How Whitehorse is built
- Before 1961 8%
- 1961–1990 41%
- 1991–2000 16%
- 2001 or later 35%
Why Whitehorse homes get humidity problems
Whitehorse gets about 6,522 heating degree-days a year and has a winter design temperature of −36.4°C, according to NRCan's HOT2000 climate data for Whitehorse. On Whitehorse's coldest days, window glass and poorly insulated corners get cold enough for condensation at humidity levels that feel normal indoors, so winter humidity needs to stay at the lower end of the comfortable range.
Of Whitehorse's 9,485 houses (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes), 8% were built before 1961 and 48% before 1991, according to the 2021 Census. Newer houses (35% of Whitehorse's were built since 2001) are tight and usually have an HRV or ERV that needs balancing and cleaning. Older houses that get air-sealed can lose the accidental ventilation they used to rely on.
What the assessment measures
- Relative humidity in living areas and the basement.
- Actual airflow from bath and kitchen fans, and whether they vent outside rather than into the attic.
- How much fresh air the house gets, and whether an HRV or ERV is balanced.
Related tests in Whitehorse
NRCan-licensed service organizations serving Whitehorse
In Yukon, the territorial government's Energy Branch is the licensed service organization and arranges assessments with local energy advisors.
Advisors assess ventilation and humidity as part of an evaluation and check that exhaust fans actually vent outside. Sizing an HRV or ERV may be extra.
- Government of Yukon Energy Mines and Resources
Ventilation and humidity assessment in Whitehorse: common questions
HRV or ERV?
Both bring in fresh air and recover heat. An ERV also transfers some moisture, which helps keep very dry winter air from getting drier; an HRV suits houses that tend to run humid.
Why did condensation appear after we got new windows?
Tighter windows cut accidental air leakage, so humidity builds up. The fix is usually controlled ventilation, not leakier windows.
Is a ventilation assessment part of an EnerGuide evaluation in Whitehorse?
Advisors assess ventilation and humidity during the evaluation; HRV or ERV sizing may be an extra service.