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Climate Network Lanark

THE ENERGY ASSESSMENT

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Intention �of this presentation

TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF DEEP RETROFIT PLANNING

TO LEARN ABOUT ENERGY ASSESSMENTS AND HOW THEY CAN HELP CREATE THE PLAN

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Your Host Today

  • Bridget O’Flaherty
    • REA for New and Existing Housing
    • ENERGY STAR for NEW HOUSING
    • R2000
    • NetZero
    • CACEA Member
    • HRAI Certified RV9.32

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What are Deep Energy Retrofits?

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The Importance of a Deep Retrofit

  • Can reduce home energy use by 50–79%
  • Some projects achieve up to 90% reduction in household energy consumption when all major loads (heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, appliances) are addressed.
  • When financed strategically, monthly energy savings can offset loan payments, making retrofits cost-neutral over time.
  • Average payback periods for well-executed deep retrofits: 5–7 years

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Deep Energy Retrofit Strategy

  • Deep retrofits are building upgrades that have dramatic and long-lasting impacts on energy consumption, carbon emissions, operating costs, comfort, health, and property value.​

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ENERGY SAVINGS >50%

GHG SAVINGS >80% ​

IMPROVED COMFORT

RESILIENT HOMES

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Deep Retrofit Measures �

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Deep retrofits target all areas of a home

    • Envelope Upgrades – walls & ceilings /  insulation / air leakage / windows & doors
    • Mechanical Equipment –  heat pumps / hot water systems / furnace / boilers
    • Ventilation Equipment – improved indoor air quality with energy efficiency
    • Renewable Energy – solar photovoltaics or solar-ready options

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Deep Retrofits Should Start With A Plan

  • Successful retrofit projects benefit from a home energy roadmap
  • Energy assessments are vital:
    • Evaluation – taking stock
    • Planning – prioritize options
    • Execution – assess the success

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  • Gateways to homeowner rebates and loans!

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What is an Energy Advisor?

REGISTERED ENERGY ADVISORS (REAS)

EXPERTS WHO PROVIDE ADVICE AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO HOMEOWNERS AND BUILDERS TO PROMOTE ENERGY SAVINGS AND HOME COMFORT IMPROVEMENTS.   

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Energy Assessment:

An assessment looks for:  

Air leaks and drafts  

Indoor air quality  

Insulation levels 

HVAC equipment 

An assessment of the efficiency of a building. It helps identify areas that could be improved

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What Does an Energy Assessment Look Like? 

Data collection

Photos

Blower Door Test

Energy Modelling

Energuide Rating System Label and Report

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What happens during the Energy Assessment

1. Data Collection

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    • Measurements
    • Sketches & photos
    • Construction details
    • Document mechanicals & renewables
    • Air leakage data

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What happens during the Energy Assessment

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  • What the heck is a Blower Door?
  • Preparing the home for a Blower Door test
  • Quantify air leakage rates
  • Air leakage identification

2. Blower Door Testing

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How it Works

Set Up: Fan is mounted in a sealed frame in an exterior door.

Test Mode: Home is depressurized to 50 Pascals.

Measurement: The fan’s airflow required to maintain pressure indicates leakage rate.

Leak Detection: Smoke pencils, infrared cameras, or hand tests used to locate leaks.

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What happens during the Energy Assessment

  • NRCan authorizations
  • Incentive program contracts
  • Tax Roll information
  • Invoices & rebate acknowledgements

3. Paperwork

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What happens during the Energy Assessment

Identify homeowner ideas & plans

Identify

Address concerns & constraints

Address

Discuss findings and opportunities 

Discuss

Provide clarity on eligible rebates

Provide

Encourage customers to work strategically with contractor partners

Encourage

4. Homeowner Communication

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What are the Benefits of Energy Upgrades

  • Savings
  • Home Comfort
  • Occupant Health
  • Reducing Carbon Footprint
  • Government & Utility Incentives ($)

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ORDER OF OPERATIONS MATTERS!

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House as a System

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  • Failure to control bulk water may be the result of mismanagement of any of these water control measures.

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  • Eliminating bulk water problems should be done before any basement work.

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Bulk Water

Control

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Air Barrier – Building Envelope

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Why Airtightness Matters in High-Performance Buildings

Energy Efficiency: Uncontrolled air leaks increase heating and cooling loads.

Indoor Air Quality: Airtight buildings allow for controlled ventilation, improving air quality.

Durability: Reduces risk of moisture intrusion, mold, and structural issues.

Code & Certification: Required for many energy codes (e.g., Step Code, Passive House, ENERGY STAR)

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1.5 Airtightness

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Best Practices for Airtightness

  • Continuous Air Barrier: Design and install a continuous air barrier in all assemblies.
  • Pre-Test & Training: Use pre-drywall testing and trades education to ensure performance.
  • Integrated Design: Airtightness strategies must be part of early design and detailing.
  • Pro Tip for High-Performance Builds
  • Air leakage isn't just about volume—location matters.
  • Leaks at the top of the building (stack effect) and near mechanical intakes can have large impacts on comfort and energy use.

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Top 10 Common Leak Points�

  1. Attic Hatches & Access Panels – Poor seals allow warm air to rise and escape.
  2. Recessed Lighting Fixtures – Especially if not rated or sealed for airtight installations.
  3. Window & Door Frames – Gaps between framing and units if not properly sealed.
  4. Plumbing & Electrical Penetrations – Around pipes, wires, and conduit entering from outside or between floors.
  5. Mechanical Ventilation Ducts – Poorly sealed connections and penetrations through the envelope.
  6. Wall-to-Floor & Wall-to-Ceiling Intersections – Transitions often overlooked in air barrier detailing.
  7. Basement Rim Joists / Sill Plates – High potential for leaks if not sealed during framing.
  8. Fireplace Surrounds – Complex assemblies often not well-sealed behind finishes.
  9. Exterior Wall Outlets & Switch Boxes – Penetrate the air barrier; commonly unsealed.
  10. Dryer Vents, Range Hoods, Exhaust Fans – Frequently leaky terminations at the envelope.

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1.5 Airtightness

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ERV Ventilation

Build it tight, ventilate it right!

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R60 Ceilings

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Attics

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Side Attics

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VENTED/UNVENTED?

CONDITIONED/UNCONDITIONED?

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40 Above grade walls

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INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR APPROACH

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Thermal Bridging

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Windows with low U-value and low SHGC

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Optimizing Windows

U=1/R Metric = W/m2

Lower the U, the better

SHGC = the higher the #, the more solar heat/energy is let into the home. Mid-range SHGC is approx. 0.35

ER Rating = higher the better?

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30 Foundation – 10 Slab

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Solar Driven Vapour Drive

  • Above grade, moisture can dry to the outside or to the inside, depending on temperature & moisture conditions
  • Moisture flows from warm to cold
  • Below-grade moisture can only dry inward

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10 SLAB INSULATION

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SOIL GAS VENTING IN FLOATING FLOOR SYSTEM

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  • Soil Gas is a significant concern
  • GOOD below-grade air barrier details + some ability for ventilating the slab is ideal

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Space Heating

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HP Heat Pumps aka Reverse cycle AC

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Hot Water

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Heat Pump Water Heaters

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PV Solar Photovoltaics

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Energy Monitoring Systems

TED (The Energy Detective)

Emporia

Sense

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EnerGuide

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Next Steps – Questions?