Energy Advisor Services You Can Trust – Since 2015
Airtight is licensed as a Certified Energy Advisor by NRCan to conduct EnerGuide Evaluations. We have conducted 1000’s across BC.
We conduct detailed CSA F280-12 Heat Loss/Gain reports for rebate programs and BC Step Code requirements.
We test new and existing homes for airtightness and can locate envelope leaks using advanced thermal camera or fog techniques.
After we calculate your home’s energy requirements then you can get competitive quotes and our AI analysis of those bids. 5
What Is The Home Energy Retrofit Financing Program?
The Home Energy Retrofit Financing Program is a city of Nanaimo initiative designed to help residents fund sustainable property upgrades through interest-free loans of up to $15,000. Homeowners can use these funds for energy-efficient improvements, such as installing heat pumps, solar panels, or enhanced insulation, and repay the balance over a decade via their property taxes.
Participation requires both a pre- and post-upgrade EnerGuide evaluation, with the city offering specific discounts and rebates to offset these assessment costs. Applications are evaluated based on climate impact, energy savings, and social equity, with a particular focus on reducing fossil fuel consumption. Because the loan is tied to the property title rather than the individual, the repayment obligation transfers to the next owner if the home is sold. This program serves as a popular PACE-style financing model to make climate-resilient home modifications more affordable and accessible.
IMPORTANT: Online Applications are open from September 14th to October 31:
Is Airtight The Only Nanaimo-Based Energy Advisor?
There are 7 listed Energy Advisors serving Nanaimo, but 6 are based as far away as Campbell River, Saltspring, and Vancouver; there is only 1 Certified Energy Advisor based in Nanaimo – Airtight Energy. Here is the Search Tool link at CleanBC – Find An Energy Advisor
Does Airtight Energy Offer 50% Off EnerGuide and F280?
Yes! Save 50% off EnerGuide and F280 fees. Get your 50% discount code by email using this Google online form.
Using advanced building-science based data collection and tools like EnerGuide and Hot2000 for energy modeling to reveal opportunities and options for improving the energy efficiency of your home. We are on the BC PQEA list as a Program Qualified Energy Advisor and can test both Single-Family and Multi-Unit-Residential-Buildings, (MURB) where 2 or more units are stacked. Airtight is a member of CACEA, and we are being added to the HPCN.ca list of approved Energy Advisors for BC rebates (expected in Sept).
- Discover Solutions for Your Home to improve comfort, indoor health, and lower utility bills;
- Access Home Renovation Rebates and become eligible for low interest financing options;
- Discover which upgrades will reduce your energy use the most based on your priorities;
- Make the informed Decisions when choosing a energy products or services.
BC Energy Step Code
British Columbia introduced the BC Energy Step Code in 2017 to transition all new Part-9 residential buildings to Net Zero Energy by 2032. Unlike previous prescriptive Codes, the new BC Step Code is performance based requiring measurement of air-tightness by a Airtight Energy Advisor.
As of May 1, 2023 all BC Municipalities and Regional Districts are required to meet Energy Step Code 3, or higher by agreement. At the same time BC introduced a 4-tier Emissions Level measure called the Zero Carbon Step Code. As of July 1, 2024 Victoria, Saanich, CRD, CVRD, RDN, Duncan, Ladysmith, and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island have opted for Zero Carbon Step Code EL-4 that can be achieved using a Heat Pump plus electrical hot water.
New Home Construction Building Permits
- Start by emailing your home plans to Airtight Energy in preparation for a Building Permit.
- Have us test the mid-construction home after the envelope is insulated and sealed, but before the Gyproc boarding, to reveal any air leakage holes.
- Book us to complete the Step Code testing and finalize the As-built reports to certify the efficiency and receive the Occupancy Permit.
F280 Heat Loss | Heat Pump Sizing as an Energy Advisor Service
In British Columbia, a F-280-12 Heat Loss and Gain report is necessary when constructing a new home or retrofitting a heat pump in an existing residence to be eligible for BC rebates. Airtight can create the heat pump sizing report for you for a small fee.
For New Home Construction:
All municipalities in BC require a CSA F280-12 calculation report plus a Step Code checklist to support a Building Permit application, in accordance with Part 9.33.5 of the 2024 BC Building Code. A new 9.33.3 regulation on Overheating Protection stipulates that every new dwelling must provide room cooling. The CSA F280-12 calculation helps avoid the frequent mistake of oversizing the system. Extensive research shows that more than 50% of new installations are oversized, leading to increased installation and maintenance costs, as well as higher operational expenses annually.
For Existing Home Energy Rebates:
To qualify for Heat Pump rebates offered by BC Hydro and Fortis after May 1, a F280-12 Heat Loss calculation is required to prove that the heating system is appropriately sized to meet the home’s peak heating and cooling requirements and ensure optimal comfort. Airtight Energy can produce the F280 Calculation for the Heat Pump Contractor, or directly for the Homeowner by email request.
EnerGuide Labeling of Homes – Realtors
Airtight Energy Advisors can evaluate a resale home on Vancouver Island quickly at the time of sale to produce the nationally recognized EnerGuide home efficiency certification label. We use building-science based data collection expertise to reveal opportunities and options for improving the energy efficiency of the home. We are on the BC list of Program Qualified Energy Advisors and can test both Single-Family and Multi-Unit-Residential-Buildings, (MURB) where 2 or more units are stacked. Soon to complete our addition to the Home Performance list as a BC Energy Advisor.
- Discover Solutions for Your Home to improve comfort, indoor health, and lower utility bills;
- Access Home Renovation Rebates and become eligible for low interest financing options;
- Discover which upgrades will reduce your energy use the most based on your priorities;
- Make the informed Energy Efficiency Decisions when buying or selling a home on MLS.
Vancouver Island’s Trusted Energy Advisor
Airtight Energy Advisors has served Homeowners and Builders from Victoria to Courtenay for 10-years, utilizing our 40-years combined building consulting experience. Our main Existing and New Home energy advisor services include:
- Greener Homes EnerGuide Evaluations;
- BC Energy Step Code; and
- F280 Heat Loss calculations
Airtight is a member of:
- NRCan – Natural Resources Canada licensed Energy Advisor
- CACEA – Canadian Association of Consulting Energy Advisors;
- HP;
- PQEA – Program Qualified Energy Advisor | BC Hydro & Fortis
- BBB – Better Business Bureau | Nanaimo;
- VICC – Vancouver Island Chamber of Commerce
We look forward to serving your home energy audit service needs to improve comfort, reduce energy costs, and support greener living across the Island.
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