How Gatineau is built
- Before 1961 14%
- 1961–1990 44%
- 1991–2000 16%
- 2001 or later 27%
When to book in Gatineau
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 gives Gatineau a long window, roughly late fall to early spring, when the inside-outside difference comfortably exceeds the 10°C an infrared scan needs.
What the camera finds in Gatineau houses
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. Older houses are where the camera earns its keep: empty or settled wall cavities, gaps at the top of walls, and cold corners where framing bridges the insulation. Run it with the blower door test depressurizing the house and every leak shows up as a cold streak.
What it costs
Most EnerGuide advisors include an infrared scan with the evaluation, but it isn't required, so confirm when you book. 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.
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.
Most EnerGuide advisors bring an infrared camera, but it isn't a required part of the evaluation, so confirm when you book. The scan is most useful with the blower door running.
- Expertbâtiment Services-Conseils
- Expertise en batiment Champagne
- Les Services ecoPlus
Programs and local help in Gatineau
Thermal imaging inspection in Gatineau: common questions
When is the best time for a thermal imaging inspection in Gatineau?
Late fall through early spring, when it is at least 10°C colder outside than inside. Cold, overcast days with no direct sun on the walls give the clearest images.
Can a thermal camera see through walls?
No. It reads surface temperatures. Missing insulation or an air leak shows up because it changes the temperature of the wall or ceiling surface.
Who does thermal imaging in Gatineau?
Most of the 3 NRCan-licensed organizations serving Gatineau bring an infrared camera to an EnerGuide evaluation; confirm when you book.