Energy audit and conversion from gas
Our experience with Sarah of Goldfinch Energy to do our energy audit has been an absolute pleasure. Sarah is professional and personable. Her engineering background certainly is invaluable in understanding the mechanics of the heating/cooling systems, etc. of our homes and gives assurance to the homeowner.
She was very thorough, talking us through the process and the whole rebate system. Our biggest concern was looking to switch from a gas furnace and water heater, which were both on last legs, to a heat pump and electric water heater. Considering the government rebates, this made environmental and financial sense. All other recommendations re heat source loss were welcome.
I believe that some of the initial cost of the audit will be rebated but it is definitely worth it regardless. This is a 3 hour process with a fan system set-up at the entrance to the house to find sources of heat loss. She checks every window, external door and walls, fireplaces and ductwork and produces a 21 page roadmap with her findings. This is a roadmap of the current issues of heat loss and detailed recommendations on first priorities; why it should be done, recommendations for how it should be done, potential cost and suggestions of products and companies.
A further audit is done months later after recommendations have been done, in order to qualify for the rebate. We improved by 11% just by getting the heat pump, electric water heater and doing some wall insulation in the basement. We can still do more, and more is obviously also more money. So, we will see.
Paper work to submit is done at that time. Wait time for rebates can be months I am told.
We also hired Sarah to support us with contractors, setting up appointments, deciding between options, etc. This is a separate fee.
As someone who is research oriented, surprisingly, I found this whole process absolutely pain free, and didn't need to do the due diligence that is my usual way. I totally trusted Sarah and her opinions, so decision-making was easy for me. Sarah also reduced her fee because I didn't need as much support.
My husband and I would absolutely recommend Sarah and her company.
Heather and Noel
Beaches Toronto
- Approximate cost of services:
- $19,000.00