Most people appreciate the value of a well-insulated home. Insulation helps to keep warm air inside in the winter and cool air inside in the summer. This means your heating and cooling systems can work more efficiently to do their jobs, saving you money on your energy bill.
But how do you know if your home is well-insulated?
Luckily, there’s an easy rule of thumb to help you answer that question. If your home was built before 1999, you may not have enough insulation in your attic, walls or basement. You may also qualify for Manitoba Hydro’s Home Insulation Program, which provides homeowners with a rebate of up to 100% of their insulation material costs.
Your home qualifies if:
• It was built before 1999;
• You are the homeowner and the home has an active Manitoba Hydro account;
• It is detached, semi-detached, or a mobile/modular home on a permanent foundation with a permanent water supply, and intended as a residence;
• It is your principal, full-time residence or your tenant’s principal, full-time residence.
Your home will not qualify if:
• It is under renovation or construction, unoccupied, an apartment building, a seasonal home, vacation rental, or cottage;
• Your project is for an attached garage, porch, veranda, or sunroom;
• Your project is only replacing existing insulation;
• You have started the work or removed existing insulation.
Increase your insulation levels
To increase the insulation levels in your home and apply for a rebate:
1. Decide which area(s) of your home may need more insulation.
2. Decide if you want to hire a contractor or do the work yourself.
• If you decide to hire someone, make sure you get at least three quotes from different participating Power Smart contractors and choose the one you feel most comfortable with.
• If you decide to do the work yourself, you’ll have to buy your insulation materials through a participating Power Smart retailer.
3. Your contractor or retailer will help you determine if your project may qualify for a rebate and will help you complete the Home Insulation Program Rebate Application.
4. Your contractor or retailer will let you know if and when your application is pre-approved by Manitoba Hydro. A pre-inspection of your existing insulation levels may be required. Remember, make sure no work has started on your project until you get pre-approval.
5. When the insulation project is done, you or your contractor will submit the final paperwork and you will receive your rebate.
There’s no better time to insulate than right now; cooperative weather makes any renovation job much easier. For more information about insulation and the Home Insulation Program rebate, visit hydro.mb.ca/hip.