Changes to the Ontario Building Code

At Thermo Seal Insulation Systems we stay informed on pending and current building code changes, so you don`t have to worry. The building code provides relevant information about what is required to meet Ontario Building Standards. As of December 31, 2011, all new building permits (residential and commericial) must adhere to building code changes that resemble the energy efficeincy standard of EnerGuide 80.

What is EnerGuide 80?

EnerGuide 80 is a rating of energy efficiency. According to Natural Resources Canada, "An EnerGuide rating shows a standard measure of your home's energy performance. It shows you (and future buyers) exactly how energy efficient your home is. The rating is calculated based on standard operation assumptions so that you can compare the energy performance of one house against another.

The home's energy efficiency level is rated on a scale of 0 to 100. A rating of 0 represents a home with major air leakage, no insulation and extremely high energy consumption. A rating of 100 represents a house that is airtight, well insulated, sufficiently ventilated and requires no purchased energy on an annual basis.

The program started out to assist builders in quantifying the energy efficiency of the homes they built. The Ontario Building Code has since adopted this practice and has determined that all new homes should at least be built to the minimum standard of EnerGuide 80.

How Does EnerGuide 80 Compare to Older Homes?

Homes built under the previous building code were comparable to an EnerGuide rating of 65 to 72. Under the new code changes, you will see improvements made to the requirements of insulation, furnace and hot water tank efficiency, air tightness, and over all energy consumption.

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