What happens during the evaluation
- Walk-through. Basement to attic: insulation levels, windows and doors, heating, cooling, ventilation and hot water.
- Blower door test. A calibrated fan depressurizes the house to measure air leakage and find drafts.
- Energy model. NRCan's software models the home's annual energy use and the effect of each upgrade.
- Your results. An EnerGuide rating and label, and a renovation upgrade report ranking the improvements.
What it costs, and what you get back
Natural Resources Canada says pre- and post-retrofit evaluations together typically cost $600 to $1,000, usually paid after the service. Under Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program, completing a bundle of upgrades earns a $600 rebate toward the assessments. Full breakdown: how much a home energy assessment costs in Ontario.
Which programs need one
| Program | EnerGuide evaluation needed? |
|---|---|
| Home Renovation Savings bundle rebates (insulation, windows, air sealing) | Yes, before and after |
| Home Renovation Savings heat pump, solar, attic insulation, thermostat | No |
| Toronto HELP loan | Yes for most projects; not for heat pump-only or solar-only projects |
| Durham Greener Homes deep retrofit rebate | Yes, before and after (50% energy reduction) |
| CMHC Eco Plus | For new homes without a certification, yes |
| National Heat Pump Rebate | No |
How to prepare
- Give access to the attic hatch, basement, furnace and water heater
- Close windows and exterior doors; open interior doors
- Have a recent gas and electricity bill handy
- Note any renovations, and the age of your furnace and air conditioner
- Don't start rebate-eligible work before the first evaluation
Next Level is listed by the City of Toronto among the Energy Advisors homeowners can use for HELP. Book your evaluation or estimate your rebates first.