ARG ENERGY ADVISOR SERVICES
Breathe Easier in Your Home
Professional indoor air quality evaluations identify ventilation problems, air leakage sources, and solutions to create healthier, more comfortable living spaces for Greater Vancouver and Sunshine Coast homeowners.
From Problems to Solutions
Signs Your Home Has Air Quality Problems
Do you notice any of these issues?
- Big temperature differences between floors
- Dark mold growing on window frames or walls in winter
- Bathroom fans running constantly to control moisture
- Stuffy air or lingering cooking odors
- Unexplained allergy or respiratory symptoms
- Cold drafts in winter despite closed windows
These are symptoms of poor ventilation and random air leakage.
The Hidden Problem
When you run bathroom fans, range hoods, or clothes dryers that exhaust air outside, that air has to be replaced. In older homes without proper ventilation systems, replacement air enters randomly through cracks in foundations, walls, and windows.
This uncontrolled air infiltration causes:
- Wasted energy heating or cooling incoming air
- Moisture problems leading to mold
- Indoor air pollution from crawl spaces or garages
- Potential radon gas infiltration from soil
- Wasted energy heating or cooling incoming air
Air sealing is also a key component of deep energy retrofits.
The Modern Solution
New homes include balanced ventilation systems (HRVs or ERVs) that control where fresh air enters, filter it, and recover heat from exhaust air. Many existing homes can be upgraded with similar systems.
Where to Start
A professional air quality evaluation identifies exactly where unwanted air is entering your home and how your current ventilation systems are performing—giving you a clear roadmap for improvements.
Our Process
Stage 1: Baseline Evaluation
We conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s air quality and ventilation systems as part of an EnerGuide evaluation.
What Happens
- Complete EnerGuide energy evaluation with blower door testing
Identify specific locations where air is infiltrating - Measure how much air leaks into and out of your home
- Identify specific locations where air is infiltrating
- Measure impact of all mechanical exhaust systems (bathroom fans, range
hoods, dryers) - Test for combustion spillage safety issues if you have gas or
wood-burning appliances - Assess indoor air flow patterns
Timeline: 2-3 hours onsite
What You Receive
- Detailed report showing air leakage rates and sources
- EnerGuide label and reports that address exterior house envelope issues
- Summary of current ventilation system performance
- Indoor air quality issue guides
- Photos documenting problem areas
- Report delivered within 1-2 weeks
Optional: HRV intake air / exhaust air balance check
Stage 2: Improvement Planning
We provide clear recommendations for improving your indoor air quality.
What’s Included in Your Report
- Air leakage sources ranked by priority
- Specific locations requiring air sealing
- Assessment of health and safety risks (radon, carbon monoxide, mold)
- Ventilation system recommendations (HRV/ERV options)
- EnerGuide label and reports that address exterior house envelope issues
- Cost-effectiveness analysis of improvements
- Phased implementation plan if needed
What You Do: Use our unbiased report to obtain contractor quotes and implement improvements at your pace.
Stage 3: Post-Improvement Verification (Optional)
After improvements are complete, we verify results.
What Happens
- EnerGuide post-upgrade evaluation
- Follow-up blower door testing
- Verify air leakage reduction
- Confirm ventilation system performance
- Document improvements
Timeline: 1-2 hours onsite
What You Receive
- EnerGuide label and reports that validate upgrades
- Updated air leakage verification
- Before/after comparison
- Confirmation of improvements
- New EnerGuide rating if applicable
What’s Included
Baseline Air Quality Evaluation
- Complete blower door air leakage testing
- Identification of air infiltration sources
- EnerGuide evaluation of exterior house envelope components
- Mechanical exhaust system review (fans, dryers, range hoods)
- Combustion spillage safety testing (if gas appliances present)
- Indoor air flow pattern analysis
- Comprehensive written report with recommendations
Post-Improvement Verification
- Follow-up blower door testing
- Ventilation system performance verification
- Before/after comparison documentation
- EnerGuide label and reports that validate upgrades
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
Health Benefits
- Reduced mold and mildew exposure
- Lower risk of respiratory issues
- Reduce radon and soil gas infiltration
- Controlled humidity levels
- Filtered incoming air removes pollutants
Comfort Benefits
- Elimination of drafts and cold spots
- More consistent temperatures between rooms
- Reduce cooking odours and off-gassing residue
- Better moisture control
- Quieter home (less air infiltration noise)
Energy Benefits
- Reduced heating and cooling costs from controlled ventilation
- Heat recovery from exhaust air (HRV/ERV systems)
- Less wasted energy heating random incoming air
- Improved overall home efficiency
Home Value
- Modern ventilation systems increase resale value
- Documentation of air quality improvements
- Appeal to health-conscious buyers
- Reduced long-term maintenance from moisture issues
Many air quality improvements qualify for energy rebates:
Why Choose ARG Energy
ARG Energy specializes in EnerGuide evaluations with a focus on indoor air quality improvements for Greater Vancouver and Sunshine Coast homes. As NRCan Registered Energy Advisors, we use professional blower door testing and comprehensive evaluations to identify ventilation problems and air leakage sources—providing clear, actionable recommendations to improve your home’s air quality, comfort, and health.
Clear Communication
Practical Solutions
Comprehensive Analysis
Ongoing Support
What Our Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an evaluation take?
Typically 2-3 hours onsite, with a detailed report delivered within 1-2 weeks.
Do I have to implement all recommendations at once?
No. We prioritize recommendations so you can implement improvements in phases based on your budget and timeline.
Can I use my own contractor?
Absolutely. We provide detailed specifications that any qualified contractor can follow. BC’s regulated Home Performance Contractor Network is a good source for reputable contractors.
Do air quality improvements save energy?
Reducing air leakage rates will reduce heat loss in the winter and reduce drafts and temperature imbalances. This gain may offset the operation of an HRV.
HRVs are about 65-75% efficient at air exchange heat recovery, so a small increase in heating demand occurs in heating season Most HRV fan motors use less than 100 watts of electricity.
How will I know the difference?
Air quality improvements are most noticed in heating season when windows are closed. The follow up evaluation will provide estimates of performance changes.
Get Started Today
The first step is a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your home’s air quality concerns.
