Canada Greener Homes Grant Important Update
The Canada Greener Homes Grant is coming to an unexpected end March 2024. All applications accepted prior to March 1, 2024 will be eligible. No further details have been provided. We are waiting on the upcoming budget announcement to know if they will inject more money into the existing program.
What is an Energy Audit?
An energy audit, also known as a home energy assessment or energy evaluation, is a process of assessing the energy efficiency of a home or building. It involves a comprehensive evaluation of various aspects of the property to identify areas where energy is being wasted and opportunities for improvements. Here are some key points about energy audits:
Purpose: The main purpose of an energy audit is to identify energy inefficiencies and recommend measures to improve energy performance, reduce energy consumption, and lower utility bills.
Evaluation Process: During an energy audit, a certified professional or energy auditor will visit the property and conduct a detailed assessment. They will typically examine the following:
Heating and cooling systems: Inspect the efficiency and condition of HVAC systems, including furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, and heat pumps.
Insulation and air sealing: Evaluate the insulation levels in walls, roofs, and floors and check for air leaks that could lead to energy loss.
Windows and doors: Assess the efficiency of windows and doors, checking for drafts and heat transfer.
Lighting: Evaluate the lighting fixtures and recommend energy-efficient lighting solutions, such as LED bulbs.
Appliances and electronics: Assess the energy consumption of appliances and electronics and suggest energy-efficient replacements if necessary.
Water heating: Evaluate the efficiency of the water heating system and recommend improvements if needed.
Data Collection: Energy auditors may use various tools and techniques to collect data, such as thermal imaging cameras, blower doors to test air leakage, and measurements of insulation levels. They may also review utility bills to understand energy consumption patterns.
Recommendations: Based on the findings of the audit, the energy auditor will provide a detailed report that outlines energy-saving opportunities and recommendations. This may include suggestions for upgrades, repairs, behavioral changes, or the use of renewable energy sources.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: The energy audit report may also include a cost-benefit analysis, estimating the potential energy savings and return on investment for implementing the recommended improvements.
Incentives and Rebates: Energy audits can help homeowners and businesses qualify for energy efficiency rebates, incentives, or financing programs offered by utility companies, government agencies, or other organizations.
By conducting an energy audit, homeowners and businesses can gain valuable insights into their energy usage patterns, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions to increase energy efficiency and reduce their environmental impact.
How do I know if I qualify?
In Ontario, the most recognized rebate program is the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program. This program started Jan 1st 2023 and is scheduled to run until 2027 (exact date has not been decided).
The Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) program is a partnership between the Canadian federal government program (The Canada Greener Homes Grant) and Enbridge.
Enbridge offers a screening tool online to help determine what rebate package you can qualify for. Once you’ve determined which rebate package you qualify for you can begin your energy efficiency journey by selecting an energy advisor.
What if I can’t find your company on the list of service organizations provided by either Enbridge or Canada Greener Homes Grant?
All registered energy advisors are licensed by Natural Resources Canada to provide evaluations using the Energuide Rating System Version 15 (ERS 15). The energy advisors must submit the data to a licensed service organization that they are registered with. There is no restriction as to the number of service organizations that an energy advisor can be registered with. Currently, All Green Energy Consultants inc is registerd with nine service organizations. As an independant energy advisor being associated with several service organizations provides us the flexibility we need to help serve our clients better.
We are currently active with the following service organizations:
Method Engineering
Greenbrain Inc
Ridge Energy Consultants
ER Energy Solutions Inc
Amerispec of Canada
What do I need to do to prepare for an energy audit?
On the day of your energy audit, the energy advisor will need access to the attic. The attic is the space above the ceiling of the upper floor. In one and a half storey homes the attic space will also include the area located behind the kneewalls.
In many cases the attic access is located in a closet. Please remove items located below the access to allow your energy advisor adequate room to set up a ladder.
Your energy advisor will need to examine the heating, cooling and domestic water heating systems. The front cover of the heating system may need to be removed to gain access to the manufacturer’s label.
The exterior perimeter of the home will be measured by your energy advisor and wide angle pictures will be required to be taken from all sides of the home. This means the energy advisor may need to step on the lawn to get the appropriate pictures. If you have pets, it would be advisable to ensure the yard is clear of animal waste that could accidentally be tracked into the home.
Do I need to provide any paperwork?
Depending on the rebate/grant program requirements, your energy advisor will need to collect some documents from you. For the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program these documents include the property tax bill and the Enbridge gas bill. You may also be asked to show your driver’s license or other government identification to prove occupancy at the address being assessed.
How do I apply for the HER+ rebate?
There is no application for you to fill out. Your energy advisor and service organization will take care of that. You are responsible for making sure the items you are upgrading will meet the criteria in order to receive a rebate. Heat pumps, windows, doors and water heating systems must be on the approved list to qualify. When in doubt be sure to consult your energy advisor.
A list of the qualifying items can be found throughout the Canada Greener Homes Grant website
Don’t be concerned about the rebate amounts on this page as they will be different for Enbridge gas customers in Ontario.
What happens after the pre-retrofit energy audit is completed?
Once the first audit known as the pre-retrofit energy audit is complete your energy advisor will be able to tell you what items your home qualifies for. You will receive a written report within two weeks of the energy audit. You may begin your upgrades after the audit or you can wait until you review the report.
If you are planning to take advantage of any other incentive such as the Canada Greener Homes Loan you will need to gather your quotes and any other documents you need to apply. Your energy advisor cannot apply for the Canada Greener Homes Loan for you.
When you have completed all of your upgrades, you will need to contact your energy advisor to make an appointment for the final energy audit known as the post-retrofit energy audit.
How long will it take to receive the rebate and how will I receive it?
If you’ve completed all the upgrades you planned, completed the post-retrofit energy audit and provided all of the required documents (property tax bill, gas bill, invoices or finance agreements) then your file will be submitted and placed in queue for processing. The length of time varies based on the volume of files submitted at that time and the capacity to process them. The current estimate is 24 to 30 weeks to receive your rebate cheque from Enbridge. The cheque will be issued to the person or entity on the property tax bill and will be mailed to the address of the property that was assessed unless otherwise stated by you.
Are there any other programs that provide rebates for energy efficiency upgrades?
A search on the internet may help find programs you are eligible for.
One of which is offered by CMHC and Saegen. If you upgrade the energy efficiency of your home within two years of purchase you are eligible for a mortgage insurance premiums refund of up to 25%
You are also eligible for the refund when you purchase a home that already has a greenhouse gas emissions of less than or equal to the regional target.d
What is happening with the rebate programs?
What is an Energy Audit?
An energy audit, also known as a home energy assessment or energy evaluation, is a process of assessing the energy efficiency of a home or building. It involves a comprehensive evaluation of various aspects of the property to identify areas where energy is being wasted and opportunities for improvements. Here are some key points about energy audits:
Purpose: The main purpose of an energy audit is to identify energy inefficiencies and recommend measures to improve energy performance, reduce energy consumption, and lower utility bills.
Evaluation Process: During an energy audit, a certified professional or energy auditor will visit the property and conduct a detailed assessment. They will typically examine the following:
Heating and cooling systems: Inspect the efficiency and condition of HVAC systems, including furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, and heat pumps.
Insulation and air sealing: Evaluate the insulation levels in walls, roofs, and floors and check for air leaks that could lead to energy loss.
Windows and doors: Assess the efficiency of windows and doors, checking for drafts and heat transfer.
Lighting: Evaluate the lighting fixtures and recommend energy-efficient lighting solutions, such as LED bulbs.
Appliances and electronics: Assess the energy consumption of appliances and electronics and suggest energy-efficient replacements if necessary.
Water heating: Evaluate the efficiency of the water heating system and recommend improvements if needed.
Data Collection: Energy auditors may use various tools and techniques to collect data, such as thermal imaging cameras, blower doors to test air leakage, and measurements of insulation levels. They may also review utility bills to understand energy consumption patterns.
Recommendations: Based on the findings of the audit, the energy auditor will provide a detailed report that outlines energy-saving opportunities and recommendations. This may include suggestions for upgrades, repairs, behavioral changes, or the use of renewable energy sources.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: The energy audit report may also include a cost-benefit analysis, estimating the potential energy savings and return on investment for implementing the recommended improvements.
Incentives and Rebates: Energy audits can help homeowners and businesses qualify for energy efficiency rebates, incentives, or financing programs offered by utility companies, government agencies, or other organizations.
By conducting an energy audit, homeowners and businesses can gain valuable insights into their energy usage patterns, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions to increase energy efficiency and reduce their environmental impact.
How do I know if I qualify?
In Ontario, the most recognized rebate program is the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program. This program started Jan 1st 2023 and is scheduled to run until 2027 (exact date has not been decided).
The Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) program is a partnership between the Canadian federal government program (The Canada Greener Homes Grant) and Enbridge.
Enbridge offers a screening tool online to help determine what rebate package you can qualify for. Once you’ve determined which rebate package you qualify for you can begin your energy efficiency journey by selecting an energy advisor.
What if I can’t find your company on the list of service organizations provided by either Enbridge or Canada Greener Homes Grant?
All registered energy advisors are licensed by Natural Resources Canada to provide evaluations using the Energuide Rating System Version 15 (ERS 15). The energy advisors must submit the data to a licensed service organization that they are registered with. There is no restriction as to the number of service organizations that an energy advisor can be registered with. Currently, All Green Energy Consultants inc is registerd with nine service organizations. As an independant energy advisor being associated with several service organizations provides us the flexibility we need to help serve our clients better.
We are currently active with the following service organizations:
Method Engineering
Greenbrain Inc
Ridge Energy Consultants
ER Energy Solutions Inc
Amerispec of Canada
What do I need to do to prepare for an energy audit?
On the day of your energy audit, the energy advisor will need access to the attic. The attic is the space above the ceiling of the upper floor. In one and a half storey homes the attic space will also include the area located behind the kneewalls.
In many cases the attic access is located in a closet. Please remove items located below the access to allow your energy advisor adequate room to set up a ladder.
Your energy advisor will need to examine the heating, cooling and domestic water heating systems. The front cover of the heating system may need to be removed to gain access to the manufacturer’s label.
The exterior perimeter of the home will be measured by your energy advisor and wide angle pictures will be required to be taken from all sides of the home. This means the energy advisor may need to step on the lawn to get the appropriate pictures. If you have pets, it would be advisable to ensure the yard is clear of animal waste that could accidentally be tracked into the home.
Do I need to provide any paperwork?
Depending on the rebate/grant program requirements, your energy advisor will need to collect some documents from you. For the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program these documents include the property tax bill and the Enbridge gas bill. You may also be asked to show your driver’s license or other government identification to prove occupancy at the address being assessed.
How do I apply for the HER+ rebate?
There is no application for you to fill out. Your energy advisor and service organization will take care of that. You are responsible for making sure the items you are upgrading will meet the criteria in order to receive a rebate. Heat pumps, windows, doors and water heating systems must be on the approved list to qualify. When in doubt be sure to consult your energy advisor.
A list of the qualifying items can be found throughout the Canada Greener Homes Grant website
Don’t be concerned about the rebate amounts on this page as they will be different for Enbridge gas customers in Ontario.
What happens after the pre-retrofit energy audit is completed?
Once the first audit known as the pre-retrofit energy audit is complete your energy advisor will be able to tell you what items your home qualifies for. You will receive a written report within two weeks of the energy audit. You may begin your upgrades after the audit or you can wait until you review the report.
If you are planning to take advantage of any other incentive such as the Canada Greener Homes Loan you will need to gather your quotes and any other documents you need to apply. Your energy advisor cannot apply for the Canada Greener Homes Loan for you.
When you have completed all of your upgrades, you will need to contact your energy advisor to make an appointment for the final energy audit known as the post-retrofit energy audit.
How long will it take to receive the rebate and how will I receive it?
If you’ve completed all the upgrades you planned, completed the post-retrofit energy audit and provided all of the required documents (property tax bill, gas bill, invoices or finance agreements) then your file will be submitted and placed in queue for processing. The length of time varies based on the volume of files submitted at that time and the capacity to process them. The current estimate is 24 to 30 weeks to receive your rebate cheque from Enbridge. The cheque will be issued to the person or entity on the property tax bill and will be mailed to the address of the property that was assessed unless otherwise stated by you.
Are there any other programs that provide rebates for energy efficiency upgrades?
A search on the internet may help find programs you are eligible for.
One of which is offered by CMHC and Saegen. If you upgrade the energy efficiency of your home within two years of purchase you are eligible for a mortgage insurance premiums refund of up to 25%
You are also eligible for the refund when you purchase a home that already has a greenhouse gas emissions of less than or equal to the regional target.