The EnerGuide scale ranges from 0-100. It accommodates millions of houses across Canada – from older houses in need of renovation to newer, more energy-efficient ones. A “0” on the scale would represent an uncomfortable house that has major air leakage, no insulation and extremely high-energy consumption. At other end of the spectrum a “100” represents a house that is very well insulated, airtight yet well ventilated, and heated by renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.

Several factors, such as the size of a home’s windows and the direction they face, can affect the rating. Even if two houses appear identical, their ratings can be very different if they have different levels of insulation, types of heating equipment, etc.

For many older houses, meeting a 65 or higher on the scale would be quite an achievement. New houses typically receive a rating of 65 or higher, simply because of improvements in building standards and practices over the years. Relatively few houses achieve a rating of 80 or higher, and those that do represent the most energy efficient houses on the market.

Typical Energy Efficiency Ratings

• New house built with building code standards ………………65-72
• New house with some energy-efficiency improvements ….…73-79
• Energy-efficient new house……………………………………80-90
• House requiring little to no purchased energy……………..…91-100

In the new Whistle Bend Subdivision in Whitehorse, Empress Homes Ltd. has shown remarkable craftsmanship proven with EnerGuide Ratings typically in the high 80s. You can view those listings here: https://www.markdainton.com/view-listings/

Did you know?

Today, 17 percent of all energy used in canada goes toward running our homes. By using less energy in your home, you can help reduce the production of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to climate change and harm the environment. Your house produces 28.2 tonnes per year less GHGs than a similar house built to minimum building code requirements.