How Saguenay is built
- Before 1961 26%
- 1961–1990 49%
- 1991–2000 9%
- 2001 or later 16%
What an evaluation finds in Saguenay homes
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. The typical Saguenay house dates from 1971–1980, 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.
Saguenay gets about 5,343 heating degree-days a year and has a winter design temperature of −28.9°C, according to NRCan's HOT2000 climate data for Jonquière. That's the 10th-highest heating demand 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 Saguenay area, 64% of households heat mainly with electric baseboards; electricity is the main heating energy for 76% of households (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 Saguenay
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 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.
Every organization below is licensed by NRCan to deliver EnerGuide evaluations and lists Saguenay postal codes. Coverage is the share of Saguenay's urban postal areas each one lists.
- Expertbâtiment Services-Conseils
- Expertise en batiment Champagne
- Inspection Immotech
Rebates and financing an evaluation unlocks in Saguenay
Home energy audit in Saguenay: common questions
How much does a home energy audit cost in Saguenay?
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 Saguenay?
NRCan's list of service organizations shows 3 licensed organizations with Saguenay 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.