Certain renovations can even help you save money. Energy-efficient upgrades can pay you back by reducing your energy use with immediate savings on your energy bill.
Manitoba Hydro has Power SmartSCrt programs that can help you make your energy-saving upgrades. Not sure where to begin? A Home Energy Evaluation (www.hydro.mb.ca/your_home/home_evaluation.shtml) can provide you with information on your home's current energy use and recommendations to improve its comfort and energy efficiency.
Grants under the federal government's ecoENERGY program may also be available for the improvements.
A well-insulated home uses less energy, meaning lower heating and cooling costs and less impact on the environment. When upgrading your basement for that well-deserved media room, be sure that the insulation you install meets Manitoba Hydro's Power Smart standard.
Check with your contractor before starting the job to be sure that your work meets eligibility requirements. You could receive up to a 90 per cent rebate of the insulation material costs. Be sure that your application is sent to Manitoba Hydro for pre-approval before you start your insulation project or purchase materials.
The Home Comfort Energy Savings program offers illustrative guides on how to maximize your home's energy efficiencies. These booklets are available at most building supply retailers or online at www.hydro.mb.ca.
For smaller renovation projects, Manitoba Hydro offers convenient financing, the Power Smart Residential Loan, that can assist you with the cost to add insulation.
To find out more, explore the options available at www.hydro.mb.ca/your_home
Building a new home? You can build Power Smart from the start with the Power Smart New Home Program. Talk to your builder or contact Manitoba Hydro for more information.
Find the residential Power Smart program, savings, rebates and loans that are right for you. Visit www.hydro.mb.ca, or you can call 1-888- MB HYDRO (1-888-624-9376), in Winnipeg 480-5900.
