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Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency

BC: New Energy Performance Standards for Windows Manufactured after January 1, 2022

As of January 1st, 2022 for Part 9 buildings (≤600 m² 4 storeys or less) *Residential windows and sliding glass doors manufactured after January 1, 2022, to have a minimum rating of: USI-value ≤ 1.61 W/(m2K) BC_ New Energy Performance Standards for Windows Manufactured after January 1, 2022  (letter to Fenestration Canada from the BC Energy Efficiency Standards Branch Click…
Luke Dolan
September 1, 2023
Energy EfficiencyIn the News

How to get the most out of a home energy audit

Want to make your home more energy-efficient or even just less drafty? Are you planning to redo your bathroom or kitchen? Want to get that $5,600 federal grant for green renovations?   In all these cases, getting an energy efficiency evaluation is a good first step, according to those in the industry. Here's a closer look at what that involves — and…
Luke Dolan
November 25, 2021
Energy EfficiencyFor Homeowners

Backdrafting In Our Homes

What is backdrafting? Backdrafting is the reverse and unwanted flow of exhaust gases from fuel-fired appliances back into a home. Fuel-fired appliances use the oxygen present in air for the combustion process, and also use air to dilute toxic gases in the exhaust vent pipe or chimney. Combustion and dilution air can be supplied directly to the appliance (direct-vent) or can be pulled from…
Luke Dolan
February 24, 2021
Energy EfficiencyHome Comfort

Air Barrier vs Vapour Barrier

The difference between air barrier and vapour barrier systems is often misunderstood.  These are two distinct components of a building’s assembly, and both have a different purpose. The function of an air barrier is to stop air leakage between a conditioned space and an unconditioned space, while the vapour barrier prevents the diffusion of vapour through an assembly. The National…
Luke Dolan
February 19, 2021
Energy EfficiencyFor Builders

Building Airtightness Targets and Standards

We can’t stress enough the importance of airtightness. Durability, comfort, energy efficiency, and healthy homes all relate back to airtightness. If you haven’t read our blog post about airtightness, see HERE. Airtightness requirements in building codes and energy performance standards are becoming increasingly stringent. Recent codes and standards have now begun to include targets for whole-building airtightness as a way of achieving consistently higher levels of…
Luke Dolan
February 3, 2021
Energy EfficiencyFor Builders

ABS vs PVC piping

What’s the difference and which one should I use? Have you ever wondered what the difference is between the white, black, and grey plastic pipes running through the walls and floors and around the perimeter of your home? Unless you’re a plumber by trade, probably not. But in case you’re curious, here’s a brief rundown of the difference in plastic…
Luke Dolan
February 3, 2021
Energy Efficiency

What’s all the fuss about airtightness?

If you’ve been paying attention to the ever-evolving home building requirements throughout BC, you may have noticed that municipalities are asking more and more from their builders to achieve high levels of airtightness. Most people in the industry view this as a positive development that will expand the knowledge base and improve the quality of work delivered across the industry,…
Luke Dolan
February 3, 2021
BC Energy Step CodeEnergy EfficiencyIn the News

BC Energy Step Code – Are You Ready?

Climate adaptation is one of the major challenges of our time. Now more than ever governments at the Federal, Provincial, and Municipal levels are realizing the effects of Man-made climate change.  Today is the time to find solutions for a more sustainable future. The Province of British Columbia has a strategy to transition to Net-Zero energy ready buildings by 2032.…
Luke Dolan
February 3, 2021
BylawEnergy EfficiencyIn the NewsNewsletters

Update to Vancouver Building Bylaw 2018 – March 1st, 2018 updates

Today the City of Vancouver has introduced new updates to the Vancouver Building Bylaw 2018  (VBBL). Since 2014, only 1&2 Family residential housing were effected by the VBBL. Now, in the New Vancouver Building Bylaw 2018, all low-rise (less than 4 Storey) MURBs (Multi Residential Buildings) will require air tightness testing, EnerGuide Ratings, and Effective R-22 Walls. This will also…
Luke Dolan
February 3, 2021