Having a home that costs you almost nothing in electricity and heating may seem like a distant dream. But it’s possible with net-zero energy homes, also known as zero-energy homes.

They’re becoming increasingly popular, even here in Canada, where heating requirements are considerable. In addition to economic reasons, many are choosing to respect their environmental values.

What is zero energy consumption?

A zero-energy home produces as much energy as it consumes. In concrete terms, these homes already have a very low energy demand and can produce the necessary amount of energy by themselves. So there are virtually no bills to pay for heating and electricity.

In Canada, there is a certification program under the umbrella of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA): Net Zero Home (NZH) and Net Zero Ready Home (NZRH).

Three components of net-zero energy homes

To achieve net zero energy housing, installing a few solar panels is not enough. To achieve this goal, three important components must be taken into account.

• Energy conservation

  If a house or building is to achieve zero energy consumption, energy losses must be avoided as much as possible.

  There is no perfect solution that works in all cases. However, strategies can include energy-efficient windows, insulation beyond minimum standards, a rainwater harvesting system, LED lighting, etc. These are sometimes called “airtight” houses with zero heat loss. Zero-energy houses are up to 80% more energy efficient than a standard house.

  They can also be passive houses, meaning that their design and orientation to the sun are optimized so that they are heated as much as possible by the sun in winter while remaining cool in summer.

  Because of its high efficiency, installing a heat pump is a common strategy for achieving a net-zero home.

• Energy production

  To achieve zero energy consumption, the house must produce its energy. In most cases, solar panels are installed. Geothermal energy is also sometimes used, as are wind turbines. Surplus electricity can be sold to the utility if the house is connected to the Hydro-Québec grid. If the home is off the electricity grid, surplus energy can be stored in batteries.

• Inhabitants’ consumption habits

  Of course, even with the most ingenious design and efficient solar panels, achieving net zero requires the home’s occupants to do their bit. Depending on the situation, this may mean unplugging electrical appliances at night to avoid phantom loads. It also means choosing only Energy Star-certified appliances, monitoring water consumption, and using water-saving appliances. You should also avoid overheating in winter and over-cooling in summer.

For a new home

If you’re having a house built and aiming for net zero, you can apply certain principles to the construction itself. For example, you could choose a frame that uses less wood.

Other strategies can help, such as locating windows in the wall to retain heat and installing flashings to control water and mould where there are openings.

For an existing home

It’s perfectly possible to transform an existing house into a net-zero home. Of course, this depends on the home. Potential renovations include insulation beyond building code requirements, window changes, and heating system upgrades. Subsidies are available to help you make your home more energy-efficient.

Advantages of a net-zero home

The first advantage is the most obvious: your energy bills are extremely low with a net-zero home. Because your home produces its energy, you’re protected from fluctuations in energy costs.

Because this type of energy-efficient home is built to higher standards, the constructions are more durable. They are virtually airtight, making them very comfortable. Air quality is purer, thanks to the integrated ventilation system. Its insulation also works against sound. You won’t be disturbed by your neighbour mowing the lawn or having a party. It’s a home that offers greater comfort and tranquillity.

Disadvantages of a zero-energy home

The major disadvantage may lie in the price, especially if you have a conventional home that you want to convert. Renovations can be pretty expensive. You’re looking at tens of thousands of dollars. It’s a significant investment but well worth it!

Net-zero homes are already very popular in Europe, where electricity costs are much higher. They’re becoming increasingly popular here, even though they were virtually non-existent in Quebec a decade ago. Eventually, advanced net-zero home standards could become the general building norm. Whether you’d like to take on the challenge of reducing your home’s energy consumption to zero or you’d like to lighten your bills, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to help you with the heat-pump part of your project.

Are you looking to change your central heating system for a more economical and ecological option? If so, you’ll be happy to know that Hydro-Québec offers a grant for installing a Steffes furnace with a heat accumulator.

What is a Heat Accumulator?

As the name implies, a heat accumulator is a system for storing heat. A thermal mass of bricks stores vast amounts of heat when the electric furnace is on. The technology has yet to be well known in Quebec, although it is quite common where dynamic pricing is used.

During peak periods, this heat will be released to heat the house rather than the furnace elements. The unit is specifically designed to do this. In other words, a heat storage unit allows you to significantly reduce your electricity consumption during peak periods without sacrificing your comfort.

What are the Advantages of a Heat Storage Unit?

A heat storage unit has many advantages.

• Stability and Comfort

  With a heat storage unit, you get consistent heat and consistent comfort. The unit keeps your home warm and cozy, even in the coldest weather. The bricks take over or can accompany the elements during special events without drastically increasing your electricity bill.

  The heat accumulator will also allow you to heat your home even during power outages, bringing even more stability and comfort to your family.

• More Economical

  Your bill will decrease as you reduce your electricity consumption during peak periods. The savings are between 20% and 30% compared to a traditional electrical system. Compared to an oil system, the total bill is five times lower with a combined heat pump and heat storage system.

• More Ecological

  The carbon emissions associated with this heating system are extremely low. You heat your home in an ecological way that contributes positively to your children’s and the planet’s future.

• Easy to Use

  Set your thermostat to the desired temperature, and the system will take care of the rest. The system is quiet and requires very little maintenance.

Hydro-Québec Grant for Electric Furnaces

Starting in the summer of 2023, LogisVert, Hydro-Québec’s grant for furnaces, allows you to reduce your bill directly at the source when purchasing a heat accumulator. The installation company claims the grant from Hydro-Québec after providing you with the discount on your invoice.

This financial assistance is $15,000 for a heat accumulator and $22,000 for a heat accumulator accompanied by a central heat pump.

Only equipment replacements in existing homes are eligible for financial assistance.

To be eligible, the residence must meet the following criteria:

• Be an existing building located in the province of Quebec.
• Be a single-family home, semi-detached, townhouse, mobile home, or cottage.
• Have a residential purpose and be habitable year-round.
• Be powered by one of the following networks:
  • Hydro-Québec’s network, under an electricity service subscription.
  • An off-grid system (excluding Nunavik).
  • A municipal or cooperative system.

The heat accumulator must be a model 4,120 or 4,210 (Serenity) or any other equivalent model from the Steffes company that Hydro-Québec has approved. The device must be new and purchased in Quebec.

Also, remember that other sources of financial assistance can be combined with this offer. Hydro-Québec provides the Efficient Heat Pumps grant for heat pump installations. There is also the Rénoclimat program, the Novoclimat program, and others tailored to your specific situation and the energy efficiency improvements made. The Government of Quebec also provides financial assistance through the Chauffez vert program to replace oil or propane heating systems.

Contact the Experts!

At MST, we have the expertise to advise you on the best heating system for your home. We can also guide you through the process of applying for appropriate subsidies based on the system installed. Contact us to speak with one of our experts!

In Quebec, many homes run on an oil-powered furnace for heating during the winter months. If you need to change your heating system, why should you install an electric heating system?

THE ADVANTAGES OF AN ELECTRIC HEATING SYSTEM

Whether you opt for an electric furnace, a heat pump or both, there are many advantages to installing an electric system.

• Ecological. Oil is not a sustainable source of energy and lends to the polluting of our planet. In Quebec, hydroelectricity is a renewable source of energy with a minimal impact on the environment.
• Space saver. An electric furnace takes up at least 50% less space than an oil furnace.
• No deliveries. With an oil furnace, you rely on regular, costly deliveries of oil. An electric heating system is self-sufficient.
• Heating, cooling and ventilation. A heat pump heats during winter, cools during the summer, and allows for year-round comfort. In addition, the air filter is easy to change, delivering better air quality.
• Uses the same air vents. An electric system uses the same ducts as your oil system. However, it is wise to get an inspection of your vents when you switch to be sure it is in good working order.
• It’s cheaper. Installing a heat pump or electric system will mean remarkable savings. Heat pumps run on very little electricity while delivering efficient heating. In essence, an electric heating system using a heat pump doesn’t create or generate heat but transfers air from outside to inside. Therefore, less energy is used, and you enjoy smaller utility bills. Depending on your system, you can save up to 50% on your heating bills.
• Silent. Inverter heat pumps generate very little noise. You will barely notice it’s running.
• Efficient. Heat pumps are efficient, even during freezing Quebec temperatures. An Inverter heat pump works efficiently at temperatures as low as -30°C, and the electric furnace compensates when it gets colder.

The efficiency of heating systems is measured by their co-efficiency performance (COP). COP is the ratio between consumed energy versus the energy or heat delivered. The higher the number, the more efficient the system.

For example, a COP with a rating of 3 means that three units of heat are delivered into the home for each unit of electricity consumed. In Quebec, the COP of heat pumps ranges between 1.4 and 3.3, depending on the outside temperature.

To help you compare, here are the co-efficiency ratings according to different heating systems:

• Oil 0.95
• High-Efficiency Gas System 0.95
• Electric Baseboards and Convections 1.00
• Pushed Air System 1.00
• Heat Pump (for temperatures as low as -8.3 °C) 2.30
• Heat Pump (for temperatures of 10 °C) 3.30
• Available grants. In order to encourage Quebec residents to convert their heating systems to renewable energy sources, there are grants available.

The Chauffez vert program offers up to $550 per unit in a building and up to $1275 for an individual house when converting your heating system from oil to a renewable energy system, such as electricity.

Additionally, when installing a heat pump, you receive financial aid from the Efficient heat pump program by Hydro-Québec. The grant varies according to the system’s efficiency in winter temperatures; $50 per thousand BTUs of heating at -8 °C.

The Rénoclimat program offers a grant for installing a heat pump while renovating to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

Consult the energy transition and Hydro-Québec sites for more information on the financial aid available through these programs.

HOW DO YOU CONVERT YOUR OIL HEATING SYSTEM TO ELECTRIC?

To make the switch, make sure to work with an HVAC contractor who specializes in doing so. Your life will be completely simplified. For your conversion to be eligible for financial aid, the work must be done by a certified professional with the appropriate RBQ certifications.

Your air vents will be inspected, and multiple factors will be considered in order to recommend the appropriate and optimal heating system for your needs.

A specialist will uninstall the old furnace and oil tank, disposing of it responsibly.

If you do not already have one, the appropriate electric panel of 200 amps will be installed.

The heating system of your choice can then be installed.

Entreprises MST holds their RBQ license, as well as their CMEQ electricians’ license. In addition, each of their technicians also has their individual license for operating in their trade.

Are you looking to replace your oil heating system? Contact us for exceptional service and personalized advice. Our team is more than happy to help you select the best energy-efficient electric system for your individual needs.

Most Québec homes heat with electric baseboards. In the last few years, we have seen heat pumps popping up in more and more homes. What is the difference between a heat pump and electric heating? What are the pros and cons of each system?

Here is an overlook of both systems to help you choose the right heating source for your personal needs.

What Do Heat Pumps and Electric Baseboards Have in Common?

Both heat pumps and electric baseboards use electricity. As electricity is the source of 97% of all energy consumed in Québec, greatly reducing Greenhouse gas emissions, it can be said that Québec is an eco-friendly province. Our energy is clean and efficient!

Therefore, both electric baseboards and heat pumps are green sources of heat.

Pros and Cons of Electric Baseboards

Almost every home in Québec is heated with electric baseboards. They are often installed below windows, and the heat is generated through electrical resistance. The air is heated and rises to the ceiling.

The pros of electric baseboards are:

• Inexpensive. An electric baseboard is around $50, making it between $600 and $1000 total to outfit a medium sized home.
• Easy to Install. Electric baseboards are easy to install and easy to change out in the event that one breaks.
• Easy to Adjust. Electric baseboards heat independently of each other, and so you can adjust the temperature of each one individually.
• Long Lasting, Minimal Maintenance. Generally, electric baseboards have a lifespan of around 25 years, during which they require little to no maintenance.

The cons of electric baseboards are:

• Minimal Aesthetics. While their overall look has improved over time, electric baseboards are far from stylish.
• Restricts Decor and Placement of Furniture. Furniture cannot be placed too close to an electric baseboard, in order for the warm air to circulate properly. As these units are often under the window, it requires that you also have specific curtains, to prevent them from blocking the air flow or even catching fire.
• Low Performance. While electric baseboards heat the immediate space well, they are not efficient together as a whole. On the energy efficiency rating, they are a one.

What is energy efficiency? The energy efficiency rating is a ratio. It indicates how many units of heat are delivered per unit of energy consumed. For example, a rating of three means that for every unit of energy consumed, three units of heat are generated. The higher the number, the higher the efficiency. In the case of electric baseboards, one unit of energy generates one single unit of heat. Therefore, electric baseboards are not that efficient in terms of energy consumption.

In total, a medium home outfitted with electric baseboards will cost on average $1600 per year to heat.

A Deep Dive into Heat Pumps

Heat pumps do not create heat. Rather, they take the energy, or heat, from the outside air and bring it into the house.

The pros of a heat pump are:

• Heat and Cool. Heat pumps have a double function. They heat your home in the winter and cool your home in the summer.
• High Performance. The energy efficiency rating of a heat pump ranges from 2.5 to 3, delivering more than it consumes.
• Ecological. Heat pumps use the heat, or energy, from the outside air. This is a renewable energy source, which actually lowers energy consumption.
• Long Lasting. A heat pump has a life span of 15 years, on average.
• Quiet. Modern heat pumps are very quiet. You won’t even know they are on.
• Efficient in Major Cold. As the technology evolves, many models of heat pumps are efficient up to -30 °C.
• Personal Comfort. Heat pumps allow the air to circulate throughout your home, as opposed to getting trapped on the ceiling.

The cons of a heat pump are:

• Exterior Unit. While the interior parts of a heat pump system are next to unnoticeable, the vital exterior unit is limited when it comes to aesthetics.
• Air Vents. A central system of air vents is necessary for a heat pump to deliver the air. Your home must already be equipped with vents or you will need to install them before using the heat pump.
• Secondary Source of Heating. While most modern heast pumps are efficient up to -30 °C, it is wise to have a secondary source of heating when the temperature drops even lower.
• High Initial Cost. Heat pumps vary in price. Wall models start at $2500 and full central air systems start at $3500. There are, however, government grants available according to the model. Once installed, annual heating costs for a medium home is approximately $950.

Contact the Experts to Make the Best Choice

It’s important to make a wise choice for your individual home and comfort preferences.

Our team, at MST Enterprises, of experts are well versed in the world of heat pumps. Contact us for a quote or for information on efficient heating.

After an initial home visit, our technicians will evaluate your needs and the requirements of your home. They will then suggest the ideal way to heat your particular home.

Choosing the best system to heat your home is not something to take lightly. You want to be sure to get the best system for your optimal comfort, and in line with your budget.

You want to buy a new air conditioner or heating unit, but you need financing to do so.

MST Enterprises has associated with Financeit and Snap to offer quick, easy, and efficient solutions for heat pump financing.

Quick and Easy Financing with Financeit

With Financeit, you can get long-term financing over ten years for up to $100,000. So, we have you covered for whichever heat pump model you want, whether it’s a ductless heat pump, a mini-split, a central system or a multizone. Payment is made in monthly installments.

Within only a few seconds, you will know if you qualify, without any commitment or obligation.

Steps to Get Financing

Get a head start on your energy savings by financing your heat pump with Financeit. It all comes down to three simple steps.

First is the application process: complete the credit application form online. You will receive an immediate response.

Second, once you have been approved, you will confirm and complete the details of your purchase with MST Enterprises by supplying the required documents.

Third, refund payments will be debited automatically from your bank account.

Financeit Benefits

At Financeit, there are no hidden fees. Everything is direct, open, and straightforward. You know exactly how much you’re paying when you purchase an appliance. All details are provided.

The Financeit loan program offers amortization periods of up to 240 months, which allows for low monthly payment plans that are easy to comply with. Interest rates range between 12.99% and 15.99%.

Financeit does everything in its power to be flexible and fair towards clients. As a result, you can make additional payments and even pay off your balance in full at any time without any penalties.

Your data is safe with Financeit. Bank-calibre encryption is used to ensure that your confidential information stays safe.

An overview of financing with Snap

With Snap, you can finance your purchase, even with bad credit.

Snap financing can be advantageous in some cases for short-term loans.

Benefits of Snap

With Snap financing, applying for a loan is quick and easy, and you get approved in minutes.

Snap offers easy and flexible payment options, like direct debit.

Your loan with Snap is an open loan that you can pay anytime, with no fees or penalties.

Until June 30, 2023, a promotion is offered with Snap, where you pay nothing for 6 or 12 months, depending on the chosen offer.

Available Subsidies

In addition to offering financing through Financeit and Snap, MST Enterprises helps you save by advising you on how to benefit from government assistance.

There are currently a few government programs available to those purchasing an energy-efficient heating or air conditioning system: Chauffez vert, Rénoclimat, Greener Homes, Novoclimat, and different programs from Hydro-Québec.

Chauffez vert

With Chauffez vert, you get financial aid that can go up to $1,275.

The Chauffez vert program helps people replace their fossil fuel heating system or water heating system with electrical systems or systems using renewable energy, like electricity.

By bringing this change to your home, you’ll benefit from financial assistance from the government, reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, improve your house’s energy efficiency, and save thanks to your new effective system.

Hydro-Québec

Through the Efficient heat pump program, Hydro-Québec offers financial support when installing or replacing an eligible heat pump.

The amount is allotted according to your heat pump’s heating output, which is $50 for every thousand BTUs of heating output at -8°C.

Rénoclimat

Rénoclimat is a provincial program for homeowners wanting to improve their home’s energy efficiency by renovating it.

The financial aid allotted for installing an eligible heat pump depends on the heat pump’s heating output. You receive $50 for every thousand BTUs of heating output at -8°C.

This way, you enhance your home’s comfort level while reducing energy consumption. You can also get custom advice on improving your home’s power efficiency by having a Rénoclimat advisor visit your house.

Greener homes

Greener homes is a federal program helping homeowners increase their home’s energy efficiency, including installing a heat pump.

The government offers up to 700,000 grants that can reach up to $5,000 each.

By being eligible for the grant for greener homes, you may also qualify for an interest-free loan with a repayment term of 10 years, ranging from $5,000 to $40,000. This is a government initiative to help Canadians make their homes more energy-efficient.

Novoclimat

Novoclimat is a grant program created for new homes, promoting the construction of energy-efficient homes.

The financial aid allowed for installing an eligible heat pump is $50 for every thousand BTUs of heating output at -8°C

Hydro-Quebec and Steffes

Until June 30, 2023, Hydro-Quebec is offering $10,000 in financial assistance to customers who want to install a Steffes central heating system with a heat accumulator (ETS). An additional $5,000 is offered if you simultaneously install an eligible central heat pump.

HydroSolution and Hydro-Quebec

An interesting alternate solution to financing is renting a heat pump.

When renting an eligible heat pump through HydroSolution, you are entitled to financial assistance courtesy of Hydro-Quebec’s Efficient Heat Pumps program.

The financial assistance offered is $50 for every thousand BTUs of heating at -8°C and will be paid in a single payment by HydroSolution.

Energir, Hydro-Quebec, and the Quebec Government

If switching to dual-energy, you can take advantage of grants thanks to a partnership between Energir, Hydro-Quebec, and the Quebec government.

Up to $5,800 is offered when replacing a natural gas central heating system with a new one and installing a heat pump.

A grant of up to $5,500 is offered when adding a heat pump to an existing natural gas central heating system.

Make your choice

With these quick and easy financing options and government assistance, only one choice is left to make. What will your next heating or air conditioning system be?