The Green Heat program
- coraliefortin076
- May 15
- 5 min read
Building or renovating a house, cottage, or garage is a major project that requires careful thought, planning, and often a significant budget. At Plan Maison Québec, we've been helping Quebecers design their custom residential plans for several years. We understand the challenges associated with energy renovations, which is why we want to inform you about the assistance programs available to help you reduce your costs, such as Chauffez vert, a flagship program of the Quebec government.
Upgrading your heating system is often a key step during a major renovation. Whether for economic, ecological, or performance reasons, it's now possible to make this switch while benefiting from significant financial support thanks to Chauffez vert. Discover in this article how this program works, what it covers, and, most importantly, how Plan Maison Québec can help you take full advantage of it.
The Chauffez vert program in brief
Chauffez vert is a Quebec government initiative that encourages people to move away from polluting heating systems, such as those powered by oil or propane, and toward cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. The goal is to reduce fossil fuel consumption in the residential sector, one of the major greenhouse gas emitters in Quebec.
This financial assistance program primarily targets the replacement of oil or propane heating and water heater systems with systems that use renewable or less polluting energy, such as electricity, geothermal energy, or biomass. It is therefore a measure that combines ecology and economy, while helping to improve the energy performance of Quebec homes.
Why abandon fuel oil or propane?
Heating oil and propane are two energy sources still present in many Quebec homes, especially in older buildings or in areas where electricity was previously less accessible. However, these fuels have several drawbacks:
First, they emit a significant amount of greenhouse gases. Heating oil, in particular, is one of the most polluting fuels used in the residential sector. By choosing to replace it, you significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
Second, these systems are often more expensive to maintain and operate. The price of heating oil or propane is unstable and can vary considerably depending on the season, making managing a household budget more complex. Not to mention the fact that heating oil or propane equipment often takes up more space and requires tank maintenance, which can be cumbersome and environmentally hazardous in the event of a leak.
Making the transition to a more modern and ecological heating system, such as an electric heat pump or a biomass boiler, can therefore prove to be very advantageous in the long term, both environmentally and financially.
Works eligible for the program
The Chauffez Vert program covers the following work:
The replacement of a central heating system running on oil or propane is at the heart of the program. This includes the complete removal of the furnace or boiler, as well as the removal of the fuel tank. You must then replace it with a system that uses renewable energy.
The replacement of a water heater running on oil or propane is also eligible, provided that the replacement unit also uses renewable energy.
Please note: simply adding a heat pump is not enough if the oil system remains in place. The core of the program is based on the complete removal of fossil fuel-fired equipment.
What technologies are accepted?
The program is open to a variety of technologies, as long as they meet renewable energy criteria. Here are a few examples:
Electric heat pumps: Very popular in Quebec, they allow you to heat and cool your home efficiently. They are economical in the long term and efficient, even in harsh winter conditions.
Biomass heating (wood pellets): A local, renewable option, and often less expensive than fossil fuels.
Geothermal systems: Ideal for new construction or major renovations, they use the earth's energy to heat or cool the home.
Passive or active solar systems: Still not widespread, they can nevertheless be an attractive option in certain specific cases.
Each situation is unique, and Plan Maison Québec can help you choose the system best suited to your type of construction and your energy goals.
How much can you receive?
Financial assistance amounts vary depending on several factors, including the type of building and the type of equipment being replaced. Here are some guidelines:
For a single-family home, you could receive up to $1,275 for the replacement of an oil-fired system, or up to $850 for a propane system. For a water heater, assistance can reach $250 for an oil-fired unit, or $200 for a propane unit.
Mobile homes, duplexes, triplexes, and multi-unit buildings are also eligible, with amounts adjusted per unit. For example, a multi-unit building owner could receive up to $550 per unit if the oil heating system is replaced.
These amounts may seem modest at first glance, but when combined with other programs such as Rénoclimat, RénoVert, or federal tax credits, they can represent substantial savings on an overall renovation project. With careful planning, with the help of Plan Maison Québec, you can optimize your budget and maximize available assistance.
Eligibility requirements
To benefit from the Chauffez Vert program, you must:
Own the home in question, whether it is a primary residence, secondary residence, or a rental property.
Be located in Quebec and have a heating or water heating system powered by oil or propane before the work begins.
Completely remove the old equipment, including the tank.
Replace it with a system that complies with renewable energy standards.
Have the work carried out by a contractor licensed by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec.
It is also important to submit your application within six months of the start of the work. You will be asked for complete documentation, including detailed invoices, proof of equipment removal and photos of the replaced system.
The role of Plan Maison Québec in your renovation projects
When planning an energy renovation, choosing competent partners is essential. Plan Maison Québec specializes in designing custom plans adapted to Quebec's climate, regulatory, and architectural realities.
By integrating the requirements of programs like Chauffez Vert from the design phase, we can help you maximize your eligibility, reduce costs associated with unforeseen changes, and improve the overall coherence of your project.
Our team also helps you:
Plan a comprehensive renovation, including energy improvements.
Coordinate various stakeholders: architects, engineers, and contractors.
Adapt your project to other available grants.
Implement sustainable solutions that increase the value of your property.
Building or renovating isn't just a matter of style or comfort. It's also a thoughtful decision, taking into account energy savings, environmental impacts, and long-term sustainability. Plan Maison Québec is here to transform your ideas into concrete, achievable plans, while guiding you through available government programs.
Conclusion
The Chauffez Vert program is much more than just a grant. It's an incentive to help Quebecers modernize their heating systems, improve their homes' energy performance, and reduce their environmental footprint. This opportunity is ideal for homeowners considering renovating or building a sustainable, high-performance home adapted to Quebec winters.
If you're thinking about taking the plunge, replacing your old oil furnace, or planning a comprehensive energy-efficient renovation, Plan Maison Québec is the partner you need. Our experts will support you every step of the way, from designing the plans to completing the work, ensuring a personalized approach that's consistent with financial assistance programs like Chauffez Vert.
Together, let's build a more sustainable future, one plan at a time.
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