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Residential Loan Measures

Qualifying Power Smart Levels for Financing

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 paneling.
  • Electrical wiring and outlets to meet minimum electrical code standards for basement walls being insulated [one outlet for every 3.7 meters (12 feet)].

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Air leakage sealing

Financing is available for:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Approved electrical outlet seals for light switches and electrical outlets.
  5. Replacement floor drain covers that allow water to drain when required, but do not allow air or soil gas to enter the home.

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Windows and doors

Windows

  1. Prescriptive Compliance
    • Operable or fixed windows must meet the following minimum level: South (Zone C)
      • Double glazed, insulating spacer (i.e., "Super Spacer"), 1 low e (emissivity) coating, argon fill, vinyl or fiberglass frame.
        OR
      • Triple glazed, insulating spacer (i.e., "Super Spacer"), 1 low e (emissivity) coating, wood frame.
    • For improved condensation resistance and energy savings, consider installing high performance triple glazed windows such as for Zone D (below). North (Zone D)
      • Triple glazed, insulating spacer (i.e., "Super Spacer"), 1 low e (emissivity) coating, argon fill, vinyl or fiberglass frame.
    • Insulated glass unit must meet requirements within current edition of CAN/CSA-440.
    • To view a map of the Canada that shows the various Zone locations, please visit Natural Resources Canada Climate Zones.
  2. Performance Compliance
    • Windows must meet requirements within current edition of CAN/CSA-A440 levels A3 for air infiltration, B3 for water infiltration, and C3 for wind load resistance. Energy ratings must be equal to or higher than:
      Zone C Zone D
      29 for operable windows 32 for operable windows
      39 for fixed windows 42 for fixed windows
      requirements within current edition of CSA A440.2 (Energy Performance Evaluation of Windows and Sliding Glass Doors) performed by a simulation organization approved by the Standards Council of Canada. The contractor or supplier must include the simulation results form from the simulator.
    • These minimum levels are mandatory for obtaining financing. Windows not meeting 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.
    • Adhesive coatings and roll shutters are not allowed.

Doors

  • Must meet requirements within current edition of CAN/CSA-A440 "Insulated Steel Doors".
  • Must have an overall thermal resistance value of RSI 0.88 (R-5) accounting for window area and cross sectional irregularities.

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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).
    1. 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.
    2. 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.

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Residential hot water equipment

  • Approved Power Smart Gold electric water heaters (C191.1) Specifications;
  • Drain Water Heat Recovery System – for a list of qualifying units, visit the NRCan website.
  • Replace your domestic hot water heater with a CSA approved instantaneous, gas-fired water heater that has an energy factor (EF) of 0.82 or higher. For a list of qualifying units, visit the NRCan website.
  • Replace your domestic hot water heater with a CSA approved storage, gas-fired water heater that has an energy factor (EF) of 0.82 or higher.

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Residential space heating equipment

  • 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.
  • CSA approved high efficiency condensing natural gas furnace with an AFUE of 92 per cent or your natural gas boiler to a CSA approved unit with an AFUE of 82 per cent.

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.

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Lighting

  • Interior and exterior lighting and fixtures where wiring changes are made in conjunction with other electrical and energy improvement work.

Financing is not available for:

  • Wiring and related equipment for new and old buildings not previously supplied with electrical service.
  • Purchase of free-standing or built-in appliances such as countertop ranges, wall ovens, range hoods, dishwashers, water pressure systems, garbage disposal units, vacuum systems, etc.

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Water conservation

Replace your toilet with a low-flush or dual-flush toilet rated at 6 litres or less per flush (meets the Los Angeles Supplementary Purchase Specification), and with a flush performance of 350 grams or more. Find out more about toilets and water conservation.

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