General Information
Purpose
The Households and the Environment Survey (HES) measures the environmental practices and behaviours of Canadian households that relate to the condition of our air, water and soils. The survey was also designed to collect data to develop and improve three key environmental indicators: air quality, water quality and greenhouse gas emissions.
Authority
This survey is conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter S-19. While completion of this questionnaire is voluntary, data from your facility are essential if the results of this survey are to be accurate.
Confidentiality
Confidential when completed.
The Statistics Act protects the confidentiality of information collected by Statistics Canada.
Data-sharing agreements
To avoid duplication in surveys and to provide consistent statistics, Statistics Canada has entered into an agreement under section 12 of the Statistics Act with Natural Resources Canada for the sharing of information from this survey.
Assistance
If you have any questions about this survey, please contact the Operations and Integration Division toll-free at 1-800-461-9050.
Introduction statement
Your household was recently contacted by Statistics Canada to ask information about activities that relate to the environment. In order to fully understand the impacts that the household sector has on our water, air, soils and resource use, information relating to the characteristics and energy use of your dwelling are needed. The survey results will be a valuable source of information to be used in the development of energy efficiency initiatives and to support energy conservation practices in Canada. A definition of being energy efficient is using technology or behavior to perform a certain task or function at the same level of quality with less energy. The efficient use of energy can be used to moderate the growth in energy demand and reduce associated emissions and often leads to lower energy bills.
This survey asks questions about home heating and cooling, appliances, the physical features of your dwelling, and your household's energy consumption.
Instructions
To complete your paper questionnaire:
Read the instructions carefully;
Use a blue or black ballpoint pen;
Print clearly in capitals in the middle of the box;
If you make an error, cross out the character(s) that is (are) wrong, and continue;
Mark squares with an " X ";
To change an answer in a square, black out the incorrect response and mark the correct one;
When we use the word "You", we are referring to you or anyone else in your household who lives in the dwelling.
Mail back your completed questionnaire in the envelope provided.
For more detailed information
For more detailed information about the Households and the Environment Survey: Energy Use questionnaire, please refer to the PDF version
Section A Dwelling Characteristics
A1. What is the heated area of your dwelling?
Exclude the basement and garage.
If the exact size is unknown, please indicate the range:
Mark one only.
- 01: 600 square feet (55 square metres) or less
- 02: 601 - 1,000 square feet (56 - 95 square metres)
- 03: 1,001 - 1,500 square feet (96 - 140 square metres)
- 04: 1,501 - 2,000 square feet (141 - 185 square metres)
- 05: 2,001 - 2,500 square feet (186 - 230 square metres)
- 06: 2,501 - 3,000 square feet (231 - 280 square metres)
- 07: 3,001 - 3,500 square feet (281 - 325 square metres)
- 08: 3,501 - 4,000 square feet (326 - 371 square metres)
- 09: 4,001 square feet (372 square metres) or more
- 10: Don't know
A2. Is this dwelling:
Mark one only.
- 01: Owned by you or a member of the household, even if it is still being paid for?
- 02: Rented, even if no rent is paid?
- 03: Don't know
A3. Is your current dwelling located within a multi-residential building?
Include low-rise and high-rise apartment or condominium buildings, hotels, rooming houses, and institutions.
Exclude townhouses, row houses, semi-detached, triplexes or duplexes.
- 01: Yes
- 02: No
- 03: Don't know
A4. How many storeys does your building have?
Include storeys below ground and penthouses.
Exclude storeys used only as indoor parking.
- 01: Storeys
- 02: Don't know
A5. In what year was this dwelling originally built?
If the exact year is unknown, please indicate the range:
Mark one only.
- 01: Before 1946
- 02: 1946 - 1960
- 03: 1961 - 1977
- 04: 1978 - 1983
- 05: 1984 - 1995
- 06: 1996 - 2000
- 07: 2001 - 2005
- 08: 2006 - 2010
- 09: 2011 or later
- 10: Don't know
A6. Excluding the basement, how many storeys does your dwelling have?
Mark one only.
- 01: One storey
- 02: One and a half storeys
- 03: Two storeys
- 04: Two and a half storeys
- 05: Three storeys
- 06: Split level
- 07: Other - Specify
- 08: Don't know
A7. Most houses are built on basements, crawl spaces, concrete slabs (slab on grade), or some combination of these.
What is your dwelling built over?
Mark all that apply.
- 01: Basement
- 02: Crawl space
- 03: Concrete slabs
- 04: Pillars
- 05: Other - Specify
- 06: No foundation
- 07: Don't know
A8. Do you have a basement or crawl space?
A9. During the heating season, is your basement / crawl space usually heated?
- 01: Yes
- 02: No
- 03: Don't know
A10. What is the heated area of your basement / crawl space?
If the exact size is unknown, please indicate the range:
Mark one only.
- 01: 600 square feet (55 square metres) or less
- 02: 601 - 1,000 square feet (56 - 95 square metres)
- 03: 1,001 - 1,500 square feet (96 - 140 square metres)
- 04: 1,501 - 2,000 square feet (141 - 185 square metres)
- 05: 2,001 - 2,500 square feet (186 - 230 square metres)
- 06: 2,501 - 3,000 square feet (231 - 279 square metres)
- 07: 3,001 square feet (280 square metres) or more
- 08: Don't know
A11. Are any of your basement / crawl space exterior walls insulated on the inside?
- 01: Yes
- 02: No
- 03: Don't know
A12. What percentage of the outside walls is insulated on the inside?
A13. Does your dwelling have an attic (a space between the roof and the top floor of your dwelling)?
- 01: Yes
02: No
03: Don't know
A14. Is there insulation in your attic?
- 01: Yes - on the attic floor
- 02: Yes - on the attic walls
- 03: Yes - on both the attic floor and walls
- 04: No
- 05: Don't know
A15. Does your dwelling have a garage?
- 01: Yes
- 02: No
- 03: Don't know
A16. Is your garage attached to the dwelling?
- 01: Yes
- 02: No
- 03: Don't know
A17. How much insulation does your garage have?
Mark one only.
- 01: Full insulation - all walls and garage doors are insulated
- 02: Full insulation - all walls but not the garage doors are insulated
- 03: Partial insulation - some walls are insulated
- 04: None
- 05: Don't know
A18. During the heating season, is your garage usually heated?
- 01: Yes
- 02: No
- 03: Don't know
A19. What type of garage does your dwelling have?
Mark one only.
- 01: One-car garage
- 02: Two-car garage
- 03: Three-or-more-car garage
- 04: Don't know
A20. Have you made any of the following improvements have been made to your home since January 1, 2015?
Please mark each improvement made and indicate the most recent year that it was completed.
Include improvements made by previous owner.
- 01: No improvements were made
- 02: Don't know
- 03: Space heating equipment (include fireplaces and woodstoves)
- 04: Water heating equipment
- 05: Windows (include patio doors)
- 06: Caulking or weather-stripping around your windows or doors
- 07: Insulation of the basement or crawl space walls
- 08: Exterior wall siding
- 09: Insulation around the hot water pipes
- 10: Insulation of the roof or the attic
- 11: Insulation of any exterior walls (excluding basement)
- 12: Exterior doors (include garage door(s))
- 13: Installed a programmable thermostat
- 14: Installed solar panels
- 15. Installed a solar heating system (water or space heating)
- 16: Installed drain water heat recovery unit
- 17: Ventilation or central air conditioning equipment
- 18: Foundation
- 19: Other - Specify
- 20: Other - Specify
A21. How much did you spend on these improvements you completed since January 1, 2015?
Mark one only.
- 01: Less than $1,000
- 02: $1,000 to less than $5,000
- 03: $5,000 to less than $10,000
- 04: $10,000 to less than $20,000
- 05: $20,000 to less than $40,000
- 06: $40,000 or more
- 07: Don't know
A22. What are the reasons you made improvements to your dwelling?
Mark all that apply.
- 01: Reduce operating/energy costs
- 02: Reduce the environmental footprint
- 03: Take advantage of government or utility incentives
- 04: Increase market value prior to selling
- 05: Replace or update old equipment
- 06: Increase comfort
- 07: Wanted to update home, e.g., esthetic improvement
- 08: Emergency replacement
- 09: Other – Specify
- 10: Don't know
A23. What is the main reason you have not made any improvements to your dwelling?
Mark one only.
- 01: No improvements are currently necessary
- 02: Planning to make improvements in the future
- 03: Not aware of government financial aid or assistance
- 04: Planning to sell
- 05: Dwelling was recently purchased or built
- 06: Improvements are too costly
- 07: Do not have time
- 08: No government financial aid or assistance
- 09: Other - Specify
- 10: Don't know
A24. Do you plan to make any of the following improvements within the next five years?
Mark all that apply.
- 01: The space heating equipment (include furnace, baseboard heaters, fireplaces and woodstoves)
- 02: The water heating equipment
- 03: Windows or patio doors
- 04: Caulking or weather-stripping around your windows or doors
- 05: Insulation of the basement or crawl space walls
- 06: Exterior wall siding
- 07: Insulation around the hot water pipes
- 08: Insulation of the roof or the attic
- 09: Insulation of any exterior walls (excluding basement)
- 10: Exterior doors (include garage door(s))
- 11: Install a programmable thermostat
- 12: Install a smart thermostat (can be controlled wirelessly)
- 13. Install a solar water heater or solar photovoltaic panels
- 14: Install a drain water-heat recovery unit
- 15: Ventilation or central air conditioning equipment
- 16: Other - Specify
- 17: No
- 18: Don't know
A25. Which of the following are located at your dwelling?
Mark all that apply.
- 01: In ground pool
- 02: Above ground pool (not removed and stored seasonally)
- 03: Hot tub
- 04: Sauna
- 05: None
- 06: Don't know
A26. How many showers and baths are taken in a week in your household?
Please provide your best estimate.
- Number of showers taken
- None
- Don't know
- Number of baths taken
- None
- Don't know
A27. Is your water heater located in your dwelling?
- 01: Yes
- 02: No
- 03: Don't know
A28. Do you own or rent your hot water heater?
- Own
- Rent
- Do not have one
- Don't know
A29. What type of hot water heater is used in your dwelling?
Mark one only.
- 01: Standard hot water heater (tank)
- 02: Tankless (instantaneous water heater)
- 03: Combination boiler (heats water and does space heating)
- 04: Heat pump water heater
- 05: Solar water heater
- 06: Other - Specify
- 07: Don't know
A30. What source of energy does the water heater use to heat the water?
Exclude energy used to power a direct vent fan.
Mark one only.
- 01: Electricity
- 02: Oil
- 03: Natural gas
- 04: Propane
- 05: Solar
- 06: Other source
- 07: Don't know
A31. How old is your hot water heater?
If the exact age is unknown, please indicate the range:
Mark one only.
- 01: 5 years or less
- 02: 6 to 10 years
- 03: 11 to 15 years
- 04: 16 to 20 years
- 05: 21 to 25 years
- 06: 26 years or more
- 07: Don't know
A32. Did you replace a previous hot water tank with your current hot water heater?
- 01: Yes
- 02: No
- 03: Don't know
A33. What was your reason for replacing your hot water heater?
- 01: Planned/scheduled replacement
- 02: Emergency replacement
- 03: To save energy on water heating
- 04: To change energy sources (for example, from electricity to natural gas)
- 05: Other – Specify
- 06: Don't know
A34. How old was your previous hot water tank when you replaced it?
If the exact age is unknown, please indicate your best range:
Mark one only.
- 01: 5 years or less
- 02: 6 to 10 years
- 03: 11 to 15 years
- 04: 16 to 20 years
- 05: 21 to 25 years
- 06: 26 years or more
- 07: Don't know
A35. How many windows do you have in your dwelling?
Exclude doors with windows and patio doors.
Include basement and garage if those spaces are heated.
- Number
- None
- Don't know
A36. What type of windows are the majority in your dwelling?
Exclude doors with windows and patio doors.
Mark one only.
- 01: Standard single pane with storm window
- 02: Standard single pane
- 03: Standard double pane
- 04: Standard triple pane sealed unit
- 05: Other - Specify
- 06: Don't know
A37. How old are the majority of the windows in your dwelling?
Mark one only.
- 01: 5 years or less
- 02: 6 to 10 years
- 03: 11 to 15 years
- 04: 16 years or more
- 05: Same age as dwelling
- 06: Don't know
A38. Do you have blinds or curtains on the majority of the windows in your dwelling?
- Yes
- No
- Don't know
A39. During the summer, do you close your curtains during the day in order to reduce solar heating in your dwelling?
- Yes
- No
A40. How often do you close your curtains during the day in order to reduce solar heating in your dwelling?
Mark one only.
- Daily
- Weekly
- Occasionally
- Don't know
A41. How many of the following types of light bulbs are used in each location of your dwelling?
Note that a chandelier could have 6 or more light bulbs in it.
Exclude lights inside refrigerators or stoves, or seasonal or decorative lights such as Christmas lights, Halloween lights, solar lights, etc.
a): Kitchen(s)
b): Living / family rooms
c): Dining room
d): Bedroom(s)
e): Bathroom(s)
f): Halls
g): Laundry room
h): Basement
i): Garage
j): Outdoor
k):Other – Specify
01. Incandescent (traditional light bulb)
02. Halogen
03. Compact fluorescent (spiral bulb)
04. Other fluorescent (fluorescent tube)
05.LED (Light Emitting Diodes)
06.Other
07.Don't know / Not applicable
A42. On a typical day, what light is on for the longest time in your dwelling?
Exclude night lights and exterior lights.
Mark one only.
- Kitchen light
- Living / family room light
- Dining room light
- Bedroom light
- Bathroom light
- Hall light
- Laundry room light
- Basement light
- Other – Specify
- Don't know
A43. What type of light bulb does this light have?
- 01. Incandescent light bulb, including traditional bulb
- 02. Halogen bulb
- 03. Compact fluorescent bulb, including spiral bulb
- 04. Other fluorescent bulb, including fluorescent tube
- 05.LED bulb (Light Emitting Diodes)
- 06.Don't know
A44. On an average day, how many hours is this single indoor light bulb turned on?
Please provide your best estimate.
- 01: Number of hours per day in the summer.
- 02: Number of hours per day in the winter.
A45. How many light bulbs are controlled by a device other than a standard light switch?
Include both indoor and outdoor light bulbs.
Exclude solar and battery-powered lights.
Select one answer per line.
- a): Programmable timers
- b): Motion detector
- c): Light sensor
- d): Dimmer switches
- e): Wireless remote controls
- f): Internet connected light bulbs
- g): Other - Specify
- 01: Number of light bulbs
- 02: Don't know
Section B Household Appliances
B1. How old are the following major appliances that you use in your dwelling?
The main refrigerator is the one used most often on a day to day basis.
Mark one answer per line.
- a): Main refrigerator
- b): Second refrigerator
- c): Freezer (stand-alone including chest freezers)
- d): Regular stove or range
- e): Separate cook-top
- f): Built-in oven
- g): Microwave oven
- h): Dishwasher
- i): Washing machine
- j): Clothes dryer
- k): Dehumidifier
- l): Humidifier
- m): Ceiling fan (most frequently used)
- n): Air exchanger
- 01: Do not have / use appliance
- 02: 5 years or less
- 03: 6 to 10 years
- 04: 11 to 15 years
- 05: 16 to 20 years
- 06: 21 to 25 years
- 07: 26 years or more
- 08: Don't know
B2. What source of energy do the following major appliance use?
Mark one answer per line.
- a): Main refrigerator
- b): Regular stove or range
- c): Separate cook-top
- d): Built-in oven
- e): Clothes dryer
- 01: Do not have / use appliance
- 02: Electricity
- 03: Natural gas
- 04: Electricity and natural gas
- 05: Oil
- 06: Wood
- 07: Propane
- 08: Don't know
B3. Do you use a refrigerator in your dwelling?
B4. How many refrigerators do you use in your dwelling?
Mark one only.
- 01: 1
- 02: 2
- 03: 3 or more
- 04: Don't know
B5. What did you do with your previous refrigerator when you replaced it with your current one?
Mark one only.
- 01: No old refrigerator - current one is original / first
- 02: Kept it at home and plugged in all year
- 03: Kept it at home / plugged it in when needed
- 04: Resold
- 05: Local utility company picked up refrigerator without charge
- 06: Picked up by retailer when a new refrigerator was delivered
- 07: Recycled refrigerator
- 08: Donated / gave refrigerator away
- 09: Disposed of refrigerator in the garbage
- 10: Other - Specify
- 11: Don't know
B6. Do you use a freezer (stand-alone) in your dwelling?
B7. How many freezers (stand-alone) do you use in your dwelling?
Mark one only.
- 01: 1
- 02: 2
- 03: 3 or more
- 04: Don't know
B8. What is the size of your (main) freezer (stand-alone)?
Mark one only.
- 01: Very small (Less than 7.0 cubic feet)
- 02: Small (7.1 to 13.9 cubic feet)
- 03: Medium (14.0 to 17.9 cubic feet)
- 04: Large (18.0 to 22.9 cubic feet)
- 05: Very large (More than 23 cubic feet)
- 06: Don't know
B9. What is the type of your (main) freezer (stand-alone)?
Mark one only.
- Upright
- Chest
- Don't know
B10. Do you use a regular stove or range, separate cook-top, or built-in oven in your dwelling?
B11. In an average week, how often do you use your regular stove or range or built-in oven with separate cook-top?
Mark one only.
- 01: Three or more times a day
- 02: Two times a day
- 03: Once a day
- 04: A few times each week
- 05: Once a week
- 06: Less than once a week
- 07: Never
- 08: Don't know
B12. Do you use a dishwasher in your dwelling?
B13. Is the dishwasher in your dwelling compact or standard size?
Mark one only.
- 01: Compact (mini - exterior width less than 56 cm / 22 in)
- 02: Standard (full size - exterior width greater than or equal to 56 cm / 22 in)
- 03: Don't know
B14. Do you rinse the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher?
- Yes
- No
- Occasionally
- Don't know
B15. Do you usually dry the dishes with the ...
Mark one only.
- 01: heat on (with the door closed)
- 02: heat off (with the door closed)
- 03: door open (dishes dry naturally)
- 04: don't know
B16. In an average week, how many loads of dishes do you do?
Please provide your best estimate.
B17. Do you use a clothes washing machine located in your dwelling?
- Yes
- No
B18. What type of clothes washing machine do you use in your dwelling?
Mark one only.
- 01: Standard top-loading
- 02: Standard front-loading
- 03: Washer / dryer combination with top-loading washer
- 04: Washer / dryer combination with front-loading washer
- 05: Other - Specify
- 06: Don't know
B19. What size is your clothes washing machine?
Mark one only.
- 01: Mini (compact - less than 45 litres / 10 gallons)
- 02: Standard (full size - greater than or equal to 45 litres / 10 gallons)
- 03: Don't know
B20. What water temperature do you use for most of your washing?
Mark one only.
- 01: Hot
- 02: Cold
- 03: Warm
- 04: Don't know
B21. What water temperature do you use for most of your rinsing?
Mark one only.
- 01: Hot
- 02: Cold
- 03: Warm
- 04: Don't know
B22. In an average week, how many loads of laundry are washed in your dwelling?
- 01: Number of loads during the summer
- 02: Don't know
- 03: Number of loads during the winter
- 04: Don't know
B23. Do you use a clothes dryer located in your dwelling?
B24. What size is your clothes dryer?
Mark one only.
- 01: Compact (less than 125 litres / 28 gallons capacity)
- 02: Standard (greater than or equal to 125 litres / 28 gallons capacity)
- 03: Don't know
B25. What type is your clothes dryer?
- Electric
- Gas
- Other – Specify
- Don't know
B26. Does your clothes dryer have a moisture detector?
- 01: Yes
- 02: No
- 03: Don't know
B27. In an average week, how many loads of laundry are dried in your clothes dryer?
- 01: Number of loads in the summer
- 02: Don't know
- 03: Number of loads in the winter
- 04: Don't know
B28. Do you use a dehumidifier in your dwelling?
Exclude air conditioner.
- Yes
- No
B29. How many of the following types of dehumidifiers are used in your dwelling?
- Portable
- Built-in
- Number of dehumidifiers
- Don't know
B30. How often do you use the dehumidifier(s) in your dwelling during the summer.
- Daily
- Weekly
- Occasionally
- Never
- Don't know
B31. How many ceiling fans do you use in your dwelling?
- One
- Two
- Three or more
- None
- Don't know
B32. In an average day, for how many hours do you have your most frequently used ceiling fan turned on?
Please provide your best estimate.
- Hours per day in the summer
- Don't know
- Hours per day in the winter
- Don't know
B33. Does your most commonly used ceiling fan have a built-in light?
- Yes
- Number of light bulbs
- No
- Don't know
B34. Do you have a water cooler in your dwelling?
- Yes
- No
- Don't know
Section C Electrical Devices
C1. Do you have a television in your dwelling?
- Yes
- No
- Don't know
C2. What is the size of the most commonly used TV Screen?
The size is calculated by measuring the length of a diagonal line from corner to corner on the screen
If the exact size is unknown, please indicate the range:
Mark one only.
- 24 inches (61 cm) or less
- 25 to 39 inches (62-99 cm)
- 40 to 49 inches (100-126 cm)
- 50 to 59 inches (127-150 cm)
- 60 to 69 inches (151-175 cm)
- 70 inches (176 cm) or more
- Don't know
C3. How many of the following electrical devices do you use in your dwelling?
Mark one per line.
- a): Cell phone or smart phone
- b): Television
- c): Devices used with TV (Receiver box, Video game console, Blu-ray, DVD, etc.)
- d): Home theatre system
- e): Sound system (include radio stereo, bluetooth speakers and Bluetooth headphones)
- f): Small portable media devices (iPodTM, MP3 players)
- g): Computer or tablet (Include desktop, laptop, NotebookTM, e-reader)
- h): Computer monitor (Exclude tablets and iPadTM)
- i): Printers and scanners
- j): Home phone – with or without cord (include number of handsets) or VOIP phone; exclude cell phones and smart phones.
- k) Smart home devices (AlexaTM, Google HomeTM)
- l) Network equipment (modems, routers)
- m): Other - Specify
- 01:Number of devices
- 02: Don't know
C4. How old is the electronic device that you use most frequently in each of the following categories?
Mark one answer per line.
- a): Cell phone or smart phone
- b): Television
- c): Devices used with TV (Receiver box, Video game console, Blu-ray, DVD, etc.)
- d): Home theatre system
- e): Sound system (include radio stereo, bluetooth speakers and Bluetooth headphones)
- f): Small portable media devices (iPodTM, MP3 players)
- g): Computer or tablet (Include desktop, laptop, NotebookTM, e-reader)
- h): Computer monitor (Exclude tablets and iPadTM)
- i): Printers and scanners
- j): Home phone – with or without cord (include number of handsets) or VOIP phone; exclude cell phones and smart phones.
- k) Smart home devices (AlexaTM, Google HomeTM)
- l) Network equipment (modems, routers)
- m): Other - Specify
- 01: Do not have / use this device
- 02: Less than 2 years
- 03: 2 to 5 years
- 04: 6 or more years
- 05: Don't know
C5. In an average week, how many hours do you have the following (most frequently used) electrical devices turned on?
Exclude hours for devices that are in stand-by mode.
Mark one answer per line.
- a): Cell phone or smart phone
- b): Television
- c): Devices used with TV (Receiver box, Video game console, Blu-ray, DVD, etc.)
- d): Home theatre system
- e): Sound system (include radio stereo, bluetooth speakers and Bluetooth headphones)
- f): Small portable media devices (iPodTM, MP3 players)
- g): Computer or tablet (Include desktop, laptop, NotebookTM, e-reader)
- h): Computer monitor (Exclude tablets and iPadTM)
- i): Printers and scanners
- j): Home phone – with or without cord (include number of handsets) or VOIP phone; exclude cell phones and smart phones.
- k) Smart home devices (AlexaTM, Google HomeTM)
- l) Network equipment (modems, routers)
- m) Other - Specify
- 01: Do not have / use device
- 02: 4 hours or less
- 03: 5 to 10 hours
- 04: 11 to 20 hours
- 05: 21 to 30 hours
- 06: 31 to 40 hours
- 07: 41 to 55 hours
- 08: 56 hours or more
- 09: Always turned on
- 10: Don't know
C6. What type of television equipment do you use in your dwelling?
Mark all that apply.
- 01: Cable
- 02: Satellite
- 03: Optic fibre
- 04: Personal Video Recorder (PVR)
- 05: Internet Protocol TV (Internet enabled box or Blu-ray player)
- 06: Smart TV (with internet access)
- 07: Other – Specify
- 08: None
- 09: Don't know
C7. Do you use a computer in your dwelling?
C8. What type of computer do you most frequently use in your dwelling?
- 01: Desktop
- 02: Laptop/NotebookTM
- 03: Tablet
- 04: Don't know
Section D Electric Vehicles
D1. Do you own an electric or hybrid vehicle?
- Yes
- No
- Don't know
D2. What type of vehicle is it?
- Electric
- Plug-in hybrid
- Hybrid
D3. Where do you usually charge your electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle?
Include charging stations installed in your dwelling.
- At home, using your dwelling's power
- Other, specify
Section E Heating and Cooling
E1. The heating equipment for your dwelling:
Mark one only.
- 01: Supplies heat to your dwelling
02: Supplies heat to other dwellings as well
03: Don't know
E2. Do you use a heat pump?
A heat pump is an electrical device that can be used for heating and for cooling.
It is typically located outdoors if it uses air source and indoors if it uses ground source (earth or water).
- Yes – an air source heat pump
- Yes – a ground source heat pump
- Yes – don't know source
E3. How old is your heat pump?
If the exact age is unknown, please indicate the range:
Mark one only.
- 01: 5 years or less
- 02: 6 to 10 years
- 03: 11 to 15 years
- 04: 16 to 20 years
- 05: 21 to 25 years
- 06: 26 years or more
- 07: Don't know
E4. Is your heat pump the main source of heat for your dwelling?
- 01: Yes
- 02: No
- 03: Don't know
E5. What type of space heating equipment provides most of the heat for your dwelling?
- 01: Furnace with forced air (hot air vents)
- 02: Boiler with hot water or steam radiators
- 03: Heating stove (burning wood, pellets, corn, coal...)
- 04: Electric radiant heating
- 05: Electric baseboards
- 06: Gas fireplace
- 07: Other - Specify
- 08: Don't know
E6. What source(s) of energy did your furnace / boiler / heating stove use?
Exclude the energy used for running the fan.
Mark all that apply.
- 01: Electricity
- 02: Natural gas
- 03: Oil
- 04: Wood
- 05: Wood pellets
- 06: Propane
- 07: Other - Specify
- 08: Don't know
E7. Do you ...
Mark one only.
- 01: use a furnace as the primary space heating equipment in your dwelling
- 02: use a boiler as the primary space heating equipment in your dwelling
- 03: use a heating stove as the primary space heating equipment in your dwelling
E8. What is the efficiency rating for your furnace?
Mark one only.
- 01: High (The exhaust pipe is plastic and vents through the side of the house)
- 02: Medium (The exhaust pipe is metal and vents through the side of the house or through the roof)
- 03: Low (The exhaust pipe is metal and vents through the roof)
- 04: Don't know
E9. How old is your primary space heating equipment?
If the exact age is unknown, please indicate the range:
Mark one only.
- 01: 5 years or less
- 02: 6 to 10 years
- 03: 11 to 15 years
- 04: 16 to 20 years
- 05: 21 to 25 years
- 06: 26 years or more
- 07: Don't know
E10. How many of the following types of thermostats are used in your dwelling?
- a): Mechanical - built into units (e.g., dial on a space heater or furnace)
- b): Mechanical - Wall units (traditional style with a manual dial or guage
- c): Digital display - Non-programmable
- d): Digital display - Programmable
- e): Other – Specify
- 01: Number of thermostats
- 02: Don't know/ Don't have one
E11. Are any of the thermostats in your dwelling connected to the Internet?
- Yes
- No
- Don't have one
- Don't know
E12. In addition to your main heating equipment, does your household use any other supplementary space heating equipment?
- 01: Yes
- 02: No
- 03: Don't know
E13. What type of supplementary heating equipment do you use most often?
Mark one only.
- 01: Electric baseboards
- 02: Portable electric heater
- 03: Wood stove
- 04: Wood fireplace
- 05: Gas fireplace
- 06: Electric fireplace
- 07: Supplementary furnace
- 08: Radiant floor heating
- 09: Other - Specify
- 10: Don't know
E14. Do you use a supplementary furnace in your dwelling?
- Yes
- No
E15. What energy source does your supplementary furnace use?
Exclude the energy used for running the fan.
- 01: Electricity
- 02: Natural gas
- 03: Oil
- 04: Wood
- 05: Propane
- 06: Other - Specify
- 07: Don't know
E16. In an average week during the heating season, how many hours do you use the supplementary furnace?
Mark one only.
- 01: Hours
- 02: Unsure, the heating equipment uses a thermostat
- 03: Don't know
E17. Do you use wood or wood pellets for heating in your dwelling?
- Yes
- No
E18. On average how much wood do you burn in a heating season?
Mark one only.
- 01: Number of full or bush cords (8 feet long by 4 feet high by 4 feet wide; or 3 to 4 face cords)
- 02: Number of face cords (8 feet long by 4 feet high by 12 to 16 inches wide)
- 03: Number of full-sized pick-up trucks (8 foot box)
- 04: Number of compact-sized pick-up trucks (6 foot box)
- 05: Number of bags of firewood (64 bags = one full or bush cord)
- 06: Number of logs (1 log = 16 inches in length)
- 07: Don't know
E19. What type of wood do you use?
Mark all that apply.
- 01: Hard-wood
- 02: Soft-wood
- 03: Hard and Soft (mixed)
- 04: Don't know
E20. If you use wood pellets, what was the quantity consumed in the past 12 months?
Mark one only.
- 01: Did not use wood pellets
- 02: 500 lbs (228 kg) or less
- 03: 501 - 1,000 lbs (229 - 455 kg)
- 04: 1,001 - 2,500 lbs (455 - 909 kg)
- 05: 2,501 - 4,000 lbs (910 - 1,818 kg)
- 06: 4,001 - 5,500 lbs (1,819 - 2,500 kg)
- 07: 5,501 lbs (2,501 kg) or more
- 08: Don't know
E21. Do you use a fireplace (wood, gas, or electrical) in your dwelling?
- 01: Yes
- 02: No
- 03: Don't know
E22. Is the primary purpose of the most frequently used electric fireplace to provide heat or for aesthetics?
Mark one only.
- 01: Primarily for heat
- 02: Primarily for aesthetics
- 03: For both heat and aesthetics
- 04: Don't know
E23. How many wood-burning fireplaces do you have in your dwelling?
Mark one only.
- 01: Number
- 02: None
- 03: Don't know
E24. How many electric fireplaces do you have in your dwelling?
Mark one only.
- 01: Number
- 02: None
- 03: Don't know
E25. How many gas-burning fireplaces do you have in your dwelling?
Mark one only.
- 01: Number
- 02: None
- 03: Don't know
E26. What source(s) of energy does your gas-burning fireplace use?
Exclude the energy used for running the fan.
Mark all that apply.
- 01: Natural gas
- 02: Propane
- 03: Other - Specify
- 04: Don't know
E27. Does the pilot light for your gas-burning fireplace come on only when you ignite the fireplace?
- Yes
- No
- No pilot light
- Don't know
E28. Can you turn the pilot light for your gas-burning fireplace on and off remotely?
- Yes
- No
- Don't know
E29. During the summer, do you turn the pilot light off?
- 01: Yes
- 02: No
- 03: Don't know
E30. Does your (most frequently used) gas-burning fireplace vent its exhaust out the chimney or out the side wall (direct vent)?
Mark one only.
- 01: Out the chimney
- 02: Out the side wall (direct vent)
- 03: Don't know
E31. During an average heating season, how often do you use your (most frequently used) gas-burning fireplace?
Mark one only.
- 01: Every day
- 02: Several times a week
- 03: A few times a week
- 04: A few times a month
- 05: Never
- 06: Don't know
E32. Do you use air conditioning for your dwelling?
Exclude heat recovery units (HRV) and energy recovery units (ERV).
01: Yes - Central air conditioning
02: Yes - Window / Room air conditioning
03: No
04: Don't know
E33. How old is your central air conditioner?
If the exact age is unknown, please indicate the range:
Mark one only.
- 01: 5 years or less
- 02: 6 to 10 years
- 03: 11 to 15 years
- 04: 16 to 20 years
- 05: 21 to 25 years
- 06: 26 years or more
- 07: Don't know
E34. In 2019, how many window / room air conditioners did you use?
- 01: Number
- 02: Don't know
E35. Is your (most frequently used) window / room air conditioner a ...
Mark one only.
- 01: Window-mounted (louvered) unit
- 02: Through-the-wall mounted (non-louvered) unit
- 03: Free-standing portable unit
- 04: Mini-split air conditioner
- 05: Wall mounted heat pump / air conditioner
- 06: Don't know
E36. What is the cooling capacity of your (most frequently used) window / room air conditioner in BTUs?
E37. How old is the (most frequently used) window / room air conditioner?
If the exact age is unknown, please indicate the range:
Mark one only.
- 01: 5 years or less
- 02: 6 to 10 years
- 03: 11 to 15 years
- 04: 16 to 20 years
- 05: 21 to 25 years
- 06: 26 years or more
- 07: Don't know
E28. Does your dwelling have a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)?
- Yes, a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)
- Yes, an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)
- No
- Don't know
Section F Energy Consumption
F1. Which of the following energy sources does your household use in your dwelling?
Mark all that apply.
- 01: Electricity
- 02: Natural gas
- 03: heating oil
- 04: Propane (do not include propane used for barbeques)
- 05: Wood
- 06: Solar heat (for space or water heating)
- 07: Solar electricity (photovoltaic panels)
- 08: Wind power
- 09: Other - Specify
- 10: Do not use any sources of energy
- 11: Don't know
F2. Is anyone in your dwelling responsible for paying the bills for any of the following: Electricity / Natural gas / Heating oil / Propane?
- 01: Yes
- 02: No
- 03: Don't know
F3. Statistics Canada produces an estimate of the residential energy consumption for Canadian households. The most accurate and effective way to do this is to obtain your household's energy consumption data directly from your energy provider.
The only data that we will collect from the energy providers will be the energy consumption amount for the 2019 calendar year. No financial information (payments amounts, payments status, etc.) will be collected.
The only information that Statistics Canada will give to your energy provider will be:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your account number
No other information that you provide for this survey will be given to the energy provider.
F4. Does the energy account holder authorize Statistics Canada to obtain from your energy supplier(s) the amount of energy used by your dwelling for the 2019 calendar year?
F5. Please read and sign the following authorization.
The account holder authorizes Statistics Canada to release the account numbers and the name of the account holders to the energy companies listed below.
The account holder authorizes the companies below to provide Statistics Canada with the consumption of energy used by the dwelling identified on this questionnaire for the 2019 calendar year.
If you are answering on behalf of other people, please consult each person.
F6. Do you pay an electricity provider to supply your home?
F7. Provide the following information about your electricity provider.
- 01: Name of energy company
- 02: Account number
- 03: Account holder - Last name
- 04: Account holder - First name
- 05: Telephone number of energy company
- 06: Extension
F8. Do you pay a natural gas provider to supply your home?
F9. Provide the following information about your natural gas provider.
- 01: Name of energy company
- 02: Account number
- 03: Account holder - Last name
- 04: Account holder - First name
- 05: Telephone number of energy company
- 06: Extension
F10. Do you pay a heating oil provider to supply your home?
F11. Provide the following information about your heating oil provider.
- 01: Name of energy company
- 02: Account number
- 03: Account holder - Last name
- 04: Account holder - First name
- 05: Telephone number of energy company
- 06: Extension
F12. Do you pay a propane provider to supply your home?
F13. Provide the following information about your propane provider.
- 01: Name of energy company
- 02: Account number
- 03: Account holder - Last name
- 04: Account holder - First name
- 05: Telephone number of energy company
- 06: Extension
F14. Did you agree to let Statistics Canada contact all of your energy supplier(s) to obtain your dwelling energy consumption data?
F15. For the following question, please obtain the energy bills (covering the past 14 month period) for the energy supplier(s) that you would not like Statistics Canada to contact to obtain the energy consumption information.
Sort the energy bills in ascending order by energy supplier. Use the information from the energy bills to complete the required energy consumption tables.
F16. Please indicate which energy bill(s) for which you would like to supply the consumption information:
- 01: Electricity
- 02: Natural gas
- 03: Oil
- 04: Propane
F17. In 2019, on an average weekday, was there someone at home all day?
- 01: Yes
- 02: No
- 03: Don't know
F18. In 2019, for how many complete weeks was there no one living at your dwelling?
Mark one only.
For example, on vacation, away on business travel, etc.
- 01: Number of weeks
- 02: None
- 03: Don't know
F19. In 2019, were there any other charges included in your household energy bills for operating a farm, a business (e.g., hairdresser, childcare, etc.) or other dwellings?
- 01: Yes
- 02: No
- 03: Don't know
F20. In 2019, approximately what percentage of the electricity consumption on your bills was strictly for your household's use?
Mark one only.
- 01: Not applicable (N/A)
- 02: %
- 03: Don't know
F21. In 2019, approximately what percentage of the natural gas consumption on your bills was strictly for your household's use?
Mark one only.
- 01: Not applicable (N/A)
- 02: %
- 03: Don't know
F22. In 2019, approximately what percentage of the heating oil consumption on your bills was strictly for your household's use?
Mark one only.
- 01: Not applicable (N/A)
- 02: %
- 03: Don't know
F23. In 2019, approximately what percentage of the propane consumption on your bills was strictly for your household's use?
Mark one only.
- 01: Not applicable (N/A)
- 02: %
- 03: Don't know
Section G Information Sharing
G1. To avoid duplication, Statistics Canada has entered into an agreement with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Natural Resources Canada and the British Columbia Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to share the combined information you provided in this survey. This includes the information obtained during the telephone interview, the information provided on this questionnaire, and if you gave Statistics Canada the authorization to do so, the information obtained from the person responsible for paying the energy bills or directly from the energy supplier(s). Names, addresses, telephone numbers and account numbers will not be shared. Environment and Climate Change Canada, Natural Resources Canada and the British Columbia Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing have agreed to keep this information confidential and use it only for statistical purposes.
Do you authorize Statistics Canada to share the combined information from this survey with Natural Resources Canada and Environment Canada?
Record linkage
To enhance the data from this survey and to minimize the reporting burden for respondents, Statistics Canada may combine the information you provide with other survey or administrative data sources.
Place an "X" in the circle if you object to linkage of your survey responses with other survey or administrative data sources.
Table A Electricity Consumption
Please obtain all of your electricity bills covering the past 14 month consumption period. Sort the electricity bills in ascending order. Please complete the table below with the information from your electricity bills.
NOTE: If you have one or more recent electricity bills, the previous month's consumption summary may be available on the bills. You can use that information to transcribe the energy consumption for all 14 months without having to produce all bills.
- 01: Start date (DD / MM / YYYY)
- 02: End date (DD / MM / YYYY)
- 03: Number of days covered
- 04: Unit of measure (kW)
- 05: Unit of measure (GJ)
- 06: Energy consumption
Table B Natural Gas Consumption
Please obtain all of your natural gas bills covering the past 14 month consumption period. Sort the natural gas bills in ascending order. Please complete the table below with the information from your natural gas bills.
- 01: Start date (DD / MM / YYYY)
- 02: End date (DD / MM / YYYY)
- 03: Number of days covered
- 04: Unit of measure (m3)
- 05: Unit of measure (GJ)
- 06: Energy consumption
Table C Heating Oil Consumption
Please obtain your most recent heating oil bills. Sort the heating oil bills in ascending order. Please complete the table below with the information from your heating oil bills. If you cannot locate your most recent heating oil bills, please provide your best estimate.
- 01: Start date (DD / MM / YYYY)
- 02: Unit of measure (Litres
- 03: Unit of measure (Gallons)
- 04: Amount of oil purchased
- 05: Actual (from bills)
- 06: Estimate
Table D Propane Gas Consumption
Please obtain your most recent propane gas bills. Sort the propane gas bills in ascending order. Please complete the table below with the information from your propane gas bills. If you cannot locate your most recent propane gas bills, please provide your best estimate.
- 01: Start date (DD / MM / YYYY)
- 02: Unit of measure (Litres)
- 03: Unit of measure (Gallons)
- 04: Amount of gas purchased
- 05: Actual (from bills)
- 06: Estimate
Section H Comments
All information that you have provided on this survey will be kept confidential.
Thank you for completing the questionnaire.
Please ensure that you have completed Section F before returning your questionnaire. Thank you.
