For decades now, all our efforts to achieve a constant and pleasant temperature in our homes have been reduced to a few small adjustments to be made on the control panels of air conditioners or heating systems. But what is easy and convenient for us is not always convenient for the environment. It’s time to make more conscious choices and reduce energy consumption. As the Ministère de l’Énergie et des Ressources naturelles du Québec has implemented an energy transition strategy, we already have a few programs to improve the comfort of our homes and reduce energy consumption.
1. Rénoclimat
The Rénoclimat program is intended for homeowners located who wish to renovate and improve their energy efficiency (improve insulation or airtightness) or to replace their heating system with a more efficient one. The financial assistance offered under Rénoclimat can be used for the installation or replacement of a geothermal system or for the purchase of a heat pump. Not all heat pumps are eligible for financial assistance, but we offer includes units that meet the program criteria. The amount of financial assistance varies according to the heating capacity of the unit in winter conditions. Our specialists will be able to give you all the necessary details. There is also the Canada Greener Homes Grant, a new program of up to $5000 under Rénoclimat, to help homeowners make energy-efficient renovations to their homes.
2. Hydro-Québec’s Efficient Heat Pump Program
Beneficiaries of this program must install one of the appliances on the list of eligible heat pumps available on the Hydro-Québec website. The unit must be purchased in Quebec and the installation work must be done by companies registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec that hold the appropriate Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) licenses. The amount of financial assistance again depends on the heating capacity of the system in winter conditions. One receives $50 for every thousand BTUs of heating at -8°C, so for example a grant of $500 for a 10,000 BTU/hr heat pump at -8°C.
3. Novoclimat Homes & Novoclimat Small Multiple-Unit Buildings
To encourage the construction of more energy-efficient homes, the Ministère de l’Énergie et des Ressources naturelles du Québec provides financial assistance to owners of new homes that use electricity or residual forest biomass as their primary energy source for heating. If your home is Novoclimat certified, you will receive $2,000 in financial assistance. If the house is also equipped with an eligible heat pump (according to the same criteria as for Rénoclimat), you will be entitled to additional financial assistance.
4. Chauffez vert Program
If your house has an oil or propane heating system, thanks to this program, you will be able to replace it with a system powered by a renewable energy, for example electricity, geothermal or aerothermal (installation of heat pumps).
For more information on all these programs, don’t hesitate to contact us! At Allard & Emond, you will find a dedicated team that listens to you, and a wide range of products eligible for government programs!