Services Offered
Energuide Home Evaluations
The Energuide Rating System is an initiative created by Natural Resources Canada as a means to quantify energy usage in buildings. The initiatives goals are to educate the public about the current energy usage of their buildings and provide specific information on ways to lower their energy usage. An Energuide energy evaluation / energy audit is part of the process for taking advantage of the Canada Greener Homes Grant program and making the most of the Better Homes BC (multi upgrade bonus’s).
For an Energuide home evaluation a Certified Energy Advisor comes to your home for 2-3 hours. During this time they assess how well insulated your homes walls, crawlspace, basement and attic are. They document how you heat your home and generate hot water. The Certfied Energy Advisor will measure your floor plan and create a 3D model of your home. They measure all fenestrations and assess how they constructed. After calculating your homes volume we conduct and air tightness test to see how much air leakage your home has.
After collecting all this data, its back to the office. We input it into an advance energy modeling software called Hot2000. A Certified Energy Advisor then interprets the results and makes informed recommendations on how to make your home more energy efficient.
Any questions about the reports, or data used, please ask! We are happy to answer.
Building Air Tightness Testing
We perform air tightness testing for new construction and existing homes using a blower door, thermal imager and any other means necessary. We are able to calculate accurate air leakage values and pinpoint the locations of infiltration.
TECA Ventilation Checklists
Qualified to complete TECA ventilation checklists required by many municipalities when undertaking new construction or a substantial renovation. These checklists prove you are meeting the requirements of the BC building code.
Air Balancing
We are pleased to offer air balancing services on all types of HVAC equipment including: forced air, make up air and HRV/ERV systems. Using many different types of specialized calibrated equipment along with 15 years of HVAC experience we are happy to help with most commercial and residential projects.
Air balancing in HVAC systems is crucial for several reasons:
1. Comfort: Proper air balancing ensures that each room or space receives an adequate amount of conditioned air. This helps maintain consistent temperatures throughout the building, preventing hot or cold spots that can lead to discomfort for occupants.
2. Energy Efficiency: Balancing the air distribution optimizes the performance of the HVAC system. When airflow is evenly distributed, the system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility costs. Unbalanced systems may lead to overworking certain components, causing increased energy usage and potential system failures.
3. Equipment Longevity: Properly balanced HVAC systems experience less strain on their components. Even distribution of air helps prevent issues such as uneven wear on fans and motors, which can extend the lifespan of the equipment.
4. Air Quality: Balanced airflow contributes to better indoor air quality. Proper ventilation helps distribute fresh air evenly, reducing the likelihood of stagnant or stale air in certain areas. This is especially important for removing pollutants, odors, and maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
5. Occupant Productivity and Health: Comfortable indoor conditions positively impact the well-being and productivity of occupants. Proper air balancing ensures that all areas of a building receive sufficient airflow, which can contribute to a more comfortable and healthier living or working environment.
6. Compliance with engineered plans: Many plans require a set amount of conditioned/ventilation air distributed to different rooms to ensure the health and safety of occupants. Meeting these requirements by precise measurement is essential to ensure your system is operating as designed.
7. Zone Control: In buildings with multiple zones or areas with varying heating and cooling requirements, air balancing allows for effective zone control. Each zone can be tailored to its specific needs, optimizing energy usage and comfort.
8. Prevention of System Issues: Unbalanced airflow can lead to issues such as pressure imbalances, which may result in backdrafting of combustion gases, increased wear on components, and decreased system efficiency. Air balancing helps identify and rectify these issues before they cause more significant problems.
In summary, air balancing in HVAC systems is crucial for maintaining comfort, ensuring energy efficiency, extending equipment life, promoting good indoor air quality, and meeting design requirements.
BC Step Code Compliance
Need help or information on how to reach the new BC Step Code goals. We can help. We provide energy modelling with Hot2000 software, mid construction blower door testing and extensive knowledge on how to make a home more energy efficient.