Homeowners' Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get an energy rating?

It really depends on what your concerns are and what problems need to be addressed. We have a variety of services for homeowners that should address every situation.

Should I replace my windows?

This depends on your primary concern. If comfort is the main problem in your home, there is a good chance that some or all of your windows are at fault. However, window replacement is usually only cost-effective from a long-term viewpoint. There are other things to consider, such as aesthetics and resale value. Typically, there are other measures that are less expensive and more effective to change the performance of your home.

What about mold? Should I be scared?

It is the position of EnergyLogic that mold is a real concern, although one which has probably been over-dramatized by the media. Some people are highly susceptible to mold. Others are not. However mold is not good, whether you are at risk or not. Mold is an indication of a home being out of balance. It is relatively easy to deal with mold if it is not out of control.
We look out for mold during all of our inspections. We also identify conditions that could lead to mold growth. Of course, it is best to stop it before it starts.

Should I have my ducts cleaned?

Duct cleaning is possibly a good idea after construction or after a water damage event. Most of the claims of duct cleaners have not been substantiated by research. Please refer to the excellent document at the Canada Home Mortgage and Housing Corporation about duct cleaning.

Should I be concerned about indoor air quality?

You should be aware that good indoor air quality is not a given. Healthy indoor air quality doesn't happen by accident and it is best to be proactive about ensuring it. Builders are increasingly aware of the issue and are working toward providing better indoor air quality. Good indoor air quality also takes a commitment on the part of homeowners. Please click here to read more about maintaining your indoor air quality.

Does it make sense to use solar energy for my home?

It does, but only after you have taken care of the less-glamorous energy efficiency items. Solar water heating and photovoltaic (PV) power are wonderful things that we all should consider after we've made our homes as energy efficient as they can be. Using solar power before doing the basics is sort of like going out on a winter day with a warm coat, but nothing else.

Do I need to vent my cooktop or range to the outside?

If your cooktop or range is fueled by natural gas, you certainly should vent to the outside. It is not good practice to use a re-circulating hood with gas appliances. Even with electric appliances, there is the potential for damage with a re-circulating hood from high moisture. Additionally, we recommend that any vent hood with a capacity greater than 300 cfm should have designed make-up air to prevent depressurization issues in the home.

I rent a duplex — what about me?

Renters control many of the lighting options that are a greater proportion of the energy use in an detached home. There are a number of habits and practices that you can employ to help control energy use. Please visit the Department of Energy's webpage which includes more information for renters.

Can a house be too tight? Doesn't a house need to breathe?

The answer is no. Homes don't need to breathe, but people do. While we work to seal a home to make it more efficient and comfortable, we don't want to sacrifice indoor air quality. By sealing off air leaks, you ensure that the air you breathe is not coming from unsafe places. The goal is to control the air you breathe. Many homes built in Colorado today rely on the wind to provide ventilation air. A high-performance home puts you in control of the ventilation.

I'm worried about carbon monoxide. What should I do?

If you are concerned about carbon monoxide, you should ask your builder what they do to address the issue. The best builders on the market today are building homes with sealed combustion appliances that are almost impossible to backdraft. These builders also test their homes to ensure that they are performing properly.
There are several steps you can take to make your current home more resistant to carbon monoxide backdrafting and spillage. For more information on the topic, please visit the Canada Home Mortgage Corporation web site.
EnergyLogic offers testing to help you diagnose a questionable carbon monoxide situation.

How much more does a high-performing home cost?

We love this question, because we feel that once you understand the economics of buying a high-performance home, you are more likely to choose one. Please visit our economics page for more information on the value of high-performing homes.

Every builder I talk to says that they build an energy-efficient home. Is it true?

Unfortunately, it is not. However, the good news is that there are homes and builders that do meet the standards of high-performance. Please visit our efficiency myths page to read more.

Does buying a home 'built to the building code' mean that I'll be getting a good home?

It only means that you'll get a home built to the code. That is a minimum standard. Please refer to our efficiency myths page for more information.

All these logos and programs are confusing. Who does what and why?

We have assembled a special glossary of programs and organizations in an attempt to make some sense of the confusion for you. Many high-performance builders are members of multiple programs and organizations.

I'm concerned about...

The Environment - What can I do?

By purchasing a high-performing home, you will be on the right path to helping protect the environment. Homes that meet high-performance standards use fewer resources than other homes. Homes that are part of the Built Green™ program are even more sustainable. Seek out builders that build high-performance homes and also certify them as Built Green™.

Comfort - What should I do?

You should seek out a high-performance builder and make sure that they have done all that they can do to ensure your comfort. You can also consult our list of things to ask your builder to learn more.

Safety - What should I do?

You can use our list of things to ask your builder. You can also confirm that they use a third-party inspection organization, such as EnergyLogic, to ensure that, at least, minimal safety testing is performed.

Saving money - What should I do?

The escalating price of energy should be a concern for everyone. One way to protect yourself is to work with a builder that has made energy-efficiency a priority. Builders that work with energy rating companies such as EnergyLogic are more likely to have addressed efficiency issues.