Frequently Asked Questions

For over 25 years, ENERQUALITY has led the way in delivering energy-efficient programs in the construction industry, including the ENERGY STAR® for New Homes program, EnerGuide, and the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) Net Zero Program.

As Canada’s leading certifier of energy-efficient homes, ENERQUALITY has been at the forefront of providing exceptional building science education to the residential construction industry. To promote energy efficiency in home building, ENERQUALITY has successfully implemented market transformation programs, including Enbridge’s Savings by Design, Union Gas Optimum Home, Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Building Canada program, and the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) Net Zero Technology Adoption Program. Our efforts help homes use less energy and contribute to a greener future.

An ENERGY STAR® certified home is designed and built to meet stringent energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). These homes are at least 10-30% more efficient than those built to standard building codes, significantly reducing energy consumption. Key features include high-performance windows, advanced insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and comprehensive air sealing. These improvements lead to lower utility bills, enhanced indoor comfort, better indoor air quality, and reduced environmental impact.

In Canada, ENERGY STAR® homes are verified by third-party energy advisors to ensure compliance with these rigorous standards, often achieving at least 20% greater energy efficiency than conventional homes.

Prominent Benefits of ENERGY STAR® Homes:

• Lower Utility Bills: Reduced energy consumption results in significant cost savings.
• Enhanced Comfort: Improved insulation and air sealing maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
• Environmental Impact: Higher efficiency reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• Indoor Air Quality: Efficient ventilation systems help improve air quality by reducing pollutants and allergens.

The ENERGY STAR® program, overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in the United States, as well as Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) in Canada, sets energy efficiency standards for appliances, electronics, lighting, and buildings. Products and homes meeting these criteria earn the ENERGY STAR® label, signifying they save energy and costs.

To qualify for the label, manufacturers and builders must undergo third-party testing to verify compliance with strict guidelines. This ensures that only the most energy-efficient options receive certification.

The program helps consumers and businesses identify energy-saving choices and offers incentives like tax credits and rebates to promote the adoption of efficient technologies. Overall, ENERGY STAR® supports energy conservation, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and protects the environment.

To qualify as an ENERGY STAR® home, a new home must adhere to stringent energy efficiency standards set by the ENERGY STAR® Residential New Construction program. These standards ensure that the home is significantly more energy-efficient than homes built to regular code. The requirements include:

• Construction by a Certified Builder: The home must be built by a licensed builder who is an ENERGY STAR® partner.
• Third-Party Verification: An ENERGY STAR® energy advisor or third-party rater must verify the home through detailed inspections and performance testing.
• High-Performance Features: The home must include high-performance windows, effective insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and comprehensive air sealing to minimize leaks and drafts.
• Energy Efficiency Level: In Canada, the home must achieve an energy efficiency level that is at least 15% higher than the standard building code requirements.

These comprehensive requirements ensure that ENERGY STAR® certified homes provide better energy efficiency, lower utility bills, improved indoor comfort, and reduced environmental impact.

ENERGY STAR® products are widely available in Canada at retail stores and online. These products span various categories, including appliances, electronics, and lighting, all designed to meet high energy efficiency standards.

For a comprehensive directory of available rebates and incentives across different provinces and municipalities, visit Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) for rebates and ENERGY STAR® for product information.

ENERGY STAR®-certified water heaters are widely considered a worthwhile investment in Canada. Utilizing advanced technologies, such as heat pump technology, these units can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to standard models. This substantial reduction in energy use leads to significant annual savings on energy bills, often exceeding $300.

In addition to financial savings, ENERGY STAR® water heaters contribute to environmental sustainability by lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This is particularly beneficial in cold climates like Canada, where heating demands are high, and efficiency improvements can make a notable difference in overall home energy use.

These benefits highlight why ENERGY STAR® water heaters are an excellent choice for homeowners seeking long-term savings and a reduced environmental footprint.

A high-performance home, often referred to as a passive house, is designed to exceed standard building practices by focusing on superior energy efficiency, comfort, health, and durability. These homes are constructed to be virtually airtight and highly insulated, significantly reducing energy consumption and creating a more sustainable and healthier living environment.

Key Features of High-Performance Homes:

• Energy Efficiency: These homes typically use advanced technologies such as high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, high-performance windows, and substantial insulation. This reduces energy use by up to 90% compared to conventional homes.
• Comfort: Enhanced insulation and airtight construction maintain consistent indoor temperatures, keeping the home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
• Health: High-performance homes often include heat or energy recovery ventilators to manage indoor air quality, crucial for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
• Resiliency: Using resilient materials and construction techniques, these homes are designed to minimize maintenance needs and maximize longevity.
• Sustainability: Reduced energy consumption lowers greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a smaller environmental footprint.

High-performance homes incorporate several advanced features to enhance energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. Some of the most common features include:

• Insulation and Air-Tight Construction: Enhanced insulation and airtight building envelopes reduce energy loss and maintain stable indoor temperatures.
• High-Performance Windows and Doors: These elements minimize heat transfer, contributing to energy efficiency and improved indoor comfort.
• Solar Power or Other Renewable Energy Systems: Integrating renewable energy sources reduces reliance on the grid and lowers utility bills.
• Low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) Materials: Using materials with low VOC emissions improves indoor air quality and reduces health risks.
• Advanced Ventilation Systems: Systems like heat recovery ventilators ensure a constant supply of fresh air while retaining indoor temperature stability.
• Smart Home Technologies for Energy Management: These technologies allow homeowners to monitor and manage energy use efficiently, further enhancing the home's performance.

These features collectively contribute to the high performance, sustainability, and comfort of modern homes.

Building high-performance homes involves a comprehensive and integrated approach, focusing on several key principles to ensure optimal comfort, health, efficiency, and durability. Here are the essential components and methodologies used in constructing these advanced homes:

• Design for Performance: Incorporate high-performance features during the design phase, such as advanced insulation, thermal isolation, and high-performance windows and doors. This proactive approach ensures that energy efficiency and comfort are built into the home from the start.
• Building Science: Apply principles of building science to understand how heat, air, and moisture interact with building components. This knowledge helps in constructing homes that maintain a stable indoor environment, reduce energy consumption, and enhance durability.
• Commissioning: Test and verify the performance of building systems after construction. This step ensures that all systems, including HVAC and ventilation, are functioning as intended to maintain high indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
• Maintenance and Operation: Regularly maintain and operate high-performance systems to ensure they continue to perform optimally. This includes routine checks and updates to HVAC systems, insulation, and other critical components to sustain energy efficiency and comfort over time.

Key Principles of High-Performance Homes

• Comfort: Ensure the indoor environment remains comfortable throughout the year. This involves using air sealing strategies, materials and technologies that work together to reduce drafts and stabilize indoor temperatures.
• Health: Promote better indoor air quality and overall well-being by incorporating advanced ventilation systems, such as heat recovery ventilators, and using low or no VOC materials.
• Efficiency: Enhance energy efficiency by improving insulation, utilizing thermal isolation techniques, and installing high-performance building envelopes. These measures significantly reduce energy demand and operational costs.

High-performance homes offer a multitude of benefits that enhance the quality of life for occupants while also contributing to environmental sustainability. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Lower Energy Bills: Due to their exceptional energy efficiency, high-performance homes significantly reduce utility costs.
• Improved Air Quality: Advanced ventilation systems ensure superior indoor air quality.
• Uniform Temperatures: Consistent indoor temperatures throughout the home enhance comfort.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: Lower energy use results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
• Low Maintenance: Durable construction materials require minimal exterior upkeep.
• Versatility: These homes can accommodate various architectural styles and preferences.
• Increased Property Value: High-performance homes often have higher resale values due to their energy efficiency, advanced features, and overall sustainability.
• Resilience: These homes are designed to be resilient against extreme weather conditions, maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and protecting against moisture and other environmental factors.

Yes, high-performance homes are increasingly popular in Canada, aligning with the country's stringent energy efficiency standards. These homes are promoted and supported by various organizations and initiatives to ensure they meet high performance and efficiency criteria.

Key Organizations

 Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

NRCan supports the development and implementation of energy efficiency programs and standards, including those for high-performance and net-zero energy homes.

 Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA)

The CHBA promotes high-performance home building through initiatives like the Net Zero Home Labelling Program, providing training, resources, and certification for builders.

 Standards and Certifications

• Energy Star® for New Homes The Energy Star® certification for new homes focuses on energy-efficient construction practices and products. Homes that achieve this certification use at least 20% less energy than standard homes built to code.
• Energy Star® for Multifamily High-Rise Program Energy Star® High-Rise Residential Buildings program is a voluntary certification program that recognizes buildings that meet energy efficiency standards for high-rise residential buildings. The program was launched in 2015 and is designed to promote energy efficiency in high-rise buildings, significantly contributing to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. To earn the Energy Star® label, high-rise buildings must meet certain energy efficiency standards and guidelines based on building type, size, and location.
• EnerGuide EnerGuide is a Canadian government program that provides energy efficiency ratings and labels for appliances, homes, and vehicles. It aims to help consumers make informed decisions by providing information on the energy consumption and efficiency of various products. The EnerGuide label typically includes details such as the energy efficiency rating of a home or vehicle, allowing consumers to compare the energy performance of different models and make more environmentally friendly and cost-effective choices.
• Net Zero Home Labelling Program (CHBA) This program certifies homes that are designed, modeled, and constructed to produce as much energy as they consume on an annual basis. It includes two labels: Net Zero and Net Zero Ready.
• R-2000 Standard Administered by NRCan, the R-2000 Standard sets requirements for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and environmental responsibility. R-2000 homes are built to be highly efficient, comfortable, and environmentally friendly.