Step 2 of our Inspection; Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report

We have now received our Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report from AmeriSpec and our home is in pretty good shape. On the EnerGuide rating (which lists 0-49 being least efficient, 57 being average and 80-100 being most efficient), we sit at 66, with a goal of reaching 76. Our motivation is ultimately to be as energy efficient as possible (for a variety of reasons) and realistically we need to qualify for as many government grants as we can, to afford the work required.

Our $ incentives, if we follow all recommendations and pass the follow-up inspection;
1) Reduce heat loss -
Drafts; by air sealing (caulking windows and doors, sealing attic hatch, insulating exterior wall electrical outlets, etc.) our goal would be to improve overall efficiency and increase our Energuide rating from 66 to 76 ($150 Prov./$150 Fed.). If we reach 20% better we qualify for an additional $300.
Insulation; basement, full wall and header, to R-24 insulation factor ($600 Prov./$600 Fed.)
Insulation; crawl space below dining room; full wall to R-24 insulation factor, with poly ground barrier ($800 Prov./$800 Fed.). All insulation, which will likely be spray-foam, would cost about $4,500.00 and will require wall studs and dry wall covering as foam cannot be left exposed.
2) Replace windows; we could qualify for $60 per replaced window, if we installed Energy Star windows, but I think we'll try sealing first and evaluate.
3) Low flush toilet; this is a "must do" because we currently have a 3-flusher, if you get my meaning. Install a low or dual flush toilet rated 6L with a performance of 350g or more, which will likely cost around $1,200 to purchase and have installed ($50 Prov./$50 Fed.).
4) Hot water tank; replace current low/mid efficiency gas water tank with high efficiency gas, tankless water heater, costing around $1,200 and which would also solve our chimney problem (it either needs to be re-pointed or be taken down and, unlike our current tank, this type of water heater does not require a chimney) ($200 Prov./$200 Fed.).

Stage 1 of our Energy Retrofit Master Plan is all about making the current structure as environmentally strong as possible. Once the building is solid and efficient, we will commence with Stage 2, which will be a bit more exciting; an alternative heat source (such as a pellet or corn fueled fireplace), solar panels, rechargeable battery bank, wind turbine, grey water recovering...

Step One of our E.R.M.P.; our inspection

Now that I've completely overwhelmed myself with information about alternative everything (power, water systems, light bulbs, heat, transportation ...), I need to add another important "alternative" - financing. Thanks to my brother Wayne, I'm now aware of a system of grants offered by our government, provincial and federal (even a program offered by the O.P.A., Ontario Power Authority). These grants are designed to assist us peeps as we attempt to tackle our Energy Retrofit Master Plan and become a bit (or allot) individually sustainable. In our case, there are grants specifically designed for those attempting to retrofit an older house. We've made an appointment with an ecoEnergy Retrofit- Homes energy evaluator, because "only homes that have had pre- and post-retrofit evaluations from an NRCan-licensed energy advisor are eligible for grants. The grant amount is based on each of the recommended retrofits you have completed and the relative impact the retrofits have on the energy efficiency of your home. For instance, replacing your gas furnace with an ENERGY STAR^® qualified furnace will achieve a high level of energy savings and will therefore have a bigger grant value. Your energy advisor can suggest the retrofits that are your best options."

So, next Wednesday, someone from AmeriSpec in London will be in our house performing pressure tests, checking our insulation, etc., and providing us with a prioritized "to do" list cross-referenced with grant options.