Is it important to get an energy audit before renovating a home, to make it more airtight and reduce heating costs? My concern is that the house needs to be airtight and then ventilated using an HRV. I recently spoke to a company that sells tankless hot water heaters. The company representative suggested that it is necessary to have a test to determine whether an HRV is required, prior to renovating. Later, I realized he perhaps did not understand that HRVs are also used as heat exchangers. If a house has holes that allow the migration of air, it's not nearly as efficient as a house that is airtight and has an HRV utilizing exhausted hot air to warm incoming cool or cold air. I have some experience with air-to-air heat exchangers and I am familiar with the concepts.

It sounds to me as if you are a perfect candidate for an energy audit. A certified energy advisor through the EnerGuide For Houses Program, developed by Natural Resources Canada, can perform an energy audit. An advisor can provide you with information that will guide you through making your home more energy efficient, which includes an air tightness test of the building envelope before and after the renovations. You will be left with a full report of recommendations as well as additional information on how to achieve your goals for a healthy energy efficient home. To find an advisor in your area, visit www.nrcan.ca.