A new partnership launched in 2023 with the Government of Canada’s Greener Homes Grant and Enbridge Gas now provides eligible customers up to $10,000 back in rebates for green home retrofits. This enhanced rebate, known as the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program, is open to residents of Ontario who can make one application and receive the benefits of both programs. You don’t even need to be an Enbridge Gas customer to apply!
So, what does this enhanced rebate program provide? The main point of this program is to offer rebates for high-impact upgrades to your home. Let’s look at what can be covered through these rebates.
Home Energy Assessments
First, a home energy assessment is required before you can apply to and access the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program (or the Canada Greener Homes Grant). The assessment is a detailed audit of the energy efficiency of your home. You can get up to $600 toward the cost of the energy audit if you complete at least one eligible energy efficiency upgrade under the program. The home energy audit is important because it helps you know which energy upgrades your home is in need of and provides you with recommendations on how best to approach those changes.
Air Sealing
Air loss is a major cause of poor energy efficiency in your home. The more air loss your home has, the harder time your HVAC units will have to keep the temperature regulated in your home. Upgrading your home’s air sealing will eliminate drafts, improve interior air quality and help you save money with heating and cooling costs. Eligible applicants can receive up to $1,300 in rebates for air-sealing solutions to their homes.
Space and Water Healing
Get up to $7,800 in rebates for upgrading your space and water heating units with ENERGY STAR® certified heat pumps, which use up to 70% less energy compared to non-energy efficient and older models. Ground source, air source and domestic hot water heat pumps qualify.
Solar Panels
A great way to reduce energy costs and dependence on the grid is to install solar panels. Solar panels allow you to generate your own power using the power of the sun so you can save on energy costs. Solar panels and batteries qualify for up to $5,000 in rebates through this program.
Insulation
As your home insulation ages and breaks down over time, your home will have a harder time regulating temperatures and causing your furnace and air conditioner to work harder and use more energy. Upgrading your insulation will help improve your home’s comfort, reduce energy costs, and help prevent moisture damage and mould growth. Upgrading insulation in your attic, foundation, walls and floors can benefit from up to $10,000 in rebates.
Windows and Doors
A common home improvement upgrade most people make after 15 years is replacing windows and doors. Poorly insulated, broken, or non-energy-efficient windows can lead to drafts, air loss, and poor energy consumption. You can get up to $325 per window so your home can be better insulated from the elements.
Smart Thermostats
While many people may not be aware of this, you can get up to $125 in rebates for installing a smart thermostat in your home. Smart thermostats help regulate the temperature in your home with smart settings to help save energy automatically while still boosting overall home comfort.
Weatherproofing
Climate change has led to a rise in more and more drastic weather events, such as fires and floods. You can get up to $1,625 to upgrade the weatherproofing of your home to help mitigate damage should inclement weather hit. Proper weatherproofing helps prevent water leaks and damage occurring to your home.
Conclusion
The Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program is a great benefit to helping Ontario homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes which helps their pockets as well as lowering their overall carbon footprint.
If you are a resident of Ontario and would like to apply for this program, you must first book and complete a home energy audit with a licensed agency such as EcoLogic Energy Advisors, to help learn what your home needs to be more energy efficient and get you saving money.
Comments