Step One; Our AmeriSpec visit

So we had our energy efficiency assessment from Andrew at AmeriSpec. He recorded a lot of data, asked a number of questions, took some measurements and explained how the program works. Once we had all of our windows shut, he conducted a pressure test by utilizing a fan equipped with computerized controls to pressurize the house. We were then able to physically identify (and label) problem areas, simply by seeing where air was rushing in through closed windows, door frames, electrical outlets etc. Andrew will now make some calculations and suggest ways to make improvements. The report we’ll receive will also indicate what grants we would be entitled to, provided we follow the program correctly, have the work completed within 18 months and have a follow-up inspection.

As I have read over and over again, there’s no point in doing any “green” upgrades to your home if the house itself is not already an efficient vessel, and Andrew has already made some suggestions. We hadn’t expected to insulate the basement, because we didn’t want to finish it, but it seems we will be losing up to 30% of our heat through our un-insulated, above-grade walls. Spray-foam insulation will likely be our best bet as we could also seal the corners and window frames relatively easy. An added bonus, though we have no apparent water leakage in the basement, is that spray foam does not “feed” mould, so we’ll have no issues covering our questionable areas.

Andrew also noticed our three rain barrels which we’ve installed (two for rain water and one for grey water from our kitchen sink). He suggested that he had seen rain barrel water used to flush toilets, mounted high, above the toilet, using gravity. Hmmm … we are planning to change-out our sixteen flusher for a taller, low-flush, high performance model …

There'll be more on this once we receive our report.