Are you considering upgrades to make your home more energy-efficient? You might have heard of the buzz that’s been going around about Canada Greener Homes Grant. This initiative demonstrates the Canadian government’s commitment to reducing residential carbon emissions.
By offering rebates of up to $5,600, the grant motivates homeowners to make energy-saving and eco-friendly improvements, such as solar panel installations.
However, the program will close in March 2024 and will not accept applications thereafter. Secure your rebate by acting now and booking your energy audit. Contact MAG Security for assistance.
Key Takeaways:
- The Canada Greener Homes Grant provides up to $5,600 rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades.
- The initiative showcases Canada’s commitment to advancing sustainability.
- Schedule an energy audit to qualify for the rebate before the program ends in March 2024.
What Do We Have To Know About The Grant?
The Canada Greener Homes Grant, launched in 2021, has provided homeowners with financial incentives to make their homes more energy-efficient.
This program helps homeowners afford new energy-saving technologies by paying for some initial costs. It makes it easier for everyone, including those with less money, to use energy-saving solutions.
The specifics of the incentives and rebates offered through the Canada Greener Homes Grant vary based on the energy-efficient upgrades homeowners choose to implement.
Grant By the Numbers
| Subject | Details |
| Program Value | $2.6 billion |
| Applications | 171,000 grant applications as of June 8, 2022 |
| Grants | $38 million grants to 10,300 homeowners |
| Retrofits | a total of 188,000 over the three years. |
Potential Incentives and Rebates
Homeowners can access various incentives and rebates to enhance their energy efficiency. These include rebates for solar panel installation, upgrades to energy-efficient heating or ventilation systems, improvements to windows and doors, purchases of ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, and installation of smart thermostats. These incentives promote eco-friendly choices and help reduce energy consumption and utility costs.
Eligible Property Types
The Canadian Greener Homes Grant is available to the majority of Canadian homeowners. Below are the eligibility criteria and critical points for replacement windows and doors:
- Single or semi-detached house
- Mobile home on a permanent foundation
- Permanently moored floating home
- Row house
- Townhome
- Mixed-use building (Residential only)
- Multi-Unit residential building
Planning Your Grant Upgrade
- Research Eligible Upgrades. Identify energy-efficient upgrades eligible for the grant.
- Assess Your Home. Evaluate your home’s current energy usage and efficiency to determine areas for improvement.
- Set Goals. Determine your objectives and prioritize upgrades based on your goals and budget.
- Budget and Financing. Calculate the costs of planned upgrades and explore financing options.
- Find Contractors. Contact qualified contractors or service providers experienced in energy-efficient upgrades.
- Schedule Assessments. Schedule assessments, such as energy audits or inspections by certified energy advisors.
Why apply now?
The deadline to submit your applications or complete the necessary steps to qualify for incentives and rebates is quickly approaching. The grant has a finite amount of funding, and funds may run out before the deadline. It’s your last chance to seize the opportunity on energy costs and help the environment while getting financial support and incentives.
Steps to Book an Energy Audit
An energy audit assesses a property’s energy use and efficiency. Its goal is to pinpoint energy waste and suggest cost-effective and energy-efficient improvements.
Research Local Providers
Start by researching local energy audit providers or certified energy advisors through:
- Online directories
- Government websites
- Recommendations from others
Contact Energy Audit Providers
Contact energy audit providers to inquire about services, availability, and pricing—request details on the energy audit process, including duration and what it involves.
Schedule an Appointment
Pick a convenient date and time for your energy audit appointment before March 2024.
Prepare for the Audit
Prepare home information like age, square footage, recent renovations, and utility bills for insight into energy consumption patterns.
Conduct the Energy Audit
On the day of the energy audit, the certified energy advisor will visit your home to inspect and assess its energy efficiency thoroughly. The energy audit may include various tests and measurements, such as:
- A blower door test,
- Infrared thermography,
- Insulation level review
Receive Recommendations
After the energy audit, the certified advisor will give you a detailed report with findings and recommendations to enhance your home’s energy efficiency, including upgrade suggestions such as:
- Adding insulation
- Sealing air leaks
- Upgrading appliances
Take Action
Review the energy audit report and consider implementing suggested improvements.
What Documentation and Information Are Needed?
The following are the requirements you must prepare for the grant application process:
- Proof of Ownership. Provide documentation proving ownership of the property.
- Property Information. Details about the property, including its address, type, and year of construction, may be required.
- Energy Assessment Report. Undergo an energy assessment by a certified energy advisor.
- Proof of Eligible Upgrades. Documentation confirming the purchase and installation of eligible energy-efficient upgrades.
- Completed Application Form. Submit the official application form and proof of income or household eligibility.
Apply for the Grant
After the energy audit, submit your Canada Greener Homes Grant application. Timely submission of documents and receipts is crucial due to potential delays in the application process. Ensure that all upgrades satisfy the grant’s eligibility requirements.
Easy Steps in Getting the Greener Homes Grant
- Ensure your property and planned upgrades meet the grant’s criteria. Verify property type and desired energy-efficient changes.
- Sign up on the official Greener Homes Grant website and undergo an initial energy audit by a certified advisor to assess your home’s energy efficiency.
- Decide on upgrades based on the audit’s suggestions, such as window or door replacements, insulation improvements, etc.
- Choose contractors experienced in retrofits to be eligible for reimbursement.
- Finish the upgrades and gather all necessary documents, including receipts and work descriptions.
- Conduct a final energy audit post upgrades. Submit the audit report and rebate claim through the program’s portal.
- Once approved, receive a rebate of up to $5,600 based on the cost and type of upgrades.
Conclusion
The benefits of participating in the program are manifold, ranging from reducing your carbon footprint and lowering energy bills to increasing the comfort and value of your home.
With the Canada Greener Homes Grant ending soon, there’s no time to waste. Book an energy audit and take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to a greener environment and access financial incentives. Call MAG Solar now.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the estimated time and cost of grant assessment?
The Canada Greener Homes Energy Evaluation costs $450+HST for the pre-evaluation, lasting 2-3 hours, and $230+HST for the post-evaluation, which takes about 1 hour. A resident must be present during the evaluation.
What is the reimbursement amount for Canada Greener Homes grants?
Reimbursements include $600 for evaluation costs and up to $5000 for eligible upgrades like insulation, windows, air sealing, solar panels, and heat pump systems. Note: The grant requires at least one eligible retrofit for reimbursement, with predetermined allowances for each.
Are roofing, garage, or porch retrofits eligible for the Canada Greener Homes grant?
Only upgrades affecting the home’s interior envelope qualify for the Canada Greener Homes grants. Replacing shingles, insulating the garage, and upgrading porch windows are ineligible retrofits.
What are the benefits of getting the grant?
Energy-efficient upgrades promote environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources, and enhancing air quality.
Energy-efficient appliances also lead to lower utility bills, while upgrades increase home value and offer long-term savings despite higher upfront costs.
