As a Homeowner, You Can Actually Get Paid For Making Your Home Energy Efficient

December 29, 2016

Like it or not, a typical homeowner needs to undertake some type of home improvement every year. And while some home renovations are mainly cosmetic, there are some upgrades that have great payoffs, both in the short term and the long term. In many cases, these upgrades are related to home energy efficiency, and the truth is, most homes, are simply not energy efficient. This is especially relevant in older homes, where windows may be leaking, or old insulation may have outlived its performance potential. Whatever the case, home energy efficiency has a great payoff.

Home Energy Loan Program (City of Toronto)

HELP is a financing initiative that helps Toronto homeowners to improve home energy efficiency. Low interest loans are made available, and repayment is arranged through monthly property tax bills. Whether upgrading the home's insulation or weatherizing by air sealing, these types of retrofits will reduce energy consumption and significantly reduce heating and cooling bills.

Home Reno Rebate Program (from Union Gas)

HRRP offers rebates (to $5,000) for upgrades/retrofits that will improve a home's overall energy efficiency. Better efficiency reduces energy consumption, and reduces utility bills. Homeowners complete TWO EnerGuide Energy Audits - one prior to renovating - one after. Rebates are offered to offset the cost of BOTH audits, and any upgrades/retrofits that are considered energy related.

Home Energy Conservation Program (Enbridge)

HECP is for Enbridge customers who heat with natural gas or propane, as well as oil or wood. The incentives are to a maximum of $2,100, and homeowners are expected to make improvements in order to lower utility bills from season to season. Enbridge also has another program, designed for low-income customers, again, to lessen energy consumption and reduce personal utility costs.

Investment in Affordable Housing (Ontario)

IAH aims to improve access to affordable housing. The program offers rebates to building owners who initiate insulation upgrades. IAH also promotes a variety of energy-saving products, as well as energy efficiency upgrades. As an example, rebates are provided when high performance attic insulation is installed, ensuring a minimum R-Value of R40 throughout the installation space.

Province of Ontario Green Investment Fund

The Green Investment Fund encourages homeowners to reduce energy usage, while they reduce greenhouse gas emission. Incentive dollars are made available through various programs offered by Enbridge Gas and Union Gas. Homeowners may undertake a number of upgrades/retrofits: professional home energy audits; comprehensive air sealing; weatherization and/or insulation. Whether a home is suffering from air leakage or poorly performing insulation, effective upgrades will make a big difference in energy efficiency, reduced energy costs, and home comfort. With rebates and incentives available throughout the province, it's clearly the right time to undertake a retrofit or upgrade. Starting with a professional Home Energy Audit, homeowners can choose to expedite an "energy-smart" upgrade, while taking advantage of a rebate that offsets the upfront project cost. There's no better way to make home improvements and save money simultaneously.