Lots of homeowners would love to make their homes more environmentally friendly. With good reason! A more energy-efficient home is as good for the planet as it is for the people living there. Here’s a brief overview to shed some light on the topic.
Top tips for a more eco-friendly house
Every action we take for the environment counts. For example, replacing old appliances with those that are ENERGY STAR certified or trading your showerhead for a low-flow model have both economic and ecological payoffs. Installing a heat pump and smart thermostats or replacing doors and windows significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. Minor improvements such as repairing holes that cause air leaks near the range hood or chimney, caulking windows, and adding weatherstripping to doors are also worth considering.
Outside, think about creating a green wall by planting Virginia creeper or Boston ivy, which will improve air quality and reduce heat islands. Interestingly, these plants also protect the masonry from sun and storms and extend its life (if it’s already in good shape before the plants cover it). If you’re unsure about the condition of your walls, have an expert check them out before you start greening.
Grants and subsidies for energy-efficient homes
Undertaking large-scale projects incurs high costs. Fortunately, there are government support measures available that can offer relief.
Rénoclimat program
With the Rénoclimat program in Quebec, an advisor can conduct a visual analysis of your home to evaluate its energy efficiency. You can then apply for financial help for several approved projects, including insulating your home or replacing windows and doors. (The fee for the evaluation visit will be reimbursed if you qualify for financial assistance.) If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can also take advantage of Desjardins’ Program for new sustainable renovations, which includes access to a full range of mortgages at competitive rates and up to $500 cash back.
Hydro-Québec's LogisVert program
Hydro-Québec's LogisVert program offers financial assistance to homeowners and tenants who wish to undertake energy efficiency improvements. To be eligible, beneficiaries must reside in Quebec, use electricity supplied by Hydro-Québec as a primary heating source for their homes, and meet all program conditions. Energy efficiency measures include the purchase and installation of:
induction stoves
efficient heat pumps
heat pumps dryers
solar thermal pumps and collectors for swimming pools
high-efficiency heat pumps and caulking.
Roof insulation combined with caulking also qualifies for financial support to the amount of $1,500.
Once the improvements have been made, you can apply for financial assistance by providing proof of purchase and installation, as well as proof of ownership. Please note that renovations must be carried out by licenced compagnies registered in Quebec and holding the appropriate licenses. Good news: RenoAssistance is one of them!
Smaller initiatives are also available. Chauffez vert offers financial assistance for the replacement of your oil or propane heating system fuelled by renewable energy. There are also showerhead replacement programs, which provide free low-flow showerhead in most municipalities.
Eco-friendly home construction
If you are considering building a new home, you could receive a Novoclimat certificate of compliance. This program defines the technical requirements to be met during construction to ensure that energy performance exceeds the norms in effect today. A certified home saves an average of 20% on energy costs, is more comfortable, and provides better air quality. Since financial assistance ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 is available, plus a 15% rebate on the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) insurance premium, certification is an investment that will quickly pay for itself!
It’s time to take action! Entrust your work to a Verified Contractor recommended by RenoAssistance.
