Home Energy Efficiency Loan

If you’re looking to make energy efficiency upgrades to your property, we can help with our Home Energy Efficiency Loan. It’s a convenient and affordable financing option, that lets you finance your renovations through monthly payments added to your energy bill. No down payment is required, we pay the contractor directly.

ANNUAL INTEREST RATE

6.20% (O.A.C.)

for the first 5 years

MANAGEABLE PAYMENTS

Monthly payments

made conveniently through your energy bill

Eligibility

  • We must approve your application before any work is started or any materials are purchased.
  • You must be the owner of the home in which energy improvements are made.
  • You must have an active account with us and be approved for credit from us.
  • The building must be your primary residence or the primary residence of your tenant.
  • Mobile homes on permanent foundations with a permanent water supply are eligible. For geothermal and solar photovoltaic systems, you must own the land where the mobile home is located.
  • Indigenous customers living in Band-owned homes are eligible for financing with a Band Council Resolution.
  • The home must be detached or semi-detached.
  • Upgrades must be made to our recommended levels.

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Ineligible homes and materials

  • Unoccupied homes, seasonal dwellings (summer homes and cottages), apartment buildings, garages, commercial properties, and homes under construction.
  • Projects in progress or already completed.
  • Wiring and related equipment for new and old buildings not previously supplied with electrical service.
  • Labour only (labour can only be financed with a qualifying upgrade).
  • Natural gas and electrical materials that are not installed by an allied gas fitter or electrician licensed by the province of Manitoba.
  • Used equipment or materials.
  • Your labour (only materials and equipment are eligible for do-it-yourself projects).

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Qualifying upgrades

To qualify for the Home Energy Efficiency Loan, energy efficiency upgrades must be made to our specified levels.

We partnered with Efficiency Manitoba to set the energy efficiency requirements for many of the qualifying upgrades.

Eligible upgrades Max amount by technology1 Maximum terms
air leakage sealing $7,500 5 years
ground source heat pumps $20,0002 15 years
cold climate air source heat pumps $10,000 15 years
insulation $7,500 5 years
level 2 electric vehicle charger $3,000 5 years
natural gas furnaces and boilers $7,500 15 years
solar photovoltaic system $20,0002 15 years
space heating equipment $7,500 5 years
water heating equipment $7,500 5 years
windows and doors $7,500 5 years
ventilation $7,500 5 years
central air conditioning $5,000 5 years
conventional air source heat pumps $5,000 5 years
electrical equipment upgrades $5,000 5 years
radon mitigation $5,000 5 years
1 This amount is included in the $12,500 limit per residence.
2 Total value of all accumulated Home Energy Efficiency Loans cannot be more than $20,000.
Windows and doors

Windows and doors

Windows

Window work must comply with either the performance or prescriptive option:

ENERGY STAR® certified performance compliance option:

  • ENERGY STAR 2020
  • triple pane glazing
  • minimum Energy Rating (ER) of 34 or a maximum U-value of 1.22 (0.21)

Prescriptive compliance option:

  • triple pane glazing
  • minimum one low-e coating
  • argon gas fill
  • minimum 10 mm warm edge spacer
  • non-metallic or thermally broken frame

For a list of ENERGY STAR certified windows, visit the Natural Resources Canada website.

Doors

Swinging doors:

  • must meet ENERGY STAR 2020 requirements
  • must have a maximum U-value of 1.22 (0.21) or minimum Energy Rating (ER) of 34

Sliding doors:

  • must meet ENERGY STAR 2020 requirements:
    • maximum U-value of 1.22(0.21) or a minimum ER of 34
    • triple pane glazing

For a list of ENERGY STAR certified doors, visit the Natural Resources Canada website.

Proof of energy performance

U-values and Energy Ratings for windows and doors must be listed on the ENERGY STAR website or provided by an independent third party in accordance with the 2009 or 2014 edition of A440.2-##/A440.3-## - Fenestration energy performance / User guide to CSA A440.2-##.

Residential space heating equipment

Residential space heating equipment

  • CSA-approved high efficiency natural gas furnaces with a minimum AFUE of 92%.
    • Includes all costs directly related to the furnace upgrade such as modifications to venting, ductwork plenums, gas piping, permits, and the thermostat.
    • Installation of a high efficiency natural gas furnace is payable over a maximum 15-year term.
  • CSA-approved natural gas boilers with a minimum AFUE of 82%.
    • Installation of a natural gas boiler is payable over a maximum 15-year term.
  • CSA-approved electric heating systems and associated materials and equipment such as wiring, ductwork, valves, pumps, and motors.
  • Chimney liner.
  • Permanently connected supplementary space heating equipment.
  • All changes to combustion equipment must be done in accordance with applicable codes. Changing a combustion appliance such as a 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 this can contribute to discomfort.
Heat pumps

Heat pumps

Ground source (geothermal) heat pumps

  • Home must be currently heated with electric resistance heat.
  • The ground source heat pump must be designed and installed by a certified contractor. The contractor must be recognized by the Manitoba Geothermal Energy Alliance (MGEA).
  • The ground source heat pump must be tested and rated under CSA Standard C-13256, and installed to meet CSA C448.
  • Installer must submit a building heat loss calculation to determine appropriateness of sizing of the system. This calculates how much heat a particular home requires to maintain a 22°C indoor temperature at the coldest times of the year. A contractor or designer should perform this calculation based on the CSA F280-M Determining the required capacity of residential space heating and cooling appliances standard.
  • The system must be sized to provide 70% to 105% of the design heat loss of the home (according to CSA standards).
  • A system sized to 70% costs less to purchase but has slightly higher annual energy costs, due to the auxiliary heater operation during the coldest weather.

Air source heat pumps

Requirements common to both conventional (ASHP) and cold climate (ccASHP) air source heat pumps:

  • Homes that are currently heated with electricity, natural gas, propane, or fuel oil are eligible. Homes heated with natural gas must retain their natural gas heating system.
  • Central ducted or ductless split systems are eligible.
  • The air source heat pump unit’s performance rating certified to CSA Standard CAN/CSA-C656-05 with a minimum HSPF2 Region V >= 6.6 and SEER2 >= 15.2 (HSPF Region IV >=10 eligible until June 1, 2025).
  • Minimum total rated heating capacity at 8.3°C of 3.52 kW (12,000 Btu/h).
  • Product must be listed on the Natural Resources Canada energy efficient product list as a cold climate air source heat pump (ccASHP) or conventional air source heat pump (ASHP).
  • Installer must submit a building heat loss calculation to determine appropriateness of sizing of the system. This calculates how much heat a particular home requires to maintain a 22°C indoor temperature on the coldest day of the year. A contractor or designer should perform this calculation based on the CSA F280-M Determining the required capacity of residential space heating and cooling appliances standard.
  • The indoor unit (furnace/air handler/coil) and outdoor unit must be part of an AHRI matched system.
  • For coils only systems, the inside unit (coil) and outside unit must be listed on the Natural Resources Canada energy efficient product list heat pump database furnace field will denote “Coils Only”.
  • When installing a “Coils Only” air source heat pump system it is recommended that:
    • The furnace have an ECM or variable speed motor.
    • The thermostat be compatible with both the heat pump and the furnace.
    • The rated airflow and ductwork sizing should provide adequate airflow for the selected heat pump.

Requirements specific to cold climate air source heat pumps:

  • The system must have a variable capacity compressor with three or more distinct operating speeds, or continuously variable speed.
  • System must be rated to provide heat at temperatures of at least −25°C (−13°F) or colder.
  • Units must have a minimum COP of 1.8 at −15°C (5°F) at maximum capacity operation.
  • Heating Capacity Maintenance Percentage must be ≥ 70%. Heating Capacity Maintenance Percentage = heating capacity at −15°C (5°F)) divided by the heating capacity at 8.3°C (47°F).
Insulation

Insulation

Insulation work must meet the following levels:

  • attic – Final R-value of R-50
  • attic kneewalls – Final R-value of R-24
  • foundation walls – Final R-value of R-24
  • flat and cathedral ceiling – Final R-value of R-28
  • crawlspace – Final R-value of R-24
  • wall cavities – Final R-value of R-10
  • exterior walls (when re-siding) – must add a minimum of R-3.75
    • Re-siding materials may qualify for the loan when installed in conjunction with exterior wall insulation to a maximum of R-10 added.

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 Canadian General Standards Board (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.
Air leakage sealing

Air leakage sealing

  • Caulks and sealants that:
    • conform to Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) standards
    • have good bonding durability
    • remain flexible throughout their rated life
    • can be painted if used as an interior product
    • have a minimum 10-year life expectancy or guarantee
  • Sealant foam (urethane) materials that meet the following criteria:
    • 1-part (polymeric) foam must have a Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) evaluation listing number
    • 2-part urethane foam must be in accordance with CGSB 51-GP-23M
    • does not contain chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)
    • 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.
Ventilation

Ventilation

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 Air Movement & Control Association).

  • Unitary fans:
    • must have minimum ratings of not less than 50 CFM delivery and not more than 3.0 sones noise level
    • cannot have incandescent lighting kits
  • Heat recovery ventilators:
    • must be sized and installed according to the current edition of the Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) Residential Mechanical Ventilation Design and Installation manual
Residential water heating equipment

Residential water heating equipment

To be eligible for financing residential water heating equipment must meet the minimum energy efficiency standards as administered by Natural Resources Canada in the Energy Efficiency Regulations.

For a list of compliant product models visit the Natural Resources Canada website.

  • Eligible product categories:
    • CSA-approved electric water heaters (C191.1)
    • CSA-approved instantaneous (tankless) gas-fired water heaters
    • CSA-approved storage gas-fired water heater
    • Chimney liner in conjunction with a qualifying water heater
    • Drain water heat recovery systems certified to CSA B55.1 and B55.2
    • Active residential solar water heating systems. The system must use solar hot water collectors that meet CSA Standard F379 or equivalent
Electric vehicle chargers

Electric vehicle chargers

To finance Level 2 electric vehicle charging equipment, you must own a battery electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid registered in the Province of Manitoba.

The maximum amount eligible for financing is $3,000 per charger, including installation.

Financing is available for one Level 2 charger per vehicle. To be eligible, the charger:

  • must be new and for residential use only
  • must have a nominal voltage rating of 208 and 240 V only
  • must be third-party certified by ULC, CSA or ETL
  • must be installed and connected by a licensed electrician with an electrical permit taken out for the work performed
Solar photovoltaic systems

Solar photovoltaic systems

  • Solar PV financing is calculated based on $3,000 per kW installed, to a maximum of $20,000.
  • All customer-owned generation must meet applicable provincial, federal and municipal licenses, permits and approvals.
  • The solar PV system must be installed in accordance with the Manitoba Electrical Code Sections 64 and 84, and be inspected prior to being energized.
  • The solar PV system must be interconnected to our distribution system, including the installation of a bi-directional meter once the system is approved if required by inspector.
Central air conditioning

Central air conditioning

To be eligible for financing central air conditioning systems must meet the minimum energy efficiency standards as administered by Natural Resources Canada in the Energy Efficiency Regulations.

  • Energy performance standard for central air conditioners - seasonal energy efficiency ratio [SEER2] of 13.4 or higher.
  • For a list of compliant product models visit the Natural Resources Canada Website.
Radon mitigation

Radon mitigation

To be eligible for financing, radon mitigation must be performed through a C-NRPP certified contractor (Canadian-National Radon Proficiency Program).

Electrical equipment upgrades

Electrical equipment upgrades

  • Upgrades to electrical service entrance and panel board equipment.
  • Electrical and energy improvement work - upgrades from knob and tube wiring.

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How to participate

Step 1Check to see if you and your project are eligible

Remember, you’ll need to have your application approved before any work is started or materials are purchased.

Step 2Contact a participating contractor or retailer
Step 3Complete your project and sign and date your completion certificate
Step 4Pay off your financing with monthly payments added to your energy bill

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Financing

  • Annual interest rate is 6.2% (O.A.C) for the first five years.
  • Maximum financing terms is five years or up to 15 years for qualifying technologies.
  • Minimum monthly payment is $15.
  • Minimum amount that can be financed is $500.
  • Monthly installments will be applied to your energy bill. Repayment of the loan is the responsibility of the homeowner and not the tenant.
  • Additional payments may be made at any time with no penalty.
  • A $20 administration fee will apply if the loan is paid off in full during the first 6 months.
  • The loan becomes due and payable when the house is sold or transfers ownership. The loan is not transferable.
  • The cost of one upgrade cannot be split between multiple Home Energy Efficiency Loan Agreements.

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Calculate your payments

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The monthly payment calculated here is for the initial 5-year term. The interest rates and monthly payments after the initial 5-year term will be based on available market rates.


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