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Home Buyers

​Here’s what you should know about EnerGuide when buying a home.

​Why EnerGuide matters to home buyers

When you ask for an EnerGuide label, you get standardized third party information about rated energy consumption, similar to labels on cars and appliances. This gives you an idea of how comfortable and healthy this home will be to live in and how much it will cost to operate and maintain.

An Energy Efficient Home is a Healthy and Comfortable Home

Here are some ways home energy efficiency is linked to home comfort and health:

  • Better insulation and better air sealing means fewer hot spots, cold spots and drafts.
  • Double or triple glazed windows keep the heat out in the summer and the cold out in the winter, resulting in less need for heating or air conditioning.
  • Newer heating systems use less energy and run more quietly.
  • A properly insulated foundation means warmer floors.
  • Proper air flow reduces mould problems

Reduces surprises

An EnerGuide Rating gives you an idea of average monthly and annual energy bills before buying, and allows you to compare with other preferable homes.

Let's you compare similar homes.

The EnerGuide label allows you to compare the energy efficiency of the home to a similar new home built to code. Some older homes have been upgraded to use less energy than a new home. EnerGuide can help you see these changes. If the house you are buying is shown through the EnerGuide Rating to be energy efficient, you could qualify for mortgage loan insurance premium refund.

Qualify for a CMHC Home Mortgage Insurance Refund

How does EnerGuide compare with home inspections?

Homebuyers often hire a licensed home inspector to conduct a visual inspection before buying. The energy advisor will provide information that a licensed home inspector may not, and vice versa.

Learn more about the difference between home inspections and EnerGuide evaluations.

 

Home InspectionsEnerGuide Evaluations
Visual inspection
Notes safety concerns related to potential asbestos use
Notes concerns related to windows, doors, heating and cooling equipment, fireplace and insulation
Examines structural elements for safety and replacement (roof, chimney)
Addresses safety or repair/replacement concerns regarding other systems, such as plumbing and electrical
Measures airtightness and leakage
Identifies if there is a risk for combustion spillage using an "exhaust devices depressurization test" or if the home lacks mechanical ventilation
Models energy use by all sources and provides an energy rating that allows for comparison with other homes
Estimates greenhouse gas emissions
Provides recommendations on home energy improvement options to increase the energy efficiency of the home
Provides access to financial incentives and rebates if available

 

 More information on how an EnerGuide home evaluation differs from a home inspection   

 

Buying an EnerGuide-rated home

If you've decided that you want to buy a home that has undergone an EnerGuide evaluation, you have two options.

  1. You can buy a home that is already rated. The RateOurHome map displays homes where the owners have completed EnerGuide ratings and chosen to post them. Use the search filters to view homes that are currently for sale.  
  2. You can put completion of an EnerGuide rating as a condition of offer sale. Similar to putting a “subject to home inspection” clause, you could include a “subject to EnerGuide evaluation” clause in your offer. As it will be incumbent upon the homeowner to request the EnerGuide Rating, you may need to specify who will pay for the evaluation.