FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below you will find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. Please reach out to us if you do not find the information that you are looking for. We’re happy to answer any questions that you may have!

FAQs for Home Owners

Q: I have received grants for energy efficiency in the past. Can I qualify again?

Yes, previous grant recipients can apply for the HERO program.

Q: How long do I have to complete the work on my home after my assessment?

You have until the end of the grant program eligibility period, to complete your upgrades. Your Certified Energy advisor will inform you of the deadline when they complete your initial assessment.

Q: Can I apply for grants on my own?

You can apply for the stand-alone grants on your own, but you must have a Certified Energy Advisor assess your home in order to qualify for Bonus grants. There may be other grants available, and your advisor will inform you of any additional grants that you are eligible for.

Q: How much does an evaluation cost?

There are two parts to the evaluation—a pre-retrofit assessment and a post-retrofit assessment. The cost of each visit depends on the size and complexity of the home. 

Q: Do you have to go in every room in my home?

The Certified Energy Advisor must access your attic, basement, and crawlspace. They will also document all bathrooms for ceiling fans. Other rooms do not need to be entered, but all interior doors need to be opened during the blower door test.

Q: Can my children (or pets) be present during the test?

Children and pets may be present, but they must be monitored around the fan and equipment.

Q: How long does the evaluation take?

The initial evaluation takes approximately 2.5 hours for an average-sized home but may take up to three hours. The follow up (post-retrofit) evaluation varies depending upon the number of upgrades completed.

Q: Can you file my rebate paperwork for me?

Unfortunately, our Energy Advisors are unable to file your rebate and grant paperwork for you. Though we are happy to assist you with finding information on how to complete your rebate applications, we are not able to complete them for you. For the Greener Homes Grant, Energy Advisors will provide you with a Renovation Upgrade Report and upload your EnerGuide Label to the Greener Homes Grant Portal. They are unable to do anything more. Please go to our Grants and Rebates page for more information on filing for your rebates and grants. You may also want to read our FAQs. All further questions on this matter can be directed to barb@capture-energy.ca. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation!

FAQ for New Home Builds

Q: What incentives can I access by building an energy efficient home?

BC Hydro Power Smart New Homes Program, FortisBC PowerSense New Homes Program, and the City of North Vancouver Density Bonusing Program may be available to you when you build a new energy efficient home. In addition, the CMHC offers further savings for energy efficient new home builds. Please contact us and we will help you determine which incentives you are eligible for.

Q: How do I get started?

Getting started is easy. Simply send us a copy of your plans, and we will get in touch with you to review the process, helping you to get your way to energy savings.

Q: What is the benefit of building a more Energy Efficient or High Performance Home?

High Performance Homes, like Net Zero, Passive House, Zero Energy, and BuiltGreen homes offer exceptionally healthier living environments than conventional homes. Due to the system in which fresh air filtration systems, the air your family breathes ends up being cleaner, featuring less allergens, dust particles and other nasties. You can also end up saving money: Though High Performance Homes may have a higher upfront cost, a significant portion of it can be offset through a series of Federal and Provincial grants and rebates. That, along with the long-term savings you’ll notice in your utility bills, as well as in the health and comfort of your home, make an energy efficient home well worth the investment. Moreover, an Energy Efficient home is a more air-tight home — that means that your home will maintain a more even temperature, and you will not have to worry about heating and cooling as frequently. As the building code changes, more efficiency requirements will become mandatory. Putting these practices in place now will ensure your home remains competitive in the marketplace for years to come.

Q: What is Built Green?

We are certified BuiltGreen™ Advisors. BuiltGreen homes are 3rd party certified, energy efficient and environmentally responsible homes. Benefits of a BuiltGreen home include increased comfort, healthy indoor air quality and durability.

Q: What is the EnerGuide Rating?

The EnerGuide Rating System was developed by Natural Resources Canada to provide a standard way of measuring a home’s energy performance. The home is rated on a scale of 1 to 100: the higher the number, the more energy efficient your home is. When working with you, we start with the projected energy efficiency based on the information in your plans, and then work with you to increase the efficiency to achieve 80+ on the scale, so you can enjoy the benefits of a more efficient home.

Q: What’s the difference between a Passive House and a Net Zero Home?

Passive Houses are buildings that use ultra-low energy levels to heat and cool the air inside a home. Because of this, Passive Houses do not use much energy at all. Net Zero homes, on the other hand, produce as much energy as they consume, making them extremely energy efficient, as well. Net Zero homes offer more varied building methods to achieve essentially the same results as Passive Houses. Mechanical components, like solar, wind or geothermal power, are often used in conjunction with air-tightness components to ensure energy efficiency in Net Zero homes. These mechanical components are less common in Passive Houses, though they can still be incorporated. If you’re still debating between Passive and Net Zero homes, our Energy Advisors can help you make the decision that’s best for you! Contact us today to learn more!

 

Contact Us

Looking for an EnerGuide evaluation?

Request a quote for your new build or your renovation today!

General Inquiries

If you have a question, call us directly, or fill out the form below and we will get back to you right away.

Tel: 604-765-8807​ | Email: appointments@capture-energy.ca

We service BC’s Lower Mainland from Pemberton to Chilliwack to the Sunshine Coast, and everywhere in between.

Capture Energy Service Area Map