An R-2000 qualified home is a WELL BUILT home, even in the places YOU DON’T SEE.
The R-2000 way of building a home was first introduced in Canada over 30 years ago. It is a standard that is constantly updated and improved and is considered to be 50% better than the current building code. In the past, homes were not necessarily sealed in an efficient way to keep air randomly escaping through numerous cracks and holes. Have you ever felt a draft of cool air while standing near a door, even though the door was shut? That means the warm air in your home is escaping and cool air is taking its place, meaning you are paying to heat the cool outdoor air.
What are the health benefits of an R-2000 qualified home?
Less Dust and Mold: Mold exposure can irritate your eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Allergic reactions include sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes. Sometimes exposure to mold can result in ongoing shortness of breath and respiratory illnesses. Infants, children and the elderly are often the most sensitive to mold.
Formaldehyde Free Living Environment: Most new homes are built with products made from formaldehyde. Some individuals may experience adverse effects to formaldehyde including burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat. Coughing, wheezing, nausea and skin irritations may also occur to individuals sensitive to formaldehyde.
Healthy Indoor Air Quality: We generally spend over 90% of our time indoors. Fresh indoor air quality can result in fewer respiratory diseases like asthma as well as a reduction in common allergies.
Many homes contain air leaks throughout the structure equivalent to a hole bigger than the size of a dartboard.
The R-2000 standard of building means our homes are uniquely sealed to ensure air does not leak uncontrollably in and out. Each R-2000 home we build is sealed and tested after construction is complete to measure the amount of air leaking out of the home. While the average home built today contains enough air leaks to require 6.2 air changes per hour, our homes typically test to be less than 1 air changes per hour. That means you are paying to heat a lot less cool air. You will save money.
“But won’t sealing the home that tight make the air in the home stale and unhealthy?”
By using a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV), we keep fresh air circulating but not escaping through numerous cracks. An HRV is like your lungs – it allows the home to breathe. An R-2000 home reduces mold growth and maintains a very healthy environment while saving you money. An R-2000 home is a healthy home for you and your family.
What do I get in an R-2000 home?
- Built 50% beyond the current BC Building Code
- 50% more energy efficient than a conventionally built home
- Building program regulated by the Natural Resources Canada
- Receives a certificate from Natural Resources Canada
- Provides energy savings that equal an average 1.4 tonne reduction of annual greenhouse gas emissions
- Built with environmentally preferred building materials improving indoor air quality
- Third party independent inspections
- Equipped with a ventilation system that provides fresh filtered air and removes moisture, particles and odors
- Requires the homebuilder to undergo specialized training
- Foundation waterproofing and drainage
- Water wise efficient shower heads, faucets and toilets
- Reduced air leakage to lessen drafts and cold spots
- May qualify for a 10 per cent mortgage loan insurance premium refund under the CMHC-Eligible Energy-Efficient Building Program ** Click Here for more info **
Download this Comparison Poster to compare ENERGY STAR and R-2000 and click on the video below for more information!
