Benefits

An R-2000 house has the edge on conventional homes!

Lower energy bills and increased comfort and quiet.

Higher levels of insulation and better sealing against air leakage reduce heat loss and drafts, help maintain consistent temperatures, and provide sound-proofing against outside noise. As well, R- 2000 homes are equipped with energy-efficient windows, doors and space and water heating equipment. They can also have energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and are designed to use passive solar heat gain wherever possible and desirable. The end result is a more comfortable, quieter home with lower energy bills. An R-2000 house can use as little as half the energy of a conventional house.

A healthy living space

R-2000 homes use a mechanical ventilation system to deliver a continuous supply of fresh air throughout the home, ensuring a healthy indoor environment all year long. This job is done efficiently by a heat recovery ventilator that captures most of the heat from stale air leaving the house, and uses it to pre-heat fresh incoming air. Indoor air pollutants and excess moisture are exhausted to the outdoors. Careful sealing against air leakage also helps keep dust and pollen out of the house. All this translates into a healthier, more comfortable living environment.

Testing and Certification!

Every R-2000 house must meet certain standards, including a comprehensive energy performance target. This is initially determined during the plans evaluation stage, using a state-of-the-art computer program known as HOT-2000. As well the house is inspected and tested during the construction stage to ensure that it meets the standards for air tightness, insulation and ventilation levels. This process is unique to the R-2000 home!

Excellent re-sale value - and possibly lower mortgage rates!

R-2000 are recognized across Canada as being better built homes whose value will always be strong. And, in recognition of their lower monthly energy bills, some banks offer reduced mortgage rates for R-2000 homes. It's worth looking into!

Respect for the Environment!

Home heating accounts for much of Canada's energy use. R-2000 homes minimize the impact of housing on the environment by reducing energy-related noxious emissions, including carbon dioxide, that contribute to global warming and other environmental problems. Also, R-2000 builders are encouraged to limit the use of materials that cause harmful emissions, and to reduce waste during construction.

Anyone Promoting "Almost R-2000" is Offering Something Less.

Some consumers incorrectly assume that a conventional house built with extra insulation provides the same benefits as a genuine R-2000 home. This is false. The R-2000 Standard demands high levels of energy efficiency, beyond what building codes require. R-2000 houses are also healthier houses - they incorporate a whole house ventilation system and low-emission building materials and finishes to ensure superior indoor air quality. There is no such thing as an "almost R-2000 home". If the house has been built by a licensed R-2000 home builder, and certified and registered by Natural Resources Canada, it's an R-2000 home. The home buyers will receive their R-2000 certificate from their builder. Also, the electrical panel will display an R-2000 decal.