How Gatineau is built
- Before 1961 14%
- 1961–1990 44%
- 1991–2000 16%
- 2001 or later 27%
What an evaluation finds in Gatineau homes
Of Gatineau's 80,110 houses (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses and duplexes), 14% were built before 1961 and 58% before 1991, according to the 2021 Census. The typical Gatineau house dates from 1981–1990, and an evaluation is how you find out what that means for yours: the blower door measures air leakage, the advisor inspects the attic, walls, basement, windows and heating system, and the report ranks upgrades by what they'd save.
Gatineau gets about 4,354 heating degree-days a year and has a winter design temperature of −24.3°C, according to NRCan's HOT2000 climate data for Ottawa International. That's about 11% more heating demand than the middle of the 70 cities we cover. The more heating a climate needs, the more each fix is worth, which is why the evaluation's ranked list matters more in some cities than others.
In the Gatineau (Quebec) part of the Ottawa–Gatineau region, 45% of households heat mainly with electric baseboards and 30% with a forced-air furnace; electricity is the main heating energy for 60% of households and natural gas for about 22% (Statistics Canada, 2023). The heating system on the report shapes the recommendations: a forced-air furnace invites a ducted heat pump, electric baseboards a ductless one.
What it costs in Gatineau
In Quebec, EnerGuide evaluations are booked through the provincial Rénoclimat program: the pre-retrofit evaluation costs $150 plus taxes, reimbursed when you receive financial assistance under the program, and the first post-retrofit evaluation is free.
How it works
- Initial evaluation, about 2–3 hours. The advisor measures and inspects the house and runs the blower door test.
- Report and EnerGuide rating. You get the home's energy rating in gigajoules per year and a list of recommended upgrades with estimated savings.
- Do the work. Most rebate programs only count upgrades done after the initial evaluation.
- Follow-up evaluation. A second visit measures the improvement, which is what most rebates pay on.
NRCan-licensed service organizations serving Gatineau
In Quebec, EnerGuide evaluations for existing homes run through the provincial Rénoclimat program; the organizations below are the ones NRCan lists for Gatineau postal codes.
Every organization below is licensed by NRCan to deliver EnerGuide evaluations and lists Gatineau postal codes. Coverage is the share of Gatineau's urban postal areas each one lists.
- Expertbâtiment Services-Conseils
- Expertise en batiment Champagne
- Les Services ecoPlus
Rebates and financing an evaluation unlocks in Gatineau
Home energy audit in Gatineau: common questions
How much does a home energy audit cost in Gatineau?
In Quebec, EnerGuide evaluations are booked through the provincial Rénoclimat program: the pre-retrofit evaluation costs $150 plus taxes, reimbursed when you receive financial assistance under the program, and the first post-retrofit evaluation is free.
How many companies do EnerGuide evaluations in Gatineau?
NRCan's list of service organizations shows 3 licensed organizations with Gatineau postal codes (checked September 25, 2026).
How long does an EnerGuide evaluation take?
The initial visit usually takes two to three hours, including the blower door test. The follow-up visit after upgrades is shorter.
Which rebates need an EnerGuide evaluation in Quebec?
Currently: Rénoclimat (Quebec) (Quebec's audit-linked path: an assigned evaluator for $150 + tax (refunded except the tax when you receive assistance), then rebates for insulation, air sealing, doors and windows). Check the program page for current terms before you book.