Where do you start when improving home energy performance?
The House-As-A-System Approach
Have you ever thought about your home as a system (HAAS) where the elements are interrelated? We take the “whole home approach” to home performance. There are four main components which need to function optimally for the other elements to work well:
- the building envelope
- the mechanical systems and inner workings
- the environment
- the home's occupants

House As a System (HAAS) Concept
Photo Credit: Conservation Services Group
Home energy performance starts with an energy assessment
To really dial in energy performance, you need a baseline. Kemp often begins the process by inviting an energy advisor to do an energy assessment of your home which provides us with that baseline. The energy advisor can identify where your home is losing energy – which may confirm what you may already know. Using that information, you can make informed decisions on how best to invest in your home.
In our process, Kemp will offer recommendations and guide you in these decisions. We will discuss the level of energy performance you want to achieve in consideration of your budget and available energy rebates. Working together, we’ll help you determine priorities and create a plan that works for you.
Not quite ready to jump in? Why not give us a call to hear more about our process or follow project updates on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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Further Reading
How does Kemp integrate Step Code Solutions?
In this blogpost, we refer to past and upcoming projects, and highlight techniques we use to achieve energy efficiency. It speaks of some of the areas we’ve learned to focus on when building to the upper levels of the Step Code. LEARN MORE
What is an energy-efficient home?
From the Natural Resources of Canada website - Any home, no matter when it was built, can be energy-efficient. Modern construction standards demand greater energy efficiency in new homes, but older homes can be upgraded to improve their energy performance. LEARN MORE
Home Energy Retrofits: Why Use the House-as-a-System (HAAS) Approach?
This Guide from Home Performance Stakeholder Council (HPSC) is a great resource for the Home As A System Concept. LEARN MORE
What is the House as a System concept?
From CleanBC - Helping British Columbians find rebates to save energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions in their homes. LEARN MORE
Understanding Your Home as a System
BC Hydro highlights how there are two main aspects to consider when looking at your home as a system: the home’s building envelope and its mechanical systems. LEARN MORE