Step 1: Determine your eligibility for a grant.
Start the application process for a Canada Greener Homes Grant.
The link: Canada Greener Homes Grant
You will be guided to the Enbridge portal. Note: Enbridge refers to the grant as a rebate which technically it is because you get the money back after you have completed the work.
Step 2: Get an Energy Audit Part 1.
In the Enbridge portal, step 5 will provide you with a list of energy advisors. Once you complete this step Enbridge will send you an email entitled: Rebate Package A – Great News you Qualify for up to $10,000 in Rebates. This email also includes the list of advisors.
OR Find a certified Energy Advisor by searching Energy Advisors Ontario.
OR Go to Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) list, put in the first 3 digits of your postal code: Find service organizations for existing homes (canada.ca)
How to prepare for your energy audit: EnerGuide energy efficiency home evaluations (canada.ca)
Your energy advisor will have you sign an Enbridge agreement. By doing this you are allowing them to request the grant/rebate on your behalf.
FYI, there is speculation that the Federal grant fund is running out. So, I suggest you get your energy audit done ASAP. Once you are in the system you will qualify for the grant.
Step 2: Get three quotes from heat pump contractors.
Find one by searching for heat pump contractors Richmond Hill
OR Find by entering your location at: Find Your Local ClimateCare Retailer | HVAC Installation & Repair
Checklist of things to cover:
Make sure they are Mechanical System – Contractor Qualified. Have them complete the MS - Contractor Qualified form.
Have them provide you with two to three options on the heat pump equipment.
Have them explain how they determined the size of the heat pump. Every home is different based on several variables. Such as: house size, size of existing duct system, whether you are going hybrid.
Discuss with them the options for a gas-less water heater: tankless, heat pump or electric. Have them provide you with quotes for each option.
Discuss the electrical panel. You can manage with 100amps.
As you interview them complete the Contractor Quote Form.
Then, complete the Contractor Analysis form in order to compare them.
Select the one that best suits your needs.
Step 3: Apply for a 10-year zero-interest loan.
You may NOT begin the work before your loan is approved.
The application can be found at: Canada Greener Homes Loan
You must submit the contractor’s quote. You will be asked for the following documents: property tax bill, identification with an address i.e.: drivers license; income for each borrower i.e.: T4 slips. You should scan these to be uploaded at the appropriate step. You will be asked mortgage information, liabilities and assets information.
You will be told how much of a loan you are eligible for, usually the full amount of the contractor’s quote.
You may receive up to 15% up front in order to pay for any down payments.
Depending on your income you may qualify for the Energy Affordability Program | Save on Energy.
Step 4: Once the loan is approved contact your contractor and schedule the work.
Keep all the invoices as you will have to submit them to get the remainder of your loan.
Step 5: Get a post-installation Energy Audit Part 2
Have your Energy Advisor back to do part 2 of the audit.
Step 6: Continue the Greener Homes grant (Enbridge Rebate).
Your Energy Auditor will submit Audit Part 2.
Enbridge will provide you with your rebate.
Step 7: Receive the remainder of your Canada Greener Homes loan.
You must complete the work within 12 months of the loan approval.
After your energy advisor submits the results of the post-retrofit evaluation, you must sign back into the loan application portal and choose “Request Funding”. You will be asked to upload all final invoices for the completed work. The loan will be reviewed again based on the actual completed retrofits. You will receive an email confirming the final loan amount after your funding request has been approved. The final approved loan amount (less the initial advance if you received one) will be deposited into your bank account within approximately 10 days of funding request approval.
Things to consider:
Furnace replacement: the hybrid solution combines a gas furnace with a heat pump. Therefore, it does not eliminate the gas furnace. This solution is worth it if your furnace does not have to be replaced.
Water heater: if you currently rent you will have to call Enercare 1 800 266-3939 and make arrangements to have your installer return the unit. Enercare will provide you with a requisition number which you will give to the installer. Some installers do not return the unit but would rather scrap it or have Enercare pick it up. Ask Enercare if they want it back.
Your home will become close to net-zero when you have no gas appliances. i.e; furnace, water heater, gas fireplace, gas BBQ, gas stove.
Add eliminating a gas vehicle and you will be totally net-zero.
Prepared by: Márta Ecsedi mj.ecsedi@sympatico.ca