Parade of Homes

"10 minutes from the ccy 10 steps to the country" NEW HOME SITES + MOVE-IN READY HOMES www.grandepointemeadows.com FALL 2023 PARADE of HOMES 113 The New Homes Program pairs the homeowner and builder with an experienced energy advisor who provides guidance and recommen- dations in the design process to help make the home as energy efficient as possible, Lund adds. "The program offers energy modelling services as a tool to help you answer questions and optimize your new home's design," she says. "If you're cu- rious about things like adding solar to your new home or making it net-zero energy ready, we can help." Efficiency Manitoba has more than 40 offers to help customers save energy, money and the environment. Many existing programs have been enhanced to expand eligibility and increase rebates. Not only are energy bills easier on the pocketbook, but energy-efficient new homes are less noisy due to better window and door performance and quieter heating systems. "Non-financial benefits are just as compelling," Lund explains. "There's better indoor air quality, which is particularly important for families or if you have pets or allergies. Energy-ef- ficient homes are more sustainable and have a smaller environmental footprint. They're more resilient during a power outage. With a tight building envelope, heating is not get- ting lost through gaps, cracks or poor windows. The house stays warm." Homebuyers with an insured mortgage who participate in the New Homes Program can apply for a 25 per cent automatic mortgage insurance premium refund from CMHC, worth thousands of dollars on a typical new build. Every home enrolled in the New Homes Program receives a compli- mentary detailed in-person inspec- tion from an energy advisor and a blower door test to measure air tightness. "We all understand that the cost of energy is rising. We understand the climate situation. This is a way to help — and a solution to both on a personal level and at a societal level," Lund says. "Energy efficiency is about more than bill savings. There's all these health benefits, increased durability, improved resiliency. We know these things are valuable. It's an exciting time for energy efficiency in this province." At 54 Siskin Bay, Stephen Gaunt, energy advisor with prairieHOUSE Performance, checks out the compressor for the home's air source heat pump and takes a look at the high-efficiency heat recovery ventilator. PHOTOS BY DARCY FINLEY

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