Skip to Sub Navigation

Main Menu

Power Smart Residential Loan Measures

To qualify for the Power Smart Residential Loan, energy efficiency upgrades must be made to levels recommended by Manitoba Hydro.

Windows and doors

Windows

  • Insulated glass unit must meet requirements within current edition of CAN/CSA-440.
  • Adhesive coatings and roll shutters are not allowed.
  • Operable or fixed windows must meet the minimum specification for Zone C or Zone D, including insulating spacer, one low-e coating, and a non-metallic frame.
  • Windows must meet requirements within current edition of CAN/CSA-A440 of A3 for air infiltration, B3 for water infiltration, and C3 for wind load resistance. Energy ratings must be equal to or higher than:
    Windows
    Zone Heating Degree-Day Range Compliance Paths
    Energy Rating or U-value
    Minimum ER   Maximum U-value Minimum ER (unitless)
    C
    		 > 5500 to <= 8000 29
    or
    		 1.40 (0.25) 21
    D
    		 > 8000 34
    or
    		 1.20 (0.21) 25
    These minimum levels are mandatory for obtaining financing. Windows that do not meet these levels will not qualify for financing. In addition, the invoice accompanying the Loan Agreement and Completion Certificate must explicitly describe the window glazing units and frames. If this requirement is not met, Manitoba Hydro may terminate the Loan Agreement and shall have no further obligation to pay the Contractor/Retailer's invoice. For customers selecting the performance compliance option, the contractor or supplier must submit the simulation results form from the simulator with the Loan Agreement.
  • Energy ratings must be determined in accordance with the current edition of CSA A440.2 "Energy Performance Evaluation of Windows and Sliding Glass Doors" by a professional who is competent to perform the simulation. Acceptable simulation providers are listed within the Scopes of Accreditation of the Standards Council of Canada, and the Energy Star Canada list of acceptable Certification Organizations. The simulation report must be provided, or the relevant Listing under Energy Star Canada must be referenced.
  • For a list of windows eligible for financing under the Power Smart Residential Loan, visit the NRCan website.

Doors

  • Must meet requirements within current edition of CAN/CGSB 82.5 "Insulated Steel Doors".
  • Must have an overall nominal door slab thermal resistance value of RSI 0.88 (R-5) and at a minimum glazing must be dual glazed, insulating spacer, with 1 low-e surface.

[ Back to List ]

Residential space heating equipment

  • CSA approved high efficiency condensing natural gas furnace with an AFUE of 92 per cent.
    • Maximum loan for the purchase and installation of a high efficiency natural gas furnace is $5,500, payable over a maximum 15 year term.
    • Includes all costs directly related to the furnace upgrade such as modifications to venting, ductwork plenums, gas piping, permits, and the thermostat.
  • Natural gas boiler to a CSA approved unit with an AFUE of 82 per cent.
    • Maximum loan for the purchase and installation of a CSA approved natural gas boiler is $7,500, payable over a maximum 15 year term.
  • Electric heating systems (instantaneous and storage type) and associated materials and equipment such as wiring, ductwork, valves, pumps and motors.
  • Electronic air cleaners; must be permanently connected to the electrical system of the home. The use of any plug-in type of power adapter is not allowed.
  • Permanently installed humidifiers.
  • Heat pump systems and associated materials and equipment. To be eligible for approval, a building heat loss calculation shall be submitted to Manitoba Hydro to determine appropriateness of sizing of the heat pump system. The heat loss calculation shall be performed to ASHRAE guidelines and good engineering practice.
  • Permanently connected supplementary space heating equipment.

Be aware that all changes to combustion equipment must be done in accordance with applicable codes. Changing a combustion appliance such as the heating system may require changes to the venting system and/or water heater. The furnace should be sized in accordance with good industry practice to ensure that units are not oversized as oversizing can contribute to discomfort.

[ Back to List ]

Insulation

Insulation is a smart investment. It is easier to upgrade insulation levels during a renovation project as it will be less expensive and will mean less work later. If you are adding insulation to your home, remember that air sealing should be done first.

To improve your home's comfort and energy efficiency, insulate to Power Smart levels. Any insulation work done in the following areas must be done to the minimum Power Smart levels shown below:

  • Attic to a minimum of RSI 8.8 (R-50).
  • Basement walls to a minimum of RSI 4.2 (R-24).
  • Basement exterior perimeter skirt to a minimum of RSI 2.1 (R-12.5) when using combination interior/exterior insulation on basement.
  • Crawlspace to a minimum of RSI 4.2 (R-24). [RSI 2.1 (R-12) exterior insulation with exterior skirt of RSI 2.1 (R12.5) plus RSI 2.1 (R12) interior insulation].
  • Re-siding – insulate uninsulated wall cavities to a minimum of RSI 1.8 (R-10) and add a minimum of RSI 0.7 (R-3.75) exterior wall insulation. Re-siding materials qualify for the loan when installed in conjunction with a minimum of RSI 0.7 (R-3.75) exterior wall insulation.
  • Uninsulated wall cavities to a minimum of RSI 1.8 (R-10).

Related building materials are also available for financing when the work is performed in conjunction with the addition of insulation. These measures include:

  • Vapour barrier material that conforms to CGSB standards.
  • Framing and fire protective (but not decorative) covering where required by building codes for perimeter basement walls being insulated. Fire protective covering includes gypsum, wallboard or stucco. An example of decorative covering is wall panelling.
  • Electrical wiring and outlets to meet minimum electrical code standards for basement walls being insulated [one outlet for every 3.7 meters (12 feet)].

[ Back to List ]

Air leakage sealing

Financing is available for:

  • Caulks and sealants that:
    • conform to CGSB standards;
    • have good bonding durability, remain flexible throughout their rated life, and can be painted if used as an interior product and;
    • have a minimum 10 year life expectancy or guarantee.
  • Sealant foam (urethane) materials that meet the following criteria:
    • one part (polymeric) foam must have a CCMC evaluation listing number;
    • two part urethane must be in accordance with CGSB 51-GP-23M;
    • must not contain CFCs;
    • must comply with local, provincial and federal building and fire regulations and requirements.
  • Weatherstripping for windows, door sills, and door jambs and headers:
    • spring-loaded types and wood strips with open cell foam glued to the edge are not allowed.
  • Approved electrical outlet seals for light switches and electrical outlets.
  • Replacement floor drain covers that allow water to drain when required, but do not allow air or soil gas to enter the home.

[ Back to List ]

Ventilation

During the heating season, humidity can build up in your home. Every house needs ventilation to remove stale, moist air, and bring in fresh air in a controlled manner. Proper ventilation is an investment in your home and in your family's health. Improve your home's air quality by installing qualifying ventilation equipment.

All ventilation equipment must have electrical approval for use in Canada and be listed in the current edition of the HVI Certified Home Ventilating Products Directory (Home Ventilating Institute Division of AMCA).

  • Unitary fans:
    • Unitary fans must have minimum ratings of not less than 50 cfm delivery and not more than 3.0 sones noise level.
    • Unitary fans with incandescent lighting kits are not allowed.
  • Heat recovery ventilators:
    • Heat recovery ventilators must be sized and installed according to the current edition of the HRAI Residential Mechanical Ventilation Design and Installation manual.

[ Back to List ]

Residential water heating equipment

[ Back to List ]