Pre-retrofit energy evaluation
The pre-retrofit energy evaluation is conducted by a Rénoclimat energy efficiency advisor.
The pre-retrofit energy evaluation helps identify the most relevant retrofits to improve your home's energy efficiency. It can take between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the size of the home.
Cost of the pre-retrofit energy evaluation
A fee of $150 (plus taxes) is charged for the pre-retrofit energy evaluation of a home.
If you meet all the program’s conditions, the amount of $150 will be reimbursed when Rénoclimat financial assistance is granted. The first energy evaluation will therefore have cost you only $22.46 (which corresponds to the amount of taxes).
Cancellation or travel fees may apply if the evaluation cannot be conducted.
Steps of the evaluation visit
Analysis and measurements
During the visit, the energy efficiency advisor conducts a comprehensive visual inspection of your home.
The advisor measures and verifies:
- The location and exterior features of the building (foundations, chimney, exterior wall cladding, doors and windows, exterior grading, drainage, etc.).
- The interior structure of the home (foundation walls, floors).
- The insulation and airtightness of the home.
- The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
- Energy consumption habits (hot water use, lighting, household appliances).
Blower door test
During the visit, the advisor conducts a blower door test to measure your home’s airtightness and establish its EnerGuide rating.
This is an opportunity to identify the locations and severity of air leaks in your home.
Visit the blower door test page to learn more.
Discussion
During the visit, the advisor will ask you about your renovation projects.
They will recommend the most appropriate retrofits to improve your home's energy efficiency.
They will provide personalized advice and answer your questions about available financial assistance.
After the visit
Two weeks after the evaluation, you will receive a complete energy diagnosis of your home, along with a reminder of the advisor's recommendations to improve its performance.
The provided documents are:
- the energy evaluation report of your home;
- your home's EnerGuide label;
- the homeowner information sheet.
The report and documents provided after the visit are included in the evaluation fee.
The report also contains your Rénoclimat file number. Keep it safe.
Take advantage of the Rénoclimat energy efficiency advisor's visit to understand how to realistically improve your home's energy performance.
You might receive advice on essential work you hadn't considered. For example:
- If you're planning to replace your windows, the advisor might recommend simply sealing them better.
- Attic insulation is often overlooked by homeowners but can improve a home's energy efficiency.
The advisor can suggest a priority order to optimize your energy savings.
Check with the advisor whether the retrofit you intend to do is included on the list of eligible retrofits for Rénoclimat financial assistance.
The evaluation report you'll receive after the visit can serve as a reference for several months. Feel free to refer to it when discussing with a contractor, if applicable.
The blower door test conducted during the energy evaluation aims to determine the home's airtightness. It measures the airflow through a fan installed in the main door for the occasion.
If your work is underway, this test would be skewed and not representative of your home's actual airtightness.
At the time of the test, the building envelope must be in suitable condition:
- All doors and windows should be in place.
- All materials constituting the air barrier of the envelope should be in place.
- Exterior sidings that are not intact or finished may be tolerated if they don't compromise the validity of the blower door test.
If it's impossible to conduct the blower door test during the energy evaluation, the home will be considered ineligible for the Rénoclimat program. Travel fees may then be charged.
The Rénoclimat advisor measures your home’s energy performance before you begin renovations.
To be eligible for Rénoclimat financial assistance, your retrofits must improve your home’s EnerGuide rating between two consecutive energy evaluations.
If you complete energy efficiency retrofits before the first evaluation, these retrofits will not be considered and will not be eligible for Rénoclimat financial assistance.
If you have already completed your retrofits, check for other programs that offer financial assistance for completed work, such as:
- LogisVert : A financial assistance program for Hydro-Québec residential customers
- Chauffez vert: A financial assistance program for switching from an oil or propane heating system to electricity or another renewable energy source
These programs offer financial assistance without requiring an energy evaluation.
To learn more
How to schedule an appointment
To request a pre-retrofit energy evaluation, fill out the online form or contact the Rénoclimat customer service team.
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Last update: December 10, 2025