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May 27th, 2008

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Things to Consider When Choosing an Energy Assessor

Secret Shopping for an Energy Assessor at the GreenLiving Show

Toronto, Ontario - May 27, 2008-Members of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) visited the 2008 Green Living Show in Toronto recently to conduct secret shopping on home energy assessment organizations.

Home inspections have been valued by home buyers for years and are an integral part of an educated buying process. A home energy assessment complements the work done by home inspectors once the home buyer purchases their home. It provides a useful list of additional improvements to help new homeowners prioritize their upgrades and renovation plans while maximizing their energy efficiency and qualifying for government rebates.

The OAHI recommends you contact 2-3 home energy assessment organizations before booking an assessment and asking the following questions:

1. Are they licensed by Natural Resources Canada to perform assessments to qualify for the ecoENERGY rebates?
2. How long has the organization performed energy assessments?
• More years mean more experience.
3. Are the energy advisors on commission?
• To ensure impartial advice, it would be best if they are not.
4. How long will the energy assessment take?
• Beware of short visits - a good assessment should take 1.5-2.5 hours, just like a good home inspection.
5. Is there any obligation to purchase products or services?
• You should never be obligated to purchase anything from the assessment company.
6. Is the energy advisor who assessed your home the one who writes the report?
• Some companies centralize report writing using the data collected during the assessment-the risk is the report writer does not have firsthand knowledge of your home.
7. Beyond energy assessments, what else does the organization do to support the environment?
8. Do they have experience in emerging energy efficiency technologies, e.g. instantaneous hot water tanks, solar hot water, etc.

"Price should never be the deciding factor when choosing a home energy assessor," said Andrew Dixon, Past President of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors. "Your home is your most valuable asset and you should compare the level of experience and time spent in your home to ensure you get the most thorough assessment possible".

Of the 4 energy auditing companies we secretly surveyed only one met 100% of our criteria, with one other close behind. Green$aver was found to be the most experienced with 25 years of energy efficiency expertise. They also are a non-profit with an environmental mandate so they provide unbiased advise; are involved in developing community education programs; and have expertise in new technologies like solar hot water. AmeriSpec came in second. Although their energy auditing experience is shorter than Green$aver's, they were the next most experienced energy auditors given their involvement in the previous government program--EnerGuide for Houses. The also take an unbiased, not-on-commission approach to home energy auditing.

The OHIA code of conduct includes providing a fair and impartial home inspection. When choosing a home energy assessor ask those 8 important questions to ensure you receive impartial advice about your home and what needs to be improved.

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Ontario Association of Home Inspectors

The OAHI is the CAHPI member in Ontario and was formed in 1987. In 1994, the OAHI became a self-regulating professional body when the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors Act received royal assent, granting the OAHI the exclusive right to define qualification requirements, regulate its members and grant the designation "Registered Home Inspector" and "RHI" to qualified practitioners in the Province of Ontario. The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors is dedicated to enhancing the technical skills and professional practice of Home Inspectors, and maintaining high professional standards through education and discipline.

For more information:
Aubrey LeBlanc
Chief Operating Officer
Ontario Association of Home Inspectors
(647) 504-6862

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