HVAC Thermal Audit in Toronto

Standalone HVAC thermal audit: $250–$395. Bundled with full thermal envelope audit: $495–$695. Pre/post duct sealing or HVAC retrofit verification scan: $150–$250. Thermal scan with HVAC contractor referral package: $295–$450. Toronto market: $200–$350 (most local providers don't offer this as a productized service).

Disconnected supply ducts in attics or basements, missing or damaged duct insulation, register imbalance (over/under-pressurized rooms), return-air shortage, condensation on ductwork, uninsulated AC line-sets, and inadequate ventilation in basements or in-law suites. Visible signatures of all of these on a thermal camera once the system is running.

When the system is running heavy load — winter (heating mode, December–March) or summer (cooling mode, July–August). The temperature differential between conditioned air and ambient is what makes duct paths visible. Spring and fall (mild outdoor temperatures) are less effective.

Yes — RenoHouse handles duct sealing, duct insulation, register adjustment, and minor return-air upgrades in-house. For major HVAC work (compressor replacement, heat pump install, refrigerant work, gas-line modification) we partner with TSSA-licensed HVAC contractors. The thermal scan informs the scope and quote regardless of who does the work.

No — HRS rebates on heat pump installs require pre and post EnerGuide assessments by NRCan-Registered Energy Advisors at licensed Service Organizations. Our HVAC thermal audit is supplementary diagnostic, not EnerGuide work. We refer customers to NRCan partners for the EnerGuide assessment; we (or partners) do the heat pump retrofit.

60–90 minutes on-site. We typically run the system in heating or cooling mode for 20–30 minutes before scanning to ensure ducts have reached steady-state thermal conditions. PDF report delivered within 24–48 hours.

Yes — disconnected attic ducts are one of the easiest finds. The disconnected duct produces no thermal signature where there should be one, and the air leaking from the disconnect point creates a visible thermal plume on the attic floor or roof underside. Repair is straightforward — re-connect, re-seal with mastic, re-insulate. Cost: $300–$1,200 per disconnect.

Common 1970s–1990s GTA suburban issue. Supply ducts running through uninsulated cantilever spaces (over a garage, under a bay window) lose huge amounts of heat. Thermal scan from below shows the duct as ice-cold in winter. Repair: insulate the duct (R-8 or R-12 duct wrap), re-insulate the cantilever cavity, air-seal penetrations. Cost: $600–$2,500.