As homeowners, we’re constantly looking for ways to improve our living spaces, enhance energy efficiency, and save on costs. The Greener Homes Grant is an excellent opportunity to achieve these goals while making a positive impact on the environment.
Discover which upgrades qualify and whether you are eligible for the grant with this guide.
What Is the Greener Homes Grant?
The Greener Homes Grant is a federally funded rebate program designed to help homeowners improve their home’s energy efficiency through environmentally friendly retrofits. To qualify for the grant, you must complete both a pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation of your home.
Contact your local ClimateCare for guidance on completing the pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation.
How Much Can I Claim?
In Ontario, Enbridge Gas has partnered with the Canadian government’s Greener Homes Grant to offer rebates of up to $10,000 through the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) Program. Eligible retrofits include home insulation, windows, doors, heat pumps, smart thermostats, and renewable energy systems. Additionally, participants can offset the cost of their EnerGuide home evaluation with an additional $600 rebate.
3 Eligible HVAC Upgrades
1. Space Heating
Upgrading your home’s HVAC system to energy-efficient space heating equipment, such as heat pumps, can reduce utility bills and your carbon footprint.
Contrary to what the name indicates, heat pumps do not actually generate heat. Heat pumps are a type of heating and cooling system that uses electricity to transfer heat from one location to another, instead of generating heat directly.
A heat pump absorbs heat energy from the outside air (air source heat pump), or the ground (ground source heat pump), and transfers it to the indoor air. During the summer, a heat pump removes heat from inside your home, moving it outside (or into the ground), cooling your home just like an air conditioner does. This means they can be used year-round to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, regardless of the outdoor conditions. Heat pump systems can be entirely electric, or a combination of an electric unit, with a backup heating system using natural gas, propane or oil.
2. Water Heating
Consider installing heat pump water heaters for improved energy efficiency. Unlike traditional water heaters that generate heat by burning fuel or using electric resistance, heat pumps work by transferring heat from the surrounding air or ground to the water.
3. Thermostats
Replace your old thermostat with a smart thermostat to save money on energy bills while enhancing comfort. This must be combined with another energy efficiency retrofit to be eligible for a rebate.
Additional Upgrades That Can Boost Your HVAC Efficiency:
Besides the primary HVAC upgrades covered by the Greener Homes Grant, there are several other improvements you can consider to further enhance your home’s energy efficiency:
- Home insulation: Upgrade eligible attic, cathedral ceiling, flat roof, exterior wall, exposed floor, basement, and crawl space.
- Air-sealing: Improve airtightness to achieve the air-change rate target.
- Windows and doors: Replace with ENERGY STAR® certified models.
- Renewable energy: Install solar photovoltaic systems for electricity generation.
Who Is Eligible For the Greener Homes HVAC Rebate?
To be eligible, homeowners must meet specific criteria, such as having their home be their primary residence, using an NRCan-approved Energy Advisor, and completing pre- and post-energy assessments. Certain restrictions apply for multi-unit residential buildings, homes built less than 6 months ago, and homes not heated by Enbridge Gas.
You can read a full list of eligibility requirements here.
For guidance on how to complete the pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation, contact the experts at your local ClimateCare!
Is Installing a Heat Pump Worth It in Canada?
Installing a heat pump is definitely worth it! Especially when you can offset many of the installation costs with the Greener Homes Grant/HER+ Program. Plus, heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling, making them an all-in-one HVAC appliance for many climates.
Who Isn’t Eligible For a Government Heat Pump Rebate?
Ineligible buildings include retirement homes, multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) over three storeys, and those with a building area exceeding 600 square meters. Additionally, MURBs (excluding two-unit MURBs and houses with secondary suites) do not qualify for thermostat, heat pump, and heat pump water heater grants.
What if I Am not an Enbridge Gas Customer?
The Canada Greener Homes Grant is open to all Ontario homeowners, regardless of their primary heating fuel or provider. However, Enbridge Gas customers with natural gas heating are eligible for additional rebates.
How Long Will the Greener Homes Grant Be Available?
The Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) program, in collaboration with the Canada Greener Homes Grant, is anticipated to be available until 2027.
Do These Retrofits Need to Be Completed by a Professional?
Yes, it is required that homeowners work with certified professionals for HVAC upgrades to ensure proper installation and adherence to the grant program guidelines.
Take the Next Step With ClimateCare
Ready to upgrade your home’s HVAC system and enjoy the benefits of the Greener Homes Grant? Partner with your local ClimateCare, a trusted provider of heating, cooling, and indoor air quality solutions. Our experienced team members will guide you through the process, ensuring that your home is equipped with the most energy-efficient solutions available.
Contact your local ClimateCare today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey towards a greener, more efficient home.
