About HomeTech
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 Hometech Energy Solutions 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 and Provincial Government you need to participate in the ecoENERGY Home-Retrofit Program.
Q. How much will the grant be?
The average grant is $2000. The grant amount depends on the extent of the retrofit. Grants can be as high as $5000 from the Federal government and the LiveSmart B.C. does not have an upper limit. A table of grant amounts can be found on the “Retrofit Grants” page at www.livesmartbc.ca/rebates
Q. What is included in the energy evalutation?
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. How much will the evaluation cost?
The pre-retrofit evaluation is $150 +GST. LiveSmart B.C. will reimburse you $150 for the initial assessment, (Please note anyone booking an appointment after August 15th 2009 will no longer be eligible for the reimbursement of $150, under the LiveSmart program). Once the upgrades are completed a follow-up evaluation is required which is $150 +GST We will fill out the grant forms for you and submit them to NR Canada on your behalf. LiveSmart B.C. forms will also be completed for you and submitted at this time. The follow-up evaluation must be performed within 18 months of the pre-retrofit evaluation.
Q. How do I get started?
Contact HomeTech Energy Solutions Inc. at 866-561-0708 or fill out the “book an assessment” form on the Home page.
Q. What is the best time of year to have an evaluation done?
No matter what time of year the evaluation is done, the same results will be produced.
Q. How much Energy will I save?
The average grant is expected to reduce energy consumption 20% to 40%. In addition greenhouse gas emissions are reduced up to 4 tonnes per house. Save money on energy and help save the environment!
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.
