How Winnipeg is built
- Before 1961 37%
- 1961–1990 40%
- 1991–2000 6%
- 2001 or later 17%
Why Winnipeg homes get humidity problems
Winnipeg gets about 5,542 heating degree-days a year and has a winter design temperature of −31.3°C, according to NRCan's HOT2000 climate data for Winnipeg International. On Winnipeg'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 Winnipeg's 202,915 houses (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes), 37% were built before 1961 and 77% before 1991, according to the 2021 Census. Newer houses (17% of Winnipeg'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 Winnipeg
NRCan-licensed service organizations serving Winnipeg
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.
- CoEfficient Building Science
- Energy Werx Profile
- EnerQuality
- EnerSolution Profile
- Green Think
- Greenbrain Profile
- NRG Inspections and Consulting
- prairieHOUSE Performance
- The Energuy Profile
- Buildingexpert
- Isle Energy Consulting
- Sensible Home Inspection
Programs in Winnipeg
Ventilation and humidity assessment in Winnipeg: 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 Winnipeg?
Advisors assess ventilation and humidity during the evaluation; HRV or ERV sizing may be an extra service.