This blog article was updated May 27th, 2019
In Canada, we have Energy Advisors. In the US, we have Energy Auditors, Energy Evaluators, HERS Raters, and BPI Analysts. While there are some very clear differences between the duties that each of these titles carries out when they evaluate a house, the fundamentals are the same.
Energy Advisor Job Description
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A site visit that includes:
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A blower door test to determine the air leakage rate
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An inspection of air leakage locations
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Tests for occupant health and safety around combustion appliances
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Measurements and notes on the house characteristics for the energy model/evaluation
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Discussion with the homeowner about potential improvements
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An energy evaluation that includes:
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As-is house characteristics are put into computer model
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Computer model with potential improvements
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A report that includes:
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A run-down of the house characteristics (as built)
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Recommendations for improvement (for existing houses)
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Recommendations for code/program compliance (for new houses)
This is the order the evaluation takes for existing houses. For new houses, the computer model is created from the plans, the builder is informed of ways to comply with the building code performance path, or the high-performance energy target, and then, once the house is built, the site visit takes place.
My experience, of course, has been as an Energy Advisor in Canada (although I did get certified as a BPI Analyst back in 2008 or so). In Canada, Energy Advisors also carry out depressurization tests to ensure houses with ‘susceptible combustion appliances’ are not putting occupant health in danger. In the US, some programs require a Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) test, and there are requirements to use gas ‘sniffers’ and other test equipment for indoor air quality.
Registering as an Energy Advisor
In Canada, Energy Advisors are registered by Natural Resources Canada to deliver the EnerGuide Rating System for new or existing homes, using the Hot2000 energy modelling software. There is a 3-step process to get registered as an Energy Advisor (EA).
- Pass the Foundation Exam.
- Take the training and pass the EA exam.
- Pass the field test successfully.
All active and registered EAs have to be associated with a Licensed Service Organization.
Preparing for Your Energy Advisor Foundation Exam
If you are interested in becoming an EA in Canada, Blue House Energy now offers online training that prepares you for the Foundation Exam. Energy Advisor Foundation Training on-demand 5-course bundle covers construction technology, construction math, construction safety, plans reading, and high performance housing topics.
If you have passed your Foundation exam, and want to get training so you can pass the EA exam, we are currently piloting an online mentoring program. Find out more about the Energy Advisor Mentoring Program, pre-registration is now open.
The Foundation Level exam and the Energy Advisor exam are taken at proctored testing centres across Canada. A Candidate Exam Handbook is available that contains information on:
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the exam development process,
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how to prepare for the exams,
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how to register for and pay fees to take an exam,
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the process on exam day, and
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the Candidate Statement of Understanding.
The exam registration site also includes a list of exam centre locations and the Candidate Exam Handbook.
Energy advisor candidates can:
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Contact Natural Resources Canada at nrcan.homes-maisons.rncan@canada.ca to access all ERS v.15 documents, the competency profiles for all v 15 ERS exams, and the Candidate Exam Handbook.
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Contact a service organization for existing or new homes to satisfy the third requirement.
Learn more about how to become a certified Energy Advisor. Or, if you’re already convinced, register for the Energy Advisor Foundation Exam Prep online course.
Interested in finding out more? Contact us and our program coordinator, Carla, will give you a call.
