Big news for Ontario homeowners planning home efficiency upgrades. A new Ontario home efficiency rebate program now offers up to $10,000 to help eligible homeowners fund energy-efficient home retrofits.
It’s also much easier to participate!
Enbridge’s Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) program is a program offered by Enbridge Gas, a natural gas distribution company in Ontario, and Natural Resources Canada, a Canadian federal department.
This new program replaces two existing programs in Ontario: the federal government’s Greener Homes Grant and Enbridge’s Home Efficiency Rebate. (Note: Canada’s Greener Homes Grant is still active outside of Ontario).
With this new co-delivery model, Ontarians need to only apply for a single program to fund a variety of high-impact home retrofits – much more streamlined!
What is the Ontario Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) Program?
Energy-efficient homes minimize energy waste, meaning you only pay for the energy you actually use. Various factors contribute to a home’s energy efficiency, including appliances (e.g., water heater, HVAC equipment) and insulation ratings. Often, heat is lost through places like your attic or windows. When it comes to attic insulation, homeowners might be paying up to 40% more than they need to on heating and cooling.
The program provides rebates to homeowners who make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes, such as insulation, air sealing, and high-efficiency heating equipment. The program aims to help reduce energy consumption and costs for homeowners, and to promote the use of natural gas as a clean, efficient energy source.
What are the steps to participate?
So now you have figured out that your house is eligible – great!
But what are the next steps? Don’t worry, it’s not too complicated:
- Home Energy Assessment: The first step is getting a complete home energy assessment with a registered energy advisor. How else will you know what’s lacking? They will provide you with a detailed report listing the recommended upgrades.
- Complete at Least One Eligible Upgrade: Among the recommended upgrades by your energy advisor, you have to complete at least one of them to qualify for a rebate.
- Follow-up Energy Assessment: You have to get a home energy assessment done again following the upgrades. These follow-up visits have to take place within 120 days of the first assessment and last for around an hour.
- Receive Your Rebate Cheque: If it all goes well, you will get your rebate cheque within 16 weeks. Not only that, you will be reimbursed up to $600 for the home energy assessments too!
Located in Ottawa, ON? Start here: When you book a free attic inspection and assessment from Panda Insulation, you will qualify to receive a discounted home energy audit through our NRCan-approved partner, Energuy.
Who is Eligible for the HER+ program?
Ontario’s home efficiency rebate program is available to all eligible Ontario residents, regardless of fuel type.
This program is not just for Enbridge Gas customers (unlike the preceding program), however, Enbridge Gas customers may be eligible for enhanced rebates (up to $10,000).
To access the available funds, homeowners need to meet certain eligibility criteria.
Participants must:
- Own the home, and in the case of non-Enbridge Gas customers, the home must be their primary residence.
- Complete a pre-retrofit energy assessment before starting any upgrades.
- Have the energy assessment conducted by an approved NRCan Energy Advisor.
- Complete at least one upgrade recommended in the energy assessment.:
Additionally, the home must have been built at least six months ago.
If you have already exhausted the benefits offered by the previous programs – the Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate or the Greener Homes Grant – you will not be eligible to participate in this new program.
Additional details on eligibility criteria can be found on Enbridge’s website.
What rebates are available?
If you are an Enbridge Gas customer, you may qualify for a maximum of $10,000 in rebates (plus a reimbursement for the energy assessment, up to $600).
For Ontarians who are not Enbridge Gas customers, rebates of up to $5,000 are available (plus $600 for energy assessment, or $5,600 in total).
The program offers a range of rebates for different types of upgrades, with some examples:
Attic Insulation
One of the most common sources of energy wastage and, unfortunately, the most neglected one too is the attic. Most people don’t realize that their attic is actually the primary reason they are paying such hefty heating and cooling bills.
You can change that by ensuring your attic is well insulated. You can receive up to $2,350 in rebates for this upgrade.
Exterior Wall Insulation
This one can get you up to $6,750 back! And why not? After all, uninsulated walls are a major source of energy wastage as air seeps in and out.
Basement Insulation
In addition to conserving energy, you can prevent moisture damage with this upgrade and also receive up to $2,000 back.
Hot Water Heat Pump
Replacing your water heater with an ENERGY STAR® approved water heat pump will help you conserve energy and get you up to $1,300 back.
Air Sealing
Air sealing is a quick win in improving your home’s energy efficiency. Get the cracks in your walls, doors, and windows sealed and receive up to $1,300 back.
Windows/Doors
Upgrading these can get you up to $325 back and also help eliminate drafts and prevent condensation.
The program also offers a diagnostic assessment, where homeowners can get a professional assessment of their home’s energy efficiency and a customized list of recommended upgrades that can qualify for rebates.
Make The Most Of The Ontario Home Efficiency Rebate Now!
With the prices rising on practically everything, any measure that can help your family save money while reducing your carbon footprint is worth trying. Enbridge’s Home Efficiency Rebate is a great program to take advantage of if your home is eligible.
By participating in this program, Ontario homeowners can save money on their energy bills, make their homes more comfortable, and reduce their environmental footprint. Additionally, The program can help the homeowners to understand where they can improve in terms of energy efficiency and how they can save on energy costs in the long run.
