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 meet address every situation.

Should I replace my windows?

This depends on what your primary concern is. If comfort is the chief problem in your home then there is a good chance that some or all of your windows are at fault. However, window replacement is rarely cost effective without a long-term viewpoint. There are other considerations like aesthetics and resale value, but typically, there are other measures that are considerably less expensive and more effective at changing the performance of your home.

What about mold? Should I be scared?

It is the position of EnergyLogic that mold is a real concern that has probably been over-dramatized by the media. Some people are highly susceptible to mold problems. 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 keep our eyes out for mold in all of our inspections. We also identify conditions that could lead to mold growth. Of course, it's best to stop it before it starts.

Should I have my ducts cleaned?

Duct cleaning is potentially a good idea after construction or after a water damage event. However, most of the claims of duct cleaners have not been substantiated by research. Please refer to the excellent document on the Canadian Home Mortgage and Housing Corporation about duct cleaning.

Should I be concerned about indoor air quality?

You should be aware that indoor air quality is not a given. Indoor air quality doesn't happen by accident and it is best to be proactive about ensuring it. Builders are increasingly cognizant 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 on my home?

It does, but only after you've 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 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 should absolutely vent to the outside. It is simply not good practice to use a re-circulating hood with gas appliances. Even with electric appliances, there is the potential for damage from high moisture with a re-circulating hood. Additionally, we recommend that any vent hood that has 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 of course 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 click here to visit the Department of Energy's webpage with 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. When we work to seal a home, making it more efficient and comfortable, we don't want to sacrifice indoor air quality. Sealing off air leaks helps us ensure that the air you breathe is not coming from places you don't want it to. The goal is to control the air you breathe. Many homes built in Colorado today rely on the wind to provide ventilation air. High-performance homes put you in control of the ventilation, not Mother Nature.

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 deal with 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 issue, please click this link to the Canadian Home Mortgage Corporation.
Additionally, EnergyLogic offers testing to help you diagnose a questionable situation.

How much more does a high performing home cost?

It's a question we love, because we feel that once you've understood the economics of buying a high-performance home, you are much more likely to choose one than not. Please click here for more information on the economics 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 out there that do meet the standards of high-performance. Please visit our myths section to read more.

Doesn't 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 myths section for more.

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

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

I'm concerned about...

The Environment. What can I do?

By buying a high-performing home, you will be on the right path to helping to protect the environment. Homes that meet high-performance standards use less resources than other homes. Homes that are part of the Built Green™ program are even more sustainable. Seek out builders that not only build high-performance homes but also certify them as Built Green™.

Comfort. What should I do?

By all means you should seek out a high-performance builder and make sure that they have done all that they can to ensure your comfort. See our list of things to ask your builder to learn more.

Safety. What should I do?

Use our list of things to ask your builder and make sure that they use a third-party inspection organization like EnergyLogic to ensure that at least minimal safety testing is performed.

Saving money. What should I do?

The ever escalating price of energy should be a concern for anyone. The only way to protect yourself is to make sure that you work with a builder that has made energy-efficiency a priority. Builders that work with energy rating companies like EnergyLogic are much more likely to have addressed efficiency issues.