Question 1

What is an EnerGuide home energy evaluation?

Accepted Answer

An EnerGuide home energy evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of your home's energy performance carried out by a registered NRCan Energy Advisor. It includes a blower door test for airtightness, an inspection of insulation, windows, doors, and HVAC equipment, and energy modelling using HOT2000 software. You receive three documents at the end: a Homeowner Information Sheet, an EnerGuide Label showing your home's current efficiency rating, and a Renovation Upgrade Report with prioritized recommendations for improvement.

Question 2

How long does a home energy evaluation take?

Accepted Answer

On-site evaluations can take between 1.5 and 4 hours depending on the size and complexity of the home. Larger homes or those with more complex layouts may take longer. You are welcome to be present throughout the entire process.

Question 3

What is a blower door test?

Accepted Answer

A blower door test measures how airtight your home is. A large fan is temporarily mounted in an exterior doorframe and used to depressurize the house. This reveals where air is leaking in or out, such as through gaps around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and other penetrations. Air leakage is one of the least understood sources of energy waste in BC homes, yet addressing it can make a significant difference to your comfort and energy bills.

Question 4

What do I need to do to prepare for my evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Make sure areas such as the attic hatch, crawl space entry, furnace or heat pump and hot water tank are accessible. Ensure all exterior doors and windows can be fully closed for the blower door test. Finally, If you have a wood burning fireplace, do not use it within 24 hours of your evaluation.

Question 5

What is an EnerGuide rating?

Accepted Answer

An EnerGuide rating measures how much energy your home uses in a year, expressed in gigajoules (GJ). A lower number means a more energy-efficient home. The rating allows you to compare your home's performance against similar homes and track improvements after upgrades are completed.

Question 6

Do I need an EnerGuide evaluation to access BC energy rebates?

Accepted Answer

Not always, it depends on the program and the type of upgrade you are completing. Some rebates require a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation before work begins and a post-retrofit evaluation after completion, while others do not. Regardless of rebate requirements, an evaluation is recommended before starting any upgrades as it identifies where your home is losing energy and ensures you invest in the improvements that will benefit you the most.

Question 7

What is a heat load calculation and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A heat load calculation determines exactly how much heating and cooling capacity your home requires. It accounts for insulation levels, window sizes, airtightness and local climate data. It is required by most rebate programs when installing a new heat pump and ensures your system is properly sized.

Question 8

Can I get a heat load calculation without a full energy evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Heat load calculations are available as a standalone service. This is common when homeowners are replacing or upgrading their heating system and need the calculation to satisfy rebate program requirements without needing a full EnerGuide evaluation.

Question 9

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Barefoot Home Energy serves all of Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland including Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, New Westminster, Surrey, Delta, Langley, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows, and Maple Ridge. Visit our Service Areas page for more details.

Question 10

How much does a home energy evaluation cost?

Accepted Answer

Evaluations typically range from $400 to $650 depending on the size and type of home. Contact us for a specific quote, we're happy to provide a straightforward answer with no obligation. Many homeowners find the cost is offset by rebate savings achieved through the evaluation.

Frequently asked questions

What is an EnerGuide home energy evaluation?

How long does a home energy evaluation take?

What is a blower door test?

What do I need to do to prepare for my evaluation?

What is an EnerGuide rating?

Do I need an EnerGuide evaluation to access BC energy rebates?

What is a heat load calculation and do I need one?

Can I get a heat load calculation without a full energy evaluation?

What areas do you serve?

How much does a home energy evaluation cost?

Contact Us

1807 Larch Street

778-817-1550
martin@barefoothomeenergy.ca

Business Hours

Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Serving Vancouver and the Lower Mainland

View All Service Areas →

Frequently asked questions

What is an EnerGuide home energy evaluation?

How long does a home energy evaluation take?

What is a blower door test?

What do I need to do to prepare for my evaluation?

What is an EnerGuide rating?

Do I need an EnerGuide evaluation to access BC energy rebates?

What is a heat load calculation and do I need one?

Can I get a heat load calculation without a full energy evaluation?

What areas do you serve?

How much does a home energy evaluation cost?

Contact Us

1807 Larch Street

778-817-1550 martin@barefoothomeenergy.ca

Business Hours

​Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

​Serving Vancouver and the Lower Mainland

View All Service Areas →

778-817-1550
martin@barefoothomeenergy.ca

Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Serving Vancouver and the Lower Mainland