Should i get a pre-renovation home energy audit through NB Power before starting a major reno on my Fredericton home?

Yes, absolutely — a pre-renovation energy audit is one of the smartest investments you can make before starting major work on your Fredericton home. NB Power's Total Home Energy Savings Program offers comprehensive energy assessments that will identify exactly where your home is losing energy and money, giving you a roadmap for the most cost-effective improvements.

The audit typically costs around $300-$400 but often pays for itself through the rebates you'll qualify for. An NB Power-approved energy advisor will conduct a blower door test to measure air leakage, use thermal imaging to spot insulation gaps, and assess your heating system, windows, and overall building envelope. You'll receive a detailed report ranking improvements by cost-effectiveness — crucial information when planning your renovation budget.

Here's why the timing matters for your Fredericton project: If you're opening up walls, upgrading electrical, or touching the building envelope anyway, you can address multiple energy efficiency measures simultaneously. Adding proper insulation, air sealing, and upgrading to cold-climate heat pumps becomes much more affordable when it's part of your existing renovation scope rather than separate projects later.

NB Power offers significant rebates for qualifying improvements — up to $7,000 for heat pump installations, insulation upgrades, and air sealing work. The audit identifies exactly which measures your home qualifies for, so you can factor these rebates into your renovation financing. Many Fredericton homeowners are surprised to learn their 1970s-1990s homes have substantial energy upgrade potential.

Consider your home's likely profile: If your Fredericton home was built before 2000, it probably has minimal insulation, original windows, and an oil furnace or older heat pump. The audit will quantify exactly how much you're losing through the building envelope and what improvements will deliver the biggest bang for your buck. This is especially valuable in Fredericton's climate, where heating costs represent a major portion of your annual energy bills.

Since you're planning major renovation work anyway, contact NB Power at 1-800-663-6272 to schedule your pre-renovation audit. You'll also need to coordinate with the City of Fredericton's Development Services (506-460-2020) for building permits, but having the energy assessment completed first ensures your renovation plans can incorporate the most cost-effective efficiency measures from day one.