Financial subsidies for energy efficiency: CAA-Quebec is there to help homeowners realize major savings!

QUÉBEC, June 7, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Quebec City, June 7, 2013 - By committing some $34 million to the Rénoclimat program through 2015, the government of Quebec aims to encourage property owners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. To allow them to maximize the potential gains, CAA-Quebec reminds members that they can benefit from practical, wise advice with a simple phone call to its Residential Advisory Services.

According to the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources, the typical homeowner can save up to 25% in annual heating costs by making energy-efficient renovations to his or her house. That can translate into real-dollar savings of more than $400 per year, or about $4,000 over ten years.

"Up to one-third of the heat in some houses escapes through various air leaks, representing substantial direct financial losses for the owner," explains Jacques Gobeil, CAA-Quebec's Director of Residential Advisory Services, adding: "By taking the necessary corrective measures, you can save a lot of money on your heating bill, and enjoy a very attractive financial subsidy through the Rénoclimat program. At the end of the day, it means improved quality of life for everyone living under your roof. What's more, summer is the ideal time to do renovations, so why not take advantage of the program now?"

"Because there are many factors to consider in seeking financial assistance, and the scope of the conditions for eligibility can be difficult to understand, we urge homeowner members of CAA-Quebec to get in touch with our housing experts, who will be happy to advise them on how they can derive maximum benefit from the program," Mr. Gobeil concludes.

The criteria
To be eligible, homeowners must have an energy evaluation done, which includes what is commonly called a blower door test (which evaluates airtightness). The results are used to establish energy-efficiency targets that determine which type of renovation work will be most profitable, particularly as concerns heat loss from the house. Once the work is done, a second blower door test is done to confirm the energy gains achieved and determine what financial assistance will be granted.

Some examples
Several types of work can be conducted to raise a home's EnerGuide energy efficiency rating (the measurement that is used to quantify the gains realized). They include improving the insulation value in the attic, in the foundation walls and around the floor on the ground floor, as well as improving the overall airtightness of the house.

CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1904, has offered residential services to its members for more than fifteen years. To learn more, visit the At Home section of caaquebec.com. The organization also provides automotive, travel and financial services and privileges to its 1,220,000 members.

SOURCE: CAA-Québec

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