1. Pamela Vernaus
Manitoba Hydro, Energy Savings

2. Energy Efficiency
and Renovations
MHBA Renovation Seminar
May 1, 2013

3. Agenda
 Energy efficiency when renovating
 Power Smart Programs
 Low Cost – No Cost Tips

4. Things to consider
 Scope of the renovation
 Characteristics of your home
 Budget
 Larger savings opportunities

5. Savings
 Heating your home is the largest component of
your annual energy bill (60%)
 Larger savings opportunities:
 Building envelope (insulation)
 Heating system
 Water heating is the second largest component
of your annual energy bill (12%)

6. Insulation
 Attic
 Recommended to R50
 Flat attic - least intrusive insulation measure
 Cathedral ceiling – when replacing roof
 Walls - when upgrading the exterior of your home
 Filling empty cavities
 Adding rigid insulation prior to new exterior finish
 Basement
 Recommended to R24 – when renovating basement

7. Windows, Doors
 When replacing windows and/or doors purchase
ENERGY STAR certified units
 Energy performance standard
 Widely available in Manitoba
 Non-energy benefits include aesthetics, healthier
indoor environment

8. Heating System
 If you have an old, standard efficiency natural
gas furnace, you should consider replacing it
before it fails
 Avoid emergency replacement in winter
 Time to make an informed purchasing decision
 Immediate energy savings
*ALWAYS have a licensed gas fitter install gas equipment

9. Hot Water Savings
Water heating is the second largest component of
your energy bill
 Two benefits to saving water:
 Energy bill savings for hot water
 Water bill savings
 When renovating a bathroom consider:
 Water-efficient showerhead (1.5 gpm)
 WaterSense labeled faucets (1.5 gpm)

10. Power Smart Programs

11. Power Smart Residential Loan
• Borrow up to $7,500 ($5,500 for furnaces)
• 4.8% annual interest rate (fixed for entire contract – up to 5
years)
• Loan covers
– adding insulation, furnace or water heater replacement,
installing ventilation, replacing windows & doors
• *Special furnace/boiler provision:
15 year term option (3.9% for up to 5 years and market rates
thereafter)
• pre-approval is required through a contractor or retailer

12. Power Smart PAYS Financing
• Monthly Payment is less than the measure’s estimated monthly
utility bill savings.
• Financing is transferable from one homeowner to the next, or
from a landlord to a tenant. A caveat is applied against the
property.
• Eligible upgrades:
– Natural gas heating systems
– Geothermal
– Insulation
– Water heating – drain water heat recovery systems
– WaterSense toilets (when installed with an energy efficient measure)
• pre-approval is required through a contractor or retailer

13. Power Smart PAYS Financing
• Amount that can be borrowed is tied to estimated utility bill
savings (energy & water):
• Large savings = larger amount that can be borrowed
• Small savings = smaller amount that can be borrowed
• Terms of up to 25 years
• PAYS On-line calculator used for the following:
• Estimates the utility savings of a measure(s)
• Provides the financing terms for a customer’s agreement
• Must be used to attain financing approval for a customer
• www.hydro.mb.ca/pays

14. Home Insulation Program Rebates
• Attic Insulation - R50 or R28 for cathedral
– Existing attic must have R30 or less - 2¢ / R / sq. ft.
• Walls
– Add a minimum R10 in wall cavities - 4¢ / R / sq. ft.
– Add minimum R3.75 when re-siding - 10¢ / R / sq. ft.
• Foundations - R24
– Un-insulated foundations eligible only - 72¢ /sq. ft.
• Projects must be pre-approved through a contractor or
retailer

15. Water and Energy Saver Kit
Each Free Kit contains:
 Up to 2 low-flow showerheads (1.5 gpm);
 2 low-flow bathroom faucet aerators (1.5 gpm);
 1 low-flow kitchen faucet aerator (1.5 gpm);
 3 meters of hot water heater pipe wrap;
 refrigerator/freezer thermometer.
To order go to ecofitt.ca/mbhydro
or call 1-877-ECO-FITT

16. Refrigerator Retirement Program
• Receive a rebate of $40
• Your second fridge qualifies if it’s:
• In working condition
• At least 15 years old
• Approximately 10 cubic feet or larger
• Located at your primary service address
Schedule an appointment at retiremyfridge.ca
or call 1-855-5FRIDGE

17. Low Cost or No Cost Measures
 Furnace maintenance
 Programmable thermostat
 Caulking and Sealing
 Lighting:
 CFLs
 LED Holiday lights
 Motion sensors and timers
 ENERGY STAR fixtures

18. Additional Information
 Visit: www.hydro.mb.ca
 Call: 480-5900 in Winnipeg
 Call: 1-888-MBHYDRO outside of Winnipeg