Retrofitting an existing home up to green standard can qualify buyers for rebates, breaks on financing, + eco-energy grant

In Ontario, federal programs and incentives are always being offered to encourage homeowners and buyers of resale homes to carry out eco-retrofit.

Consumers have to make sure they mail in their coupons, and fill out any applications/paperwork to benefit from the savings from these Government incentives.

The information can be overwhelming. I think the Natural Resource Canada and City of Toronto website will be the most helpful link to other cross links.

Rebates on Energy Saving Measures:

Enbridge - $15 rebate on a purchase for  programmable thermostat, $100 rebate for natural gas high efficiency heating system

New Energy Saving Appliances:

1.Energy Star partners offer rebates, sales tax exemptions on qualified  appliances. Switching old appliances to energy efficient ones also offer cost saving in energy bills in the long run. Look for companies and manufacturers that carries the Energy Star or EnerGuide symbol.

2. City of Toronto offers $60 rebate as part of the wash n save program when consumers purchase an efficient clothes washer. Also rebate on Residential toilet rebate program on selected water conserving toilets, from $60-$75 cash incentive, up to $150 on 6litre or less flush valve toilet. For City of Toronto cash back programs, look for the light blue rebate sticker on the products. Information is also posted on City of Toronto website where there is a selected list for types.

For Eco-renovations:

EcoEnergy Retrofit grants and incentives through Natural Resources Canada for owners of single family homes. To qualify, generally the homeowner have to go through an energy audit of the home by a certified advisor to get an evaluation done, as well as carry out the necessary recommendations to meet the minimum standard to qualify for the grant- air sealing, draft proofing, additional insulation to raise the R-value etc. NRCan stats show implementing the recommendations can save average $600-$2000 in annual heating bill.

Green Saver is a  non-profit organization, that is NRCan licensed energy advisor qualified to perform assessments  and make recommendations for home owners.

 http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/corporate/retrofit-summary.cfm

http://egh.gca.ca/index.php?en_energuide

 

Breaks on mortgages or mortgage insurance  for energy certified homes

1. CMHC 10% refund on mortgage loan insurance when the borrower buys an energy efficient home rated byt he Energuide New Homes rating system or R2000 certified home to meet the minimum standards.

2. Genworth Financial has an ENergy Efficient Building Program fof purchasing new or re-financing existing home to make energy saving renovation are eligible for 10% premium refund with Genworth-insured mortgage if the owner satisfies the eligibility requirement. To participate, Green consumers can ask for a Genworth insured mortgage when applying for a loan for purchasing a green home.

http://www.genworth.ca/mi/eng/home_ownership/energy_efficient_housing_program.html

3. Citizens Bank of Canada recently launched a Green Mortgage Product

https://www.citizensbank.ca/Personal/GreenMortgage/

Who certifies these homes

R2000 certification is Issued by the Government  with a certificate number. A registry of these homes are maintained by the NRC. Builders of R2000 + Energuide homes also have to undergo training to ensure these homes meet R2000 requirement or Energuide for New Homes standard by passing all the tests. 

Energuide for New House only works with increase energy efficiency to meet the minimum Energuide rating. R2000 works with differrent aspects including energy conservation, use of enviromentally friendly and renewable products. The Energuide rating is calculated by a professional Energuide for New House energy advisor. Once he performs the final evaluation, homeowner will receive a label to be displayed on the furnace or electrical box.

Both programs are national initiatives.

Anne Lok

www.urburbia.ca

www.annelok.com