For a limited time, Efficiency Manitoba will be accepting applications from 100 Ritchot homeowners for no-cost energy efficiency home evaluations. These free home inspections, generally valued at $550 for residents outside of Winnipeg, will be conducted by a registered energy advisor.

The goal of the EnerGuide evaluations is to measure the home’s energy consumption and identify opportunities for the homeowner to reduce their use and save on monthly utility bills. 

“We’re excited to bring this opportunity to residents across Ritchot,” says Uriel Jelin, Energy Efficiency Advocate for the RM of Ritchot. “Energy efficiency makes our homes more affordable, more comfortable, and more resilient. This program supports our community’s long-term sustainability goals while helping residents access valuable expertise at no cost.”

The RM of Ritchot will coordinate scheduling between the homeowner and the energy advisor. For those living outside of the RM, or applying after the first 100 are approved, there may still be eligibility for a $400 rebate towards a personal evaluation. 

While onsite, the energy advisor collects information about the home’s insulation, windows and exterior doors, heating and cooling systems, and overall air tightness.

According to Efficiency Manitoba, the resulting report provides comparisons in energy use to that of a typical new home. As well, it outlines recommendations for improving the home’s energy efficiency and estimates energy savings with each recommended upgrade. 

“Efficiency Manitoba is committed to making energy efficiency more affordable and accessible for all Manitobans,” says Colleen Kuruluk, CEO of Efficiency Manitoba. “Supporting municipalities like Ritchot to offer no-cost EnerGuide evaluations allows us to offer homeowners and landlords in this community a clear path toward improved home comfort, reduced energy use, lower energy bills, and better long-term performance.”