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Why Do You Need a Home Energy Audit (and How to Save on It)?
Mar 7, 2025
Mar 7, 2025
5 min read
37
Did you know that the average Canadian home loses up to 30% of its heating and cooling energy due to air leaks and poor insulation? According to recent data, heating accounts for approximately 63.6% of a home’s total energy use, making efficiency upgrades a game-changer for homeowners looking to cut costs.
But how do you know where your home is wasting energy the most? That’s where a home energy audit comes in. A thorough house energy evaluation is a smart investment that helps pinpoint energy inefficiencies and guides homeowners on the best upgrades.
Many Canadians don’t realize that simple fixes, like upgrading drafty or leaky windows and doors, can reduce energy bills by 20-30%. Moreover, there are ways to get a free home energy audit or significantly lower costs through government rebates and incentives.
In this guide, we’ll break down why a home energy audit matters, how it works, and how to save big short and long-term.
What is a Home Energy Audit?
A home energy audit or energy assessment of a home—is a professional inspection that identifies where your property is wasting energy and provides recommendations for improving efficiency.
A registered energy advisor does a professional audit, which involves thoroughly evaluating insulation, air leaks, heating and cooling systems, and major appliances.
During the assessment, the energy advisor will review your energy bills and analyze the baseline energy consumption. They’ll also make some tests to learn more about home energy use and comfort issues, like whether any areas are drafty, using a thermal imaging camera and other tools.
Once the audit is complete, homeowners receive a detailed energy evaluation report, including an EnerGuide rating that shows the home’s performance. This assessment is essential for accessing rebates, as many government programs require an audit before approving funding for energy-efficient upgrades.
How a Home Energy Audit Can Help You Save Money
A house energy audit isn’t just about checking for drafts or inefficiencies — it’s necessary for lower utility bills and higher savings.
Home energy assessment helps you to identify the crucial zones that drain your pockets and advise on upgrades needed to reduce energy bills and raise the home market value.
- Did you know the average Canadian household spends about $2,200 annually on energy, with costs going much higher for older homes with poor insulation or inefficient appliances?
Beyond reducing energy waste, an energy audit is also the first step to accessing all popular government rebates and loans in Canada.
Additionally, investing in energy efficiency boosts home resale value. Buyers increasingly prioritize energy-efficient homes, making an EnerGuide rating from a registered energy advisor a selling point that can increase market value.
Windows and Doors: A Key Focus of Energy Audits
Windows and doors are among the biggest sources of heat loss in Canadian homes, often accounting for 25-30% of energy waste. That’s why a household energy audit almost always includes recommendations to replace outdated, inefficient models.
Most older homes still have wood-frame windows prone to air leaks, condensation, and mould growth. During an energy audit, thermal imaging tests clearly show significant heat loss around these outdated windows.
- For example, statistics show that upgrading from old inefficient windows to ENERGY STAR-certified units can save you around 12% on energy bills annually.
In contrast, upgrading to triple-pane vinyl windows makes a visible difference, improving insulation and virtually eliminating drafts. These windows are specifically designed for cold climates, providing superior energy efficiency and noise reduction while preventing condensation buildup.
How Much Does a Home Energy Audit Cost?
The cost of a home energy audit in Canada typically ranges from $300 to $600, depending on the size of your home and location. Larger homes or those with complex heating and cooling systems may require more extensive testing, increasing the cost. However, the good news is that many provincial and federal rebate programs help offset or even cover the cost entirely.
For example, a well-known Canadian Greener Homes Loan reimburses the audit cost of up to $600 after the energy home upgrades are done, making the evaluation free for homeowners. Before scheduling your home energy evaluation, also try to check on:
- Provincial Rebates – Some provinces, like Ontario (through the Home Renovation Savings program) and British Columbia (through the CleanBC Energy Savings program), offer additional funding for energy assessments.
- Utility Company Incentives – Check with your local energy provider, as many offer discounted or free home energy audits to encourage efficiency improvements.
- Bundling with Upgrades – Some contractors or registered energy advisors provide discounts if you proceed with window, door, or insulation upgrades through their recommended programs.
Wrapping Up
A home energy audit is more than just a report—it’s the key to unlocking real savings and a more comfortable home. With energy costs rising and weather conditions getting harsher, knowing exactly where your home is losing energy can make all the difference. Thinking about upgrading your home’s energy efficiency? Already completed your home energy audit? Contact us today, and let’s turn those recommendations into real savings with new energy-efficient windows and doors!
