Canada Greener Homes Grants application is a relatively simple process. The government has recognized the dramatical raise of energy costs, so they’ve made this program available. Here are some questions and answers pertaining to this important program.
What is the Canada Greener Homes Grants Program?
This is grant money specifically geared to Canadians for the purpose of upgrading their homes to be more energy efficient. In short – there’s free money up for grabs for you to make improvements to your home, which should make it more comfortable and less expensive to run, energy-wise. Let’s take a further look.
What’s Covered by the Canada Greener Homes Grants Program?
The program covers improvement to your home which make it more energy efficient, including:
- Adding solar panels
- Upgrading your furnace or heating system
- Adding insulation
- Upgrading windows
- Any other approved energy upgrades for the home
This means you have quite a bit of flexibility; you can choose the types of upgrades that fit best with your particular situation, because we know that “one size fits all” does not work with housing – there are so many types, ages, and conditions out there in our residential buildings.
How Does the Canada Greener Homes Grants Program Work?
It’s fairly simple – if you own a property that qualifies you can receive up to $5,000 back from the government on approved energy upgrades you make to it – plus another $600 back for the required evaluation you must pay for up front and submit.
Who is Eligible for the Grants?
You’re eligible for the Canada Greener Homes Grants program if you can satisfy two requirements:
- That you can prove that you own your home by providing a property tax bill number with your name on it
- That you can show the dwelling you plan to upgrade is your primary residence – for example by showing a utility bill with your name on it
The following types of properties may qualify for a grant:
- Single detached home
- Semi-detached home
- Row house
- Townhouse
- Cottage (all season, primary residence)
- A mobile home on a permanent foundation
- A floating home which is permanently moored
- The residential portion of a mixed use building
- Small apartment type buildings (3 storey or less)
Again, the scope of this program is wide ranging – you can see that many types of residential dwellings may qualify; there are 700,000 grants available!
What are the Steps to Apply for the Canada Greener Homes Grants Program?
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to take advantage of the Canada Greener Homes Grants program: it’s actually not all that complicated, but you do have do the steps right, and in the proper order to ensure you get your grant:
1 – Make sure the place you live in qualifies for a grant
We’ve outlined eligible property types and the proof you need to show that you own your dwelling.
2 – Get your EnerGuide Evaluation done
There are various service organizations you can through to complete this step; it will ensure the work you intend to do qualifies for the grant rebate money. Important – this is a pre-retrofit evaluation; don’t go ahead and do the work first.
3 – There is actually a Canada Greener Homes Loan program
You may want to check Canada Greener Homes Loan program out if you don’t have the cash up front, but are interested in doing energy upgrades to your home; the loans are interest-free.
4 – Once you get your EnerGuide Evaluation report
Proceed with the work that’s been approved.
5 – Post retrofit EnerGuide Evaluation
Once the work is completed you need to go back to your source for the initial evaluation and get the okay that all the energy upgrade work was completed as specified.
6 – Send your completed work documentation into the government
This is your actual request for the grant.
7 – Receive your grant money from the government
Up to $5,000 for the retrofit work and an additional $600 for the evaluation process which you paid for up front.
Is the Canada Greener Homes Grants Program Worth It?
This program is well worth looking into – it’s essentially free money back for:
- Doing the right thing and helping the environment by lowering your energy use.
- Improving your home comfort in many instances.
- Lowering your energy bills – the upgrades you make will eventually pay for themselves.
- Potentially increasing the resale value of your home
So there are a number of good reasons why you might consider it. It’s not every day the government offers up free money!
Final Thoughts – the Canada Greener Homes Grants Program
We get questions all the time about the programs out there for homeowners that can help pay for upgrades, such as:
- How to get help with grant applications.
- What the time limits are for grants and rebates.
- Whether a new window installation qualifies or not.
- How to assess a home for energy loss.
- Comparing energy rates in a particular area.
- Other incentives to upgrade to a highly energy efficient home such as a net zero home.
- What retrofits are and how they can help.
We know it can all seem a little daunting. We are here to help, as your resource for navigating the Canada Greener Homes Grants Program, and any other programs or incentives which may also be out there. We stay on top of these things!