An energy audit is the single most important first step you can take to reduce your energy bills. It tells you exactly where your home is losing energy, which upgrades will save you the most money, and — critically — it's required to access most Ontario rebates.
The good news: Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program rebates $600 toward your energy audit costs when you complete 2 or more recommended upgrades. For most homeowners, this covers the full audit cost. Here's everything you need to know.
Important: The $600 audit rebate is paid after you complete at least 2 qualifying upgrades recommended in your audit report. You pay for the audit upfront ($300-600) and get reimbursed as part of your final rebate package.
What Is an Energy Audit?
A home energy audit (also called an EnerGuide evaluation) is a professional assessment of your home's energy performance. A certified energy advisor visits your home and conducts a series of tests to measure how efficiently it uses energy.
During the audit, the advisor will:
- Perform a blower door test to measure air leakage (how drafty your home is)
- Inspect insulation levels in the attic, walls, and basement
- Evaluate your heating/cooling system efficiency and age
- Check windows and doors for air leaks and thermal performance
- Review your hot water system and major appliances
- Photograph problem areas for your report
- Calculate your home's EnerGuide rating (0-100 scale)
The whole process takes 2-4 hours. You'll receive a detailed report within 1-2 weeks, including a prioritized list of recommended upgrades and their estimated costs and savings.
The Real Cost
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-retrofit audit (upfront) | $300 - $500 |
| Post-retrofit audit (after upgrades) | $150 - $200 |
| Total audit cost | $450 - $700 |
| Ontario HRS rebate (after 2+ upgrades) | -$600 |
| Net audit cost | $0 - $100 |
How it works: You pay for the audit upfront. After completing at least 2 recommended upgrades and your post-retrofit audit, the $600 is included in your total HRS rebate package. Most homeowners who get an audit end up doing 2+ upgrades anyway — the audit makes the ROI clear.
Pro tip: Some utilities (like Enbridge) occasionally cover the full audit cost for their customers. Check with your utility provider before booking — you may pay nothing at all.
Why the Audit Is Worth It (Even Beyond the Rebate)
It unlocks thousands more in rebates
The pre/post audit is required for almost every Ontario HRS rebate — insulation ($650-$1,250), air sealing ($1,050-$2,100), heat pumps (up to $7,500), and more. Without the audit, you can't access any of these.
It tells you exactly what to fix first
Instead of guessing, you'll know the 2-3 upgrades that will have the biggest impact on your specific home. Many homeowners discover their biggest energy loss isn't where they expected.
It increases your home's resale value
An EnerGuide label is becoming a selling point for Ontario homes. Buyers want to know what their energy costs will be. A high rating can differentiate your home in the market.
It validates contractor recommendations
If a contractor tells you that you need a $15,000 upgrade, the audit report gives you an independent second opinion on what your home actually needs.
How to Book Your Audit
Take our free energy quiz
Answer 8 quick questions about your home — type, age, heating system, insulation, and energy spend. In 2 minutes you'll know your energy vulnerability score and whether an audit makes sense for you.
We'll connect you with a certified auditor
Based on your quiz results and location, we'll match you with a registered energy advisor in your area. No searching required — we handle the matchmaking.
Prepare your home for the visit
Clear access to the attic hatch, furnace/boiler, hot water tank, and electrical panel. Have a recent energy bill handy. The advisor may need to close all windows and exterior doors for the blower door test.
Get your audit and claim $600 back
You'll pay $300-500 upfront for the pre-audit. Keep the receipt — you'll submit it with your HRS rebate application to get $600 back, covering most or all of the cost.
Ready to Book Your Energy Audit?
Take our free 2-minute quiz and we'll connect you with a certified energy auditor in your area. The Ontario HRS program covers up to $600 of the cost.
Take the Quiz — Get Matched With an Auditor