Novoclimat for single-family homes

The current requirements of the Novoclimat program for single-family houses do not demand the installation of an exterior exhaust for the central-vacuum cleaner.

While it is not required, it is recommended to consider installing this type of outlet to eject dust and pollutants outdoors.
 
Should you choose not to install one, be sure that your unit is equipped with a HEPA-type high-performance filtration system in order to preserve air quality and minimize the impact on the health of the occupants.

Although a list of eligible wood-fired stoves and fireplaces was previously produced and supported by the Novoclimat program, this tool is no longer available.

However, to be eligible to participate in the Novoclimat program, be sure to select a solid fuel-fired appliance that meets the following requirements:

Fireplace:

• be of the advanced combustion type;
• be equipped with tight-fitting doors;
• with high-temperature resistant glass;
• have a combustion chamber that is covered with refractory bricks;
• have an exterior air intake used for combustion.

Stove:

• comply with CSA B415.1-M92 or be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);
• have an exterior air intake used for combustion.

To find out more about this subject, please consult section 1.7.1 of the Technical Requirements for Single-Family Houses, Two-Generation Houses, and Single-Family Houses with a Dwelling Unit.

We would like to point out that range hood requirements under the Novoclimat program mainly concern the minimum required air flow rate.However, maximum air flow rates are required under the following circumstances:
 
In the presence of solid fuel-fired appliances (wood-, wood granule- or biomass-burning appliances), the air flow rate of a range hood must be less than or equal to: 

• 600 ft³/minutes (283 litres/seconds) for a Novoclimat home
• 159 ft³/minutes (75 litres/seconds) for a Novoclimat home with the R-2000 option

If you choose a range hood with an air flow rate that is greater than the maximum allowable capacity, the installation of a compensation mechanism will be mandatory.
 
To find out more about this subject, please consult sections 1.7.3 and 2.11.1 of the Technical Requirements for Single-Family Houses, Two-Generation Houses, and Single-Family Houses with a Dwelling Unit.

The Department sends the financial assistance request form to eligible homeowners directly through the mail.

If your Novoclimat-certified builder or your Novoclimat-certified pre-fabricated house manufacturer presented you with your Novoclimat Certificate or your Novoclimat Performance Certificate a few weeks ago and you are still waiting to receive your financial assistance request form, please call us at 1-866-266-0008.

The Novoclimat certificate is issued when all the requirements and procedures of the program have been completed and respected by the Novoclimat-certified builder.

The builder receives the documents approximately 4 weeks after the project has been certified. The builder is then required to present them to the homeowner.
 
Do not hesitate to call your builder to discuss this matter.

It is advisable to adjust the settings of the ventilation system to reflect the season.

In the fall, winter and spring:
 

• During the cold seasons, set the dehumidistat between 35 and 50% of relative humidity. This will automatically set off the system to prevent excess humidity.
• When you are away from home, set the system to recirculation mode or to off (on the controller).
• When you are at home, set the system to 20 minutes of air exchange with outdoors – 40 minutes of recirculation or 20 minutes of air exchange with outdoors – 40 minutes off.
• When there are increased sources of pollutants (large group of persons, presence of smokers, etc.), set the HRV to high air exchange (max.) for specific periods of time.

In the summer:

• Set the system to off (on the controller) and open doors and windows to ensure minimum natural ventilation.

In the summer, with an air conditioner:

• When you are away from home, set the system to recirculation mode or to off (on the controller).
• When you are at home, set the system to 20 minutes of air exchange with outdoors – 40 minutes of recirculation or 20 minutes of air exchange with outdoors – 40 minutes off.

At all times:

• Activate the control device for the bathroom when using the toilet, bath or shower.

You would like to purchase a Novoclimat-certified house or have one built?

Here are the steps and procedures required under this program that must be respected by the homeowner and the contractor:

1. First, you need to choose a Novoclimat-certified contractor to build your home.
2. The contractor must register the project under the Novoclimat program before starting the work.
3. The contractor must build your home according to the requirements of the program and request the two mandatory inspections at the appropriate time.
4. The contractor must provide us with the Request for certification once the work is completed.     
   And then :
5. The Department certifies the construction and sends the documents to the contractor.
6. The contractor must provide you with the Novoclimat documents (letter, certificate and self-adhesive label.
7. The Department sends you the financial assistance request form directly by mail.
8. You must sign and send the financial assistance request form to us using the return envelope.
9. The financial assistance cheque will then be sent to you by mail six to eight weeks following the receipt of your financial assistance request form.