Building a House

Build in energy efficiency when building a new home. Investing in efficiency will put money back in your pocket every month when you save on your electricity costs.

  • Rebates
  • Financing
  • Benefit from Building Codes & Standards
  • Energy Use Factors

Rebates

New homes are eligible for a number of takeCHARGE Rebates

Financing

Financing for Energy Efficiency – A 10% CMHC mortgage loan insurance premium refund, and a premium refund for a longer amortization period may be available when you use CMHC insured financing to purchase an energy-efficient home or make energy-saving renovations.

Benefit from Building Codes & Standards

All homes must be built to meet the requirements of the National Building code. The newest version of the code includes energy efficient standards that will help you save energy and money over the lifetime of your home. Learn more about what the new energy efficiency requirements mean for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Building to Energy Efficient Standards: Consider going beyond the minimum to ensure an energy efficient home that will save you money for years to come. Check with the Canadian Home Builders Association of Newfoundland for builders in the province that can help you with your build and energy standard of choice.

  • R-2000: The R-2000 Standard (R-2000) is a technical performance standard for energy efficiency, air tightness quality and also encompasses environmental responsibility in home construction. Homes built to the R-2000 Standard will typically exceed the energy performance requirements set out by Canadian building codes.
  • EnerGuide 80: An EnerGuide rating shows an average of a home’s energy performance. The rating is calculated based on standard assumptions so that the performance of one house can be compared against another. The home’s energy efficiency is rated from 0 to 100. A rating of 0 represents a home with major air leakage, no insulation and extremely high energy consumption. A rating of 100 represents a house that is airtight, well insulated, sufficiently ventilated, and requires no purchased energy on an annual basis. For a brand new house, a rating of 80 or higher is excellent.
  • ENERGY STAR® for Homes: An ENERGY STAR qualified new home is on average 20 percent more energy efficient than a home built to code. These homes present a practical choice for homeowners looking for a new home that is energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Every ENERGY STAR home is constructed by trained builders who are licensed by the Government of Canada.

Energy Use Factors

  • Heat up for less with a heat pump. Building a home is the perfect time to consider heating type including whether or not you would like to install a heat pump. Heat pumps are a very efficient way to heat your home and can also provide air conditioning in the summer months.
  • Dreaming of a hot tub? It may cost you as much as $100 each month to heat. If you do choose to install a hot tub be sure to invest in an energy efficient cover. 50% of heat loss comes from the top of the tub. Look for thicker covers that have a higher R-Value to reduce heat loss through the top. As well, make sure to keep on top of cover maintenance. Heat loss happens much more rapidly once a cover becomes water logged or experiences UV damage.
  • Hot water accounts for about 13% of a home’s electricity usage. Reduce your water consumption by installing efficient appliances and fixtures such as faucet aerators in kitchen and bathrooms. And don’t underestimate the value of installing high efficient shower heads.
  • Look for energy efficient lighting as you choose fixtures and bulbs. Efficient lighting comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles. Consider purchasing ENERGY STAR® light fixtures and bulbs. Install dimmers to set the mood and save energy.