards down the chimney, and this can sprinkle ashes on your nice clean carpets or floors. In order to prevent this from happening, and for fire safety purposes, we ask that you do the following:

• Stop using the fireplace or wood burning appliance at least 24 hours before your appointment.
• When the fire is cold, and before we arrive, clean out the ashes.

Are ecoENERGY grants still available after March 31, 2012?

No grants are available for houses after March 31, 2012. However if the ecoENERGY program is re-instated in the future, a lot of what I do is compatible with the methods required by the ecoENERGY program, and so I will be able to revisit your home under the new program, and since part of the work was done be me during the EnerGuide energy efficiency audit, your cost will be lower.

How can I prepare for the re-introduction of ecoENERGY grants?

If you have had an ecoENERGY audit done in the past, a new program might permit you to use your previous energy audit as your starting point and only require a closing audit. During the last round of the program, only upgrades done after the date anounced for the start of the round of the program would qualify for grant incentives. Upgrades installed after the initial ecoEnergy audit, but before the anouncement of the next round of the program did not qualify.

Where do I find the list of quality Low Flush Toilets?

These can be found on the veritec.ca web site. Look for a download of the latest MAP report. Specifically there is a download of an Excel spread sheet listing all of the qualifying toilets, which can be found at Toilet list . These toilets have been tested and found to be effective, and I suggest that you only buy a toilet that is proven by these independent tests to be effective. If the ecoENERGY program is re-introduced, then it would be best to install a toilet that would qualify under that program.