The need for sustainable living practices continues to grow, and luckily Torontonians have some help to retrofit their homes. The Canada Greener Homes Initiative encourages homeowners to make energy-efficient upgrades to their properties.
Along with other energy efficiency rebates (like the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus), Natural Resource Canada’s Greener Homes Grant will open the door for eligible homeowners to make their primary residence more efficient.
What HVAC Upgrades Can You Make?
There are many eligible energy efficiency retrofits available for the Canada Greener Homes Grant, from solar panel installation and home insulation upgrades. In order for these eligible retrofits to be considered, they must be installed by a licensed and trained professional.
In terms of HVAC upgrades, here are some of the options you have:
Heat Pumps
The Canada Greener Homes Grant supports the installation of heat pumps, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems. Heat pumps extract warmth from the air or ground to heat your home and can reverse the process to cool it efficiently. Since a heat pump transfers thermal energy (as opposed to creating it from a fuel or electric source), it offers a higher energy efficiency. This could save money on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Grant amount: up to $5,000
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Water heating accounts for over 20% of the energy used in the average Canadian home, and so efficiently heating water is crucial for energy conservation. The grant encourages the adoption of heat pump water heaters, which harness ambient warmth to provide hot water, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
Grant amount: $1,000
How To Become Eligible For The Grant
To be eligible for the Canada Greener Homes Grant, you must meet the following criteria:
Residency and Ownership:
- You must be a Canadian homeowner
- Proof of ownership and residency is required
Home Type:
- The grant is applicable to various types of homes, including single-family homes, semi-detached homes, row townhouses, and low-rise multi-unit residential buildings (up to three stories)
- The home must be your primary residence
Participation in EnerGuide Evaluation:
- You must complete an EnerGuide home evaluation before and after the retrofit process. This evaluation assesses your home’s energy efficiency and provides recommendations for improvements
How Does The Canada Greener Homes Grant Work?
1. Register Through Enbridge
Begin by registering through Enbridge, which acts as an energy advisor for the Canada Greener Homes Grant program. Enbridge will guide you through the application process and provide assistance for the pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation.
What Is The Enbridge HER+ Program?
Enbridge’s Home Energy Rating plus (HER+) program is designed to assess your home’s energy efficiency. The rating provides valuable insights into potential upgrades and their impact on your home’s overall energy performance.
2. Apply For Greener Homes Loan (Optional)
While the Canada Greener Homes Grant provides direct funding, you have the option to apply for a Canada Greener Homes Loan to finance additional retrofit measures. The loan complements the grant, offering flexibility in financing your energy-efficient upgrades.
What’s The Difference Between the Grant vs. Loan?
While the grant provides direct financial support, the loan allows you to implement additional energy-efficient upgrades beyond the grant coverage. Both options work in tandem to maximize the impact on your home’s energy efficiency.
3. Book Pre-Retrofit Evaluation
Once registered, schedule a pre-retrofit evaluation with an energy advisor. The energy advisor is registered with Natural Resources Canada and will assess your home’s current energy efficiency. This evaluation is a crucial step to determine the baseline and identify potential upgrades that align with the grant requirements.
4. Complete Home Improvements With Hoerner
Work with certified contractors to implement the recommended upgrades. Certified contractors like Hoerner will ensure the proper execution of retrofit measures, including the installation of heat pumps and electric water heater upgrades.
5. Book Post-Retrofit Evaluation
After completing the home improvements, schedule a post-retrofit evaluation. This assessment measures the impact of the upgrades and ensures they meet the required energy efficiency standards.
Once the post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation is complete and you receive your renovation upgrade report, your new EnerGuide label will show how much more energy efficient your home has become.
6. Apply For Grant Money
Submit your post-retrofit evaluation along with the necessary documentation to apply for the grant money. The Canada Greener Homes Grant will then process your application and provide financial assistance based on the eligible upgrades made to your home.
The Canada Greener Homes Grant offers an excellent opportunity for homeowners to enhance their homes’ energy efficiency and contribute to a more sustainable future. By understanding the eligible HVAC upgrades, meeting the eligibility criteria, and following the step-by-step process, you can navigate the grant application seamlessly.