Everything to Know About the Chauffez Vert Program

Are you looking into replacing your aging heating system or outdated water heater with a newer, eco-friendly model? No surprise here, it makes for an expensive project and means spending several thousand dollars to make it happen.

The good news is that there is financial assistance available, helping homeowners throughout the process, mostly through the Chauffez vert program.

Chauffez Vert: Everything There Is to Know

Eligibility Criteria and Qualifying Work

As briefly mentioned, the Chauffez vert program covers two main types of work:

• replacing a propane or oil-fired water heater with a newer model powered by renewable energy;

• replacing a propane or oil-fired heating system with a newer model powered by renewable energy.

To qualify for the Chauffez vert program financial assistance, your situation must meet all eligibility criteria before any work is undertaken. From the get-go, note that the program was established for Quebec-based homeowners or residential building owners. Keep in mind that a homeowner with more than one dwelling can submit a request for all their residences.

Below is a list of eligible dwellings:

• Single-family home (detached, semi-detached, mobile, or townhouse)

• Triplex

• Duplex

• Multi-unit residential building

• Unit in a co-owned property

Regardless of the type of dwelling in question, the property can’t exceed 600 square metres, nor have more than three stories. Is your residential building exceeding the maximum square footage allowed, or is it considered a multi-use building?

In that case, you will have to rely on the ÉcoPerformance program to obtain financial assistance, as multi-use properties are, unfortunately, not eligible for the Chauffez vert program. Are you having trouble understanding the gist of each funding program? Check out this comparative table (in French only) to determine which program suits your needs. 

Want more information about ÉcoPerformance? Check out this supporting document (in French only).

Chauffez Vert: Available Financial Assistance

As for the amount you may be entitled to receive as part of your financial assistance request, it hinges on the type of property you own. Here’s an overview of the funds offered based on the undertakings (water heating or heating system replacement) and the type of dwelling.

For a central heating system:

Source: Chauffez vert

For a water heater:

Source: Chauffez vert

Key Facts

Besides meeting eligibility criteria, the contractor hired to carry out the work commissioned must hold a valid RBQ-issued licence, allowing them to undertake such a project. Also, bear in mind that the work done will eventually be inspected by a Chauffez vert representative and that, up to 12 months after the work is completed.

Note that if you claim financial assistance as part of this program, you won’t be able to claim expenses under another program aimed at energy-efficient renovations. Lastly, bear in mind that you have six months tops before the work is scheduled to begin to submit your request and take the necessary steps.

Special Terms and Conditions for Replacing a Central Heating System

Note that dismantling an existing central heating system can qualify as a program undertaking (it can be a hot water or warm air system). However, the work must be done by a contractor, holding a valid licence for said specific work—the same thing applies to installation. Note that gas-fueled systems aren’t eligible for the program.

Other conditions apply:

• The new heating system must meet all the energy-related needs of the dwelling, as the old system did.

• The system commissioned for replacement must have been used as a heating source before the project start date.

• If the work entails a multi-unit property, the system in question must serve as the heating source for at least one of the units.

• The work commissioned must include new equipment installation.

Special Terms and Conditions for Replacing a Water Heater

There’s an important caveat to consider when replacing a water heater. Note that replacing such a device will only be eligible for financial assistance if the work commissioned to replace the heating system is done at the same time. 

Just like heating systems, gas-fueled water heaters aren’t eligible and dismantling the existing water heater must also be done by a qualified contractor holding a valid RBQ licence, applicable to such a project. 

Amongst the other conditions, note the following:

• The new water heater must provide hot water to at least one unit.

• The equipment installed must cover all the energy-related needs that were covered by the former system.

• The hot water used in the dwelling during the course of the project must be entirely provided by a fuel-powered water heater.

• The work commissioned must include dismantling a water heater powered by the same fuel as that used by the heating system.

• The equipment installed must be new.

Want to learn more about the financial assistance available for renovations? Below are some topic-specific articles:

• Hydro-Québec’s Efficient Heat Pump Program

• Home Renovation Subsidy Program in Quebec: RénoClimat

• 5 Financial Aid Programs for a Greener Home