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Canada Greener Homes - Pre & Post Testing which to not change the envelope?

  • 3 Aug 2021 12:58 PM
    Message # 10792066
    Deleted user

    Looking for some procedural clarification as I have asked this question a couple of times to various parties, yet to get an official answer/commitment.

    How are other EAs handling the pre & post blower door testing requirements which either renovations were previously performed, and/or when retrofits performed did not change the building envelope (ie. mechanical or renewables)?

    Looking forward to thoughts of all.

  • 24 Aug 2021 10:04 AM
    Reply # 10952890 on 10792066

    Wayne, Could you clarify the question a bit more specifically?

  • 25 Aug 2021 9:08 AM
    Reply # 10955528 on 10792066
    Anonymous

    Note if renovations were done before the audit - they are not eligible for the grant. They have to have had an audit prior to making any changes to be eligible. 

  • 25 Aug 2021 11:45 AM
    Reply # 10955910 on 10792066
    Deleted user

    Concern is regarding requirement to conduct two blower door tests, pre and post, when the envelope has not changed.  Specifically, installation of ASHP, PV, etc.

    In these circumstances, two BDT seem redundant and I am aware of EAs which conduct only one, which is contrary to ERS.

  • 26 Aug 2021 1:49 PM
    Reply # 10958836 on 10792066
    Anonymous

    Even though the envelope 'has not changed', penetrations may have been added, patched, or altered during the completed work. Not only is it required in ERS, but it can help identify any work deficiencies as a best practice.

  • 26 Aug 2021 5:37 PM
    Reply # 10959252 on 10792066
    Deleted user

    David, completely understand, however I am aware of other EAs who do not complete the second, though required by ERS - thus the question.

  • 27 Aug 2021 8:01 AM
    Reply # 10960744 on 10792066
    Anonymous

    Wayne, not completing the second BD would lead me to question the EA's intensions. Why? And who does it benefit?

  • 27 Aug 2021 8:51 PM
    Reply # 10962548 on 10792066
    Deleted user

    David,

    We are completely on the same page, commitments to our clients, the program and our ERS licensing is paramount. 

    Personally, I will not compromise my integrity, accuracy of our modelling, or integrity of the program/our ERS commitments - our reputation outstanding, something I am proud of.  Yet there is substantial hearsay of shortcuts being taken and a potential dis-service to the client, our industry, and the program.  This is my concern and reason I have reached out to our community.

  • 28 Aug 2021 12:25 PM
    Reply # 10964234 on 10792066

    That was a great answer David (Reply # 10955910 on 10792066) and good topic to bring up Wayne.  Ideally everyone follows the ERS procedures but some programs may allow for their own interpretations, but it would be up to an EA to ensure they know them and the consequences f o r not following. Greener Homes two visits two blower doors is a must as the program currently stands.  We could ask the question to NRCan though " what if we know the envelope did not change (eg.  perhaps the case for Solar panel installation).l is a second blower door required"?

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