Steps to Obtain a More Eco-Friendly Home Subsidy in Canada
In May 2021, the Canada Greener Homes Grant programme was launched, offering homeowners a chance to make their homes more energy-efficient and reduce their carbon footprint. This grant, open to homeowners living in their homes as their primary residence, provides up to $5,000 in direct funding, plus an additional $600 for required pre- and post-retrofit home energy evaluations.
To qualify, homeowners must meet specific eligibility requirements. Firstly, you must own and live in the home where the upgrades will be made. Proof of ownership (such as a property tax bill) and proof of primary residence (valid government-issued ID) matching the application details are required.
The home must also be an eligible property type, which generally includes single-family or certain multi-unit homes. Applicants must provide their Social Insurance Number (SIN) to verify household income with Canada Revenue Agency, and only households below certain income thresholds are eligible for some parts of the program, especially related to oil-to-heat-pump affordability.
For households seeking funding related to heating oil, it is essential to have purchased at least 500 litres of heating oil in the 12 months prior to application. Certain fuels like natural gas, propane, coal, and wood are not eligible under the oil-to-heat-pump affordability program.
Applicants must submit quotes for eligible home retrofit expenses (e.g., heat pumps, insulation, windows). In Manitoba, these upgrades must be done by a contractor from a pre-selected list. If applying for heat pump funding, the system must meet specific efficiency and performance criteria.
The program is available to homeowners across Canada, but some provincial requirements or contractor lists may apply. Scheduling a post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation is necessary to apply for the Greener Homes Grant. The reimbursement for eligible renovations, including solar panel installation, will be approximately 50% of the cost.
Examples of eligible expenses include replacement of doors and windows, installation of solar panels, and air sealing. The grant covers $600 towards the EnerGuide evaluations and eligible renovation costs up to $5,000.
The pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation provides valuable information about a home's energy usage, such as the fact that about 30% of a home's total energy usage goes toward heating hot water. This evaluation is not reimbursed until an approved retrofit is completed.
The Canada Greener Homes Grant aims to support energy-efficient retrofits that genuinely reduce home energy consumption and emissions. Homeowners who are looking to make their homes greener and more energy-efficient should consider this programme.
One homeowner, for example, has expanded their solar panel array and is considering installing a heat pump hot water heater. They are looking forward to receiving the Greener Homes Grant funds and are yet to schedule the post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation.
It is important to note that the programme website should be referred to for specific requirements as it takes precedence over this blog. The author of this blog post has shared their experience with the programme, including the addition of solar panels to their home.
In summary, to qualify for the Canada Greener Homes Grant, you must be a homeowner living in an eligible property, meet income guidelines, use eligible heating fuel if applicable, provide proper documentation, and use approved contractors or meet technical standards for upgrades like heat pumps. This ensures the programme supports energy-efficient retrofits that genuinely reduce home energy consumption and emissions.
Homeowners seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt a sustainable lifestyle may be interested in the Canada Greener Homes Grant, which provides funding for energy-efficient home upgrades. Examples of eligible expenses include solar panel installation, air sealing, and replacement of doors and windows. However, to qualify, homeowners must own and live in the home, provide documentation proof of ownership and primary residence, and meet income guidelines and eligibility requirements related to heating fuel and contractor selection. The program aims to support sustainable-living and home-and-garden practices by encouraging energy-efficient retrofits that genuinely reduce home energy consumption and emissions.
