EnerGuide

Builders offering the EnerGuide rating service have their house plans evaluated by a certified energy advisor. They then work with the advisor to develop energy upgrade packages that have money-saving features you will want to include in your new home.

Together, they use NRCan's computer software to model different options, looking for cost-effective measures that will improve your comfort and lower your energy bills. They focus on ways to improve the energy efficiency of

•heating and ventilation equipment, such as the furnace
•the building envelope, such as windows and insulation levels in the attic, walls and basement

Builders will offer you options, but you make the final choice about what you would like to include in your home.

Many of the most valuable energy improvements are easier and cheaper to install while a home is being built. Any investment in energy efficiency improvements you make at the building stage will start to pay you back in lower energy bills the day you move in.

For further information, please visit the EnerGuide website.