Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Promotes Energy Efficient Homes
May 17, 2018
CMHC is currently offering homeowners a premium refund for energy efficient upgrades. Known as Green Home, this funding program offers a premium refund up to 25% for those with CMHC-insured financing. The aim of the incentive program is for homeowners to undertake a variety of energy efficiency upgrades and therefore increase the energy efficiency rating of their homes.
Homeowners have various insulation upgrades and/or retrofits to choose from:
- wall insulation for new builds/construction
- wall insulation retrofits for existing buildings
- upgrading and/or retrofitting attic insulation
- upgrading/retrofitting to basement insulation
Qualifying for the premium refund for energy efficient upgrades
Today, more and more homeowners are focused on having an energy-efficient home. When a home is well sealed, well insulated, and well ventilated, energy efficiency is enhanced and utility bills are reduced. To qualify for the premium refund for energy efficient upgrades, homeowners must make energy upgrades that result in a quantifiable improvement to home energy efficiency.
Insulation Upgrades
From the attic to the basement, effective insulation slows down the movement of heated and cooled air throughout the building envelope. When combined with air sealing, properly installed insulation helps to prevent moisture from accumulating. For insulation professionals, a complete insulation “system” will include an air barrier and a vapour barrier.
Air Leakage Sealing
Air leakage in a home can have a very negative impact on overall energy efficiency. Air leakage throughout the “building envelope” will allow heated indoor air to escape (in winter) and allow hot outdoor air to intrude (in summer). A properly sealed home (attic, basement, and windows) will also ensure that the installed insulation is performing.
Window Retrofits
Window retrofitting is effective in reducing heating and cooling loss, while tackling air moisture issues. It’s also a very effective way to lower energy bills (in summer and winter). In addressing these issues, energy efficiency experts are recommending MAGNETITE window systems, where existing windows are totally retrofitted for air tightness.
If you’re interested, you may qualify for Green Home incentives
There are two qualifying options for Green Home. One option is a home built to a prescribed building standard like ENERGY STAR®, GreenHouse™, or GreenHome™. For homes not built to these standards, a qualified NRCan Energy Advisor must do an assessment. The Advisor will rate the home based on the applicable EnerGuide Rating Scale.
How much is the premium refund for energy efficient upgrades?
For homeowners with CMHC-insured financing, Green Home offers a premium refund that could be as high as 25%, depending on the type and scope of an energy upgrade. Clearly, the more work that is done, the higher the refund amount. The aim, of course, is to encourage energy efficiency upgrades, while making those upgrades more affordable.
Working with Great Northern Insulation for Green Home refunds
Great Northern Insulation is recognized as the industry leader in home energy. If you have an interest in the CMHC premium refund for energy efficient upgrades, consult with a Registered Energy Advisor to get your initial energy assessment. After that, GNI can help with an in-home assessment and recommendations for upgrades and/or retrofits. Find out more about the Green Home program by calling 1.800.265.1914.
