How Ottawa is built
- Before 1961 16%
- 1961–1990 40%
- 1991–2000 13%
- 2001 or later 32%
What an evaluation finds in Ottawa homes
Of Ottawa's 287,345 houses (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes), 16% were built before 1961 and 56% before 1991, according to the 2021 Census. The typical Ottawa house dates from 1981–1990, and an evaluation is how you find out what that means for yours: the blower door measures air leakage, the advisor inspects the attic, walls, basement, windows and heating system, and the report ranks upgrades by what they'd save.
Ottawa gets about 4,354 heating degree-days a year and has a winter design temperature of −24.3°C, according to NRCan's HOT2000 climate data for Ottawa International. That's about 11% more heating demand than the middle of the 70 cities we cover. The more heating a climate needs, the more each fix is worth, which is why the evaluation's ranked list matters more in some cities than others.
In the Ottawa (Ontario) part of the Ottawa–Gatineau region, 69% of households heat mainly with a forced-air furnace, 10% with electric baseboards and about 6% with a boiler and radiators; natural gas is the main heating energy for 59% of households and electricity for 21% (Statistics Canada, 2023). The heating system on the report shapes the recommendations: a forced-air furnace invites a ducted heat pump, electric baseboards a ductless one.
What it costs in Ottawa
Typical Ontario prices are about $500–$700 for the initial EnerGuide evaluation and $200–$450 for the follow-up, plus HST where it applies. Windfall Ecology Centre charges $500 + HST for the initial evaluation and $250 + HST for the follow-up, Reep Green Solutions charges $540 and $406 with no HST, and City-backed programs in Ottawa and London quote $500–$700 as typical for the first visit. Only assessments from the seven HRSP-approved organizations qualify for the $600 Home Renovation Savings rebate, and none of the seven publishes a price.
- Better Homes Ottawa EnerGuide assessment reduction: For a limited time, loan-program participants can receive a $600 reduction on their approved loan after completing the program, toward the required EnerGuide assessment. Not available to applicants who get the $600 assessment rebate from the Home Renovation Savings Program. Details
Most providers quote the initial (pre-upgrade) and follow-up (post-upgrade) visits separately. Rebate programs that pay on measured improvement need both, so ask for the combined price.
How it works
- Initial evaluation, about 2–3 hours. The advisor measures and inspects the house and runs the blower door test.
- Report and EnerGuide rating. You get the home's energy rating in gigajoules per year and a list of recommended upgrades with estimated savings.
- Do the work. Most rebate programs only count upgrades done after the initial evaluation.
- Follow-up evaluation. A second visit measures the improvement, which is what most rebates pay on.
NRCan-licensed service organizations serving Ottawa
Every organization below is licensed by NRCan to deliver EnerGuide evaluations and lists Ottawa postal codes. Coverage is the share of Ottawa's urban postal areas each one lists.
Only assessments from the seven HRSP-approved organizations qualify for the $600 Home Renovation Savings rebate and its assessment-path upgrade rebates; each listing below says whether it's one of them.
- AmeriSpec HRSP-approved: Yes Profile
- Clean Energy Solutions HRSP-approved: No
- Eco Advantage Energy Advisors HRSP-approved: No
- ecoPlus Services HRSP-approved: No
- Ecostep Energy Services HRSP-approved: No
- Energy Werx HRSP-approved: Yes Profile
- ENERGY3R HRSP-approved: No
- EnerQuality HRSP-approved: No
- EnerSolution HRSP-approved: No Profile
- EnviroCentre HRSP-approved: No
- Green Think HRSP-approved: No
- Greenbrain HRSP-approved: Yes Profile
- Habite-Co 2000 HRSP-approved: No
- Homesol Building Solutions HRSP-approved: No
- The Energuy HRSP-approved: Yes Profile
- Verdatech Energy Management and Consulting HRSP-approved: No
- ER Energy Solutions HRSP-approved: No
- All Season Inspection HRSP-approved: No Profile
- Buildingexpert HRSP-approved: No
- Green Canada Home Advisors HRSP-approved: No Profile
- Sensible Home Inspections HRSP-approved: No
- BEST Energy and Sustainability HRSP-approved: No
- Enerhold Engineering Solutions HRSP-approved: No
Rebates and financing an evaluation unlocks in Ottawa
Home energy audit in Ottawa: common questions
How much does a home energy audit cost in Ottawa?
Typical Ontario prices are about $500–$700 for the initial EnerGuide evaluation and $200–$450 for the follow-up, plus HST where it applies. Windfall Ecology Centre charges $500 + HST for the initial evaluation and $250 + HST for the follow-up, Reep Green Solutions charges $540 and $406 with no HST, and City-backed programs in Ottawa and London quote $500–$700 as typical for the first visit. Only assessments from the seven HRSP-approved organizations qualify for the $600 Home Renovation Savings rebate, and none of the seven publishes a price. Ottawa also has a municipal evaluation subsidy for eligible homeowners.
How many companies do EnerGuide evaluations in Ottawa?
NRCan's list of service organizations shows 26 licensed organizations with Ottawa postal codes (checked September 25, 2026). All seven organizations approved for Home Renovation Savings assessments are among them, and only their assessments qualify for its $600 rebate.
How long does an EnerGuide evaluation take?
The initial visit usually takes two to three hours, including the blower door test. The follow-up visit after upgrades is shorter.
Which rebates need an EnerGuide evaluation in Ontario?
Currently: Home Renovation Savings — Home Energy Assessment path (Up to $10,000 per home for insulation, windows and air sealing, plus $600 back on your assessments — if the follow-up assessment is done by December 31, 2026). Check the program page for current terms before you book.