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Author: Alyssa Heuchert

GROUND SOURCE VS. AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS

LOWER YOUR ELECTRIC HEATING COSTS

Your heating system is the single largest user of energy at home; it can account for almost 60% of your energy bill! To lower your electric heating costs, consider an energy-efficient heat pump. They transfer heat energy from the air or the ground to warm or cool your home. We also offer rebates on both air source and ground source heat pumps to make your upgrade more affordable.

GROUND SOURCE VS. AIR SOURCE
HEAT PUMPS

GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS

Heat pump being installed

An electric pump circulates fluid through a loop of pipes buried underground. In heating mode, the fluid absorbs heat from the ground, which stays at a stable temperature. Heat is extracted from the fluid and delivered into your home. In summer, heat is redistributed back into the ground.

BENEFITS:

  • Provides heating and cooling
  • Low carbon heating solution
  • Ideal for large lots and open spaces
  • Reduces your electric heating costs by up to 60%

Learn more about ground source heat pumps in our article! 

AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS

Air heat pumps beside house

A compressor circulates refrigerant that absorbs and releases heat between the indoor and outdoor equipment. In winter, heat is pulled from the outdoor air to warm your home. In summer, the system pulls heat from within the home and transfers it to the outdoor air.

BENEFITS:

  • Provides heating and cooling
  • Easy to retrofit with your existing infrastructure
  • Hybrid systems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Reduces your electric heating costs by up to 30%

Learn more about air source heat pumps in our article! 

NEXT STEPS

Before you upgrade your heating system, it’s a good idea to first make your home as energy efficient as possible. Starting with building envelope upgrades, like insulation, will reduce your heating and cooling load, so your contractor will be able to properly size your heat pump system. 

We also offer rebates and financial support for heat pump installations! Learn more about our air source heat pump and ground source heat pump offers and see if you qualify. Be sure to check which offer is best for you before starting any work, since some require pre-approval. 

LEARN MORE &
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY

Check out the rest of our articles in our heat pump series. 

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LEVEL UP YOUR BASEMENT’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

 

Your basement may be at the bottom of your list when considering energy efficiency upgrades. Still, it’s a part of your home where you can create a comfortable living space while achieving significant energy savings.

BASEMENT UPGRADES

If you have an inefficient heating system or your basement is uninsulated, it’s likely you’re paying much more than you need to on your energy bills. The good news? We can help make these upgrades more affordable.

Upgrading the insulation in your basement will keep the heat out during warmer months and in during cooler months. Having proper insulation means you’ll use less energy to cool and heat your home, lower your energy bills, and have a more comfortable living space. Through our Home Insulation Rebate, you can get money back on your material costs when you insulate your foundation walls. Income-qualifying households may also be eligible for free insulation upgrades in their basement through our Energy Efficiency Assistance Program or Métis Energy Efficiency Offers.

Some homes still have standard- and mid-efficiency natural gas furnaces or standard-efficiency boilers. You may qualify for a high-efficiency natural gas furnace or boiler upgrade through our income-based Energy Efficiency Assistance Program or Métis Energy Efficiency Offers.

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EFFICIENCY MANITOBA WINS 2024 ENERGY STAR® CANADA AWARD FOR PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

Crown corporation dedicated to energy efficiency recognized for significant achievements in helping Manitobans save energy in 2023

Efficiency Manitoba is pleased to accept the 2024 ENERGY STAR Canada Award for Utility/Program Administrator of the Year from Natural Resources Canada. This prestigious award recognizes the Crown corporation’s leadership and innovation in promoting energy-efficient technologies and products through the administration of their diverse, accessible energy efficiency offers.

Each year, the ENERGY STAR Canada Awards acknowledge businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability by issuing awards in several categories. The Utility/Program Administrator of the Year award recognizes an organization that has shown excellence in promoting and encouraging uptake in the installation of ENERGY STAR certified products.

Efficiency Manitoba accepted their award at a ceremony held at Natural Resources Canada, Camsell Hall, 580 Booth St, Ottawa, Ontario on June 4, 2024.

“I would like to congratulate the Efficiency Manitoba team for receiving ENERGY STAR Canada’s Utility/Program Administrator of the Year award,” said Tracy Schmidt, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “Efficiency Manitoba plays a vital role in our province’s energy future and progress towards sustainability. ENERGY STAR Canada’s recognition of Efficiency Manitoba’s dedication to helping Manitobans make energy-efficient purchasing decisions shows that they are truly making a difference and forging a path to a better tomorrow. Our government is so proud of this work and this recognition.”

A variety of noteworthy accomplishments led to Efficiency Manitoba winning in its category. Some of their achievements in 2023 include:

  • offering six programs for residential and commercial customers to upgrade to ENERGY STAR certified products (among an extensive suite of energy efficiency offers serving all customer segments);
  • achieving a milestone of rebating one million products, nearly 90% of which were ENERGY STAR certified products, through their Instant Rebate offer;
  • providing instant rebates on over 80,000 ENERGY STAR certified LED specialty bulbs, fixtures, and smart thermostats in 2023 alone; and
  • promoting the installation of nearly 3,000 ENERGY STAR certified windows and doors.

“Receiving the Utility/Program Administrator of the Year Award from ENERGY STAR Canada is an honour that reinforces our commitment to maximizing energy savings for homes and businesses throughout the province,” said Colleen Kuruluk, CEO of Efficiency Manitoba. “On behalf of Efficiency Manitoba, I’d like to thank Natural Resources Canada and ENERGY STAR Canada for recognizing our achievements and the importance of the work we do for all Manitobans.”

ENERGY STAR is an internationally recognized program that labels the most energy-efficient products on the market; certified products are third-party tested and in the top 15% to 30% of their class for energy performance. Efficiency Manitoba considers ENERGY STAR certification when designing and implementing energy efficiency offers, meaning Manitobans can more easily recognize and value the benefits of energy-efficient products and see reductions in their energy bills. Promoting the purchase and installation of ENERGY STAR certified products leads to greater energy savings when completing upgrades in homes and businesses, which helps Efficiency Manitoba achieve its long-term electricity and natural gas savings targets.

“Congratulations to Efficiency Manitoba on being awarded a 2024 ENERGY STAR Canada award. Your efforts are driving innovation in energy efficiency, helping Canadians to save money on energy bills and contributing to the fight against climate change. The Government of Canada is very pleased to support energy efficiency solutions on our collective path to a sustainable and prosperous future.” The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

This is Efficiency Manitoba’s second ENERGY STAR Canada award, having won Promotional Campaign of the Year in 2022 for a post-sale rebate campaign on ENERGY STAR certified appliances and smart thermostats.

About Efficiency Manitoba

Efficiency Manitoba is Manitoba’s Crown corporation dedicated to energy efficiency. With legislated long-term energy savings targets to achieve, the organization has over 40 diverse offers available to help Manitobans save energy, money, and the environment.

Release date: June 19, 2024

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WAYS TO REDUCE ENERGY USE OUTDOORS

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

 

Whether you have a big backyard, a balcony, or something in between, your outdoor space is an extension of your home. Spring is a great time to consider how to make your outdoor space more energy efficient. Here are some tips to get started!

HARNESS THE SUN’S POWER

If you have the space, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can help reduce your monthly energy bill, lessen the impact of future rate increases, and increase the value of your property. Plus, we offer rebates! Learn how our Solar Rebate can help you save.

Solar panels on the roof of a house

BRIGHT IDEAS

Install timers and motion sensors to control your outdoor lights. This way they’ll only be on when you need them, ensuring you’re using the least amount of energy possible. You can also use solar lights to create ambient lighting on your deck or pathways rather than plugging in decorative string lights.

COOL COMFORT

When it’s time to turn on your air conditioner, make sure the outdoor unit is clean so it runs efficiently. Carefully brush or vacuum away any leaves, branches, grass, or debris that may have blown into your unit. If you need to replace your air conditioner, consider installing an air source heat pump, which provides both cooling and heating in one unit. Learn more about heating and cooling your home with an air source heat pump.

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PROJECT FEATURE: Prairie Golf Supplies

Driving green: How lighting upgrades lit the path to more savings 

Our Business Lighting Program offers financial incentives for businesses that upgrade their building with energy-efficient lighting. With our help, family-owned business Prairie Golf Supplies upgraded to LED fixtures, resulting in brighter and energy-efficient lighting.    

THE PROJECT

Kyrke Nussey, Vice-President of Prairie Golf Supplies in Carman, learned about Efficiency Manitoba and the Business Lighting Program through his contractor, Wayne Waddell from Wayne Waddell Electric. Wayne told Kyrke about the incentives, giving him the confidence to take a leap for his business. “In Manitoba, neighbours look out for each other,” said Kyrke. 

In April 2024, Wayne Waddell Electric replaced 16 of the old 400-watt metal halide fixtures at Prairie Golf Supplies with LEDs. “The light distribution is better,” said Kyrke. “The lighting is a lot brighter and comes on instantly.”

THE SAVINGS

With their lighting upgrade, Prairie Golf Supplies is expected to save over 16,000 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of electricity every year, which translates to about $800 in energy bill savings annually. On top of these savings, they received a $4,000 incentive from us for the upgrades, reducing their project payback period to just two years. Kyrke received the incentive a few short weeks after the install.  

If you’re interested to know how much electricity your business could save with a lighting upgrade, check out our savings calculator! Not only can you see how many kilowatt-hours you could potentially save, but also how much you could reduce your energy bills each year.   

THE PROCESS

Our online application system makes it easy to get approved for our Business Lighting Program. Through myEM, business owners can apply on their own or have contractors apply on their behalf.  

After reviewing your application, our team will clearly outline the incentive for your proposed upgrades before you commit to the project, giving you plenty of time to discuss and review your budget.  

ARE YOU A BUSINESS OWNER?

Business owners and contractors can apply for financial incentives through our Business Lighting Program. Check out our program guide for more details on our incentive rates and eligibility requirements.  

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR
BUSINESS LIGHTING PROGRAM

ARE YOU A SUPPLIER OR CONTRACTOR? 

We highly encourage you to join our supplier network. You’ll be listed on our website as a registered Efficiency Manitoba supplier and can offer our programs to your customers. You’ll also have access to training opportunities and materials offered by our team of experts and can promote our energy efficiency programs in your advertising. The best part? It’s free to register and participate!  

JOIN OUR
SUPPLIER NETWORK
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YOUR GUIDE TO A RESTFUL AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT SLEEP

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

 

Your bedroom doesn’t have major appliances like your kitchen, but you might use more energy than you think. Don’t worry — you can rest easy each night knowing you’re saving energy and money by following our expert advice!

WINDOWS

Older windows are often poorly insulated and not airtight, letting in heat during the summer and cold during the winter. This makes your home less comfortable, forces your heating and cooling systems to work harder, and causes your monthly energy bills to go up.

One solution is to install high-performance windows with features like multiple panes of glass, low-e coatings, and high-quality weatherstripping. They reduce drafts and noise from outside, which will help you sleep more soundly. We offer rebates to make this decision even easier!

Not ready to upgrade just yet? Seal gaps and cracks in and around your windows with caulking and weatherstripping to reduce air leakage.

AIR CONDITIONING

As the warm weather approaches, hold off on using your air conditioner until absolutely necessary. You can use outdoor temperature changes to your benefit by opening and closing windows or use a fan in the spring and early summer before the hottest days arrive. Also, change your heavy winter blanket for a lighter one for a more comfortable sleep.

ELECTRONICS

Unplug devices like humidifiers, dehumidifiers, heated blankets, and chargers when you’re not using them. And consider getting an LED night light instead of leaving the bathroom or hallway light on.

LIGHTING

Want to create a relaxing ambience and save energy at the same time? Install a dimmer switch in your bedroom. Reducing light output means using less electricity.

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MÉTIS ENERGY EFFICIENCY OFFERS

OUR VALUED PARTNERSHIPS

 

Our valued partnerships help us reach all Manitobans in making energy efficiency upgrades. We’re proud to work with the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), the National Government of the Red River Métis, to help Red River Métis Citizens lower energy bills in their homes and businesses. Saving energy and money is made possible through our Métis Energy Efficiency Offers.

Through this partnership, we support an energy efficiency advocate at the MMF. The advocate shares program opportunities with their Red River Métis Citizens, answers any questions that come up, and helps guide them through the application process.

“The Métis Energy Efficiency Offers help out Red River Métis Citizens by reducing heating costs in their homes, and in turn lowering their energy bills,” says Keith Kowall, MMF’s energy efficiency advocate.

He shares the story of an individual whose gas furnace suddenly stopped working in late November. The customer took part in our Métis Energy Efficiency Offers for Red River Métis Citizens, and received a new high-efficiency natural gas furnace for free because of our partnership with the MMF.

“Needless to say, they were appreciative. It’s such a great thing to be able to help our Red River Métis Citizens access the program.”

Keith visits communities throughout Manitoba to share program information. He says the energy needs of people vary, meaning the energy-saving opportunities vary too.

“Outside of larger urban centres like Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, and Steinbach, a lot of our Red River Métis Citizens rely on their heating being electric as opposed to natural gas. Their needs are a lot different than someone in a larger urban setting,” Keith says.

“It’s something we’re continuing to work on, to bring energy efficiency to those who rely on electric heating.”

He encourages people to look into these programs and take part, especially starting with Métis Energy Efficiency Offers for your home, adding that it’s an opportunity not to be missed.

“Why wouldn’t you want to take advantage of making your home more energy efficient, thusly reducing your monthly energy bills?” Keith says. “You can take those savings and spend it on your family.”

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE OFFER

Red River Métis Citizens who rent or own a home can take part in our Métis Energy Efficiency Offers, which can include the following:

  • A free home energy assessment to find ways to save energy.
  • Free energy-saving devices, including smart thermostats, LEDs, energy-efficient showerheads and aerators, and air-sealing products.
  • Free insulation for your attic, walls, and basement for qualifying areas (with installation included).
  • A free natural gas furnace upgrade when replacing either a standard-efficiency or mid-efficiency furnace with costs offset by the MMF.
  • A $5,000 rebate when upgrading from a standard-efficiency natural gas boiler to a high-efficiency natural gas boiler.
  • An air source heat pump for only $30 per month for 10 years when retrofitting a home with an electric furnace, baseboard heaters, or electric boiler.
  • A ground source heat pump for only $50 per month for 10 years when retrofitting a home with an electric furnace, baseboard heaters, or electric boiler.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR
MÉTIS ENERGY EFFICIENCY OFFERS
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ENERGY-SAVING HABITS IN THE LIVING ROOM

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

 

A lot of life happens in the living room. Since it’s a place where we spend so much time — and use a lot of energy, too — it’s good to take note of your energy consumption and find ways to lower it. These energy-saving tips for your living room will help you save on your energy bills!

STANDBY POWER

Did you know electronics that are plugged in draw power even when you aren’t using them? This is called standby or phantom power, which can account for up to 10% of your household electricity use!

Use an advanced power strip with electronics like your TV and gaming system to stop them from drawing power when they’re not in use. Simply plug your TV into the main outlet of the advanced power strip, and plug your gaming console into one of the controlled outlets. When you turn off your TV, you automatically cut power to your gaming system.

MORE EASY WAYS TO SAVE

  • During air conditioning season, increase your home’s temperature by at least 3°C at night or while you’re away to save on cooling costs. A smart thermostat can automate these temperature changes and can be controlled remotely.
  • Don’t leave your devices idle! Remember to turn off your TV, computer, and other electronics when you’re not using them.
  • Make the switch to LED light bulbs, which use up to 80% less electricity than incandescent bulbs.
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HEATING & COOLING WITH AN AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP

LOWER YOUR ELECTRIC HEATING COSTS

Your heating system is the single largest user of energy at home; it can account for almost 60% of your energy bill! To lower your electric heating costs, consider an energy-efficient air source heat pump. They transfer heat energy from the air to warm or cool your home. We also offer rebates on air source heat pumps to make your upgrade more affordable.

Whyte Ridge Furnace and Air Duct Cleaning (a registered Efficiency Manitoba supplier) has installed air source heat pumps in homes throughout Manitoba.

“We’ve had amazing feedback from people that they’re reducing their electric bills. The cost of installing an air source heat pump is higher than a traditional air conditioner, but when you do this with support from Efficiency Manitoba, it makes it a lot more reasonable to get it going, and you can save as you go.”  

– Taylor Adolphe, Operations Manager at Whyte Ridge Furnace and Air Duct Cleaning 

The contractor works with you to submit the required documents for our air source heat pump rebate, and we’re here to help every step of the way.

“Efficiency Manitoba is very quick to check over everything, so there’s a level of confidence that we’re putting in a product that works. Efficiency Manitoba is on your side,” Taylor says. “When we have a question, we can reach out to Efficiency Manitoba’s heat pump team, and we can talk with them directly.”

Air source heat pumps can only operate down to a certain temperature (approximately between -10°C to 25°C, depending on the manufacturer’s specification), so you’ll need to have a secondary source of heating. Historically, air source heat pumps have been seen as only having electric back-up heat, but they can also work with a natural gas back-up, which is known as a hybrid system.

In a hybrid system, the heat pump operates as the primary source of heating, and the natural gas furnace provides the secondary source of heating. When the outdoor air temperature drops below the air source heat pump’s operation point, the home’s thermostat will switch the heating source to the natural gas furnace. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.

With last year’s mild temperatures continuing through December, Taylor said people with a hybrid system were able to operate their air source heat pump well into the winter!

NEXT STEPS

Before you upgrade your heating system, it’s a good idea to first make your home as energy efficient as possible. Starting with building envelope upgrades, like insulation, will reduce your heating and cooling load, so your contractor will be able to properly size your heat pump system. 

We offer rebates and financial support for select ductless and centrally ducted air source heat pumps! Be sure to check which offer is best for you before starting any work, since some require pre-approval. 

LEARN MORE &
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY

Check out the rest of our articles in our heat pump series.

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EFFICIENCY MANITOBA AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MANITOBA ANNOUNCE COLLABORATION TO REDUCE ENERGY COSTS FOR LOW-INCOME HOMEOWNERS

Joint efforts will result in improved bill affordability and lower home maintenance costs for Manitoba families

Efficiency Manitoba and Habitat for Humanity Manitoba (Habitat Manitoba) are proud to announce the signing of a collaboration agreement to jointly pursue energy use reductions in homes. This partnership between Manitoba’s Crown corporation for energy efficiency and the affordable housing organization will enable the construction, operation, and maintenance of energy-efficient housing for low-income homeowners throughout the province, leading to lower living costs for Habitat Partner families.

Habitat Manitoba takes great pride in consistently building some of the most energy-efficient houses in Canada in any price range. They’ll be able to expand on their successes through this collaborative effort by acting on Efficiency Manitoba’s expert advice regarding energy-efficient construction practices and technologies, as well as providing education to ensure homeowners are able to adopt energy-efficient practices in their new homes. These strategies will result in lower monthly energy bills for Habitat homeowners, alongside improved home comfort and reduced environmental impacts.

”I am very pleased to see these two dedicated organizations work together to achieve shared goals for the benefit of Manitobans,” said Tracy Schmidt, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “The collaboration agreement between Efficiency Manitoba and Habitat Manitoba presents great potential to bring greater energy efficiency into more homes, address the climate crisis, and make homeownership more affordable for those who need it most.”

Efficiency Manitoba’s mandate to achieve significant electricity and natural gas savings in the province is achieved through delivering programs, rebates, and advice for homes, businesses, and communities. Their team of technical experts will provide guidance to Habitat Manitoba in energy-efficient technologies and construction practices. Efficiency Manitoba also offers a variety of rebates and initiatives to reduce the costs associated with energy efficiency upgrades, allowing homeowners to realize immediate and long-term bill savings.

“Bill affordability and energy poverty are real issues many Manitoba families are experiencing in greater numbers than ever before. Helping Manitobans access our rebates and expertise to incorporate energy efficiency into their homes plays an important role in addressing these burdens,” said Colleen Kuruluk, CEO of Efficiency Manitoba. “By collaborating with Habitat Manitoba, we’re driving even more opportunities to help Manitobans on a limited income understand the value of saving energy and take advantage of its many benefits.”

Habitat Manitoba is actively involved with Efficiency Manitoba’s New Homes Program, which provides homeowners and builders with rebates and expert design assistance when they build energy-efficient new homes. Homes constructed through the program are at least 25% more energy efficient than new homes built to minimum building code requirements; they also receive an energy label and a Certified Energy Efficient designation from Efficiency Manitoba. Impressively, Habitat Manitoba has already shown great leadership in energy efficiency with all new homes designed to meet and exceed Efficiency Manitoba’s New Homes Program standards, many of which are also Net Zero Energy Ready. “Building energy-efficient homes is one of the ways that we ensure that both the purchase cost and the operating costs are affordable for the low-income families that we serve,” said Jamie Hall, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba. “This commitment to collaboration with Efficiency Manitoba will help us ensure we are doing the most we can for our families and for our planet. I am looking forward to the mutual benefits from this renewed relationship.”

About Efficiency Manitoba

Efficiency Manitoba is Manitoba’s Crown corporation dedicated to energy efficiency. With legislated long-term energy savings targets to achieve, the organization has over 40 diverse offers available to help Manitobans save energy, money, and the environment.

About Habitat for Humanity Manitoba

Habitat for Humanity Manitoba (Habitat Manitoba) brings communities together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. Since 1987, Habitat Manitoba has collaborated with local businesses, organizations, groups and thousands of dedicated volunteers to build homes for over 500 families in the province and Kenora, Ontario.

Release date: May 2, 2024

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