How Saguenay is built
- Before 1961 26%
- 1961–1990 49%
- 1991–2000 9%
- 2001 or later 16%
Who needs it in Saguenay
In the Saguenay area, 64% of households heat mainly with electric baseboards; electricity is the main heating energy for 76% of households (Statistics Canada, 2023).
Of Saguenay's 48,955 houses (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes), 26% were built before 1961 and 75% before 1991, according to the 2021 Census. Ducts in older houses often run through unheated spaces with taped or unsealed joints, and supply runs to the far rooms are the first to suffer.
What the test shows
- Total duct leakage, as a share of the system's airflow, measured with a duct-pressurization fan.
- Airflow at each register, which explains why one bedroom is always cold.
- Whether sealing and balancing will fix comfort problems before you buy bigger equipment.
What it costs
About $200–$450 (a September 2026 planning range; quotes vary). It isn't part of a standard EnerGuide evaluation, so ask for it when you book if comfort is your main complaint.
NRCan-licensed service organizations serving Saguenay
In Quebec, EnerGuide evaluations for existing homes run through the provincial Rénoclimat program; the organizations below are the ones NRCan lists for Saguenay postal codes.
Duct leakage testing isn't part of a standard EnerGuide evaluation. Some of these organizations offer it, as do HVAC contractors with duct-testing equipment, so ask when you call.
- Expertbâtiment Services-Conseils
- Expertise en batiment Champagne
- Inspection Immotech
Programs in Saguenay
Duct leakage testing in Saguenay: common questions
How much does duct leakage testing cost in Saguenay?
Plan on about $200–$450. It is usually a separate service from an EnerGuide evaluation.
Is duct cleaning the same thing?
No. Cleaning removes dust; it doesn't find or seal leaks. A leakage test measures where air is lost.
Should I close vents in unused rooms?
Usually not. Closing registers raises duct pressure and can increase leakage elsewhere in the system.