As climate change continues to pose a global threat, individuals and governments alike are taking significant steps toward reducing their carbon footprint. Ontario is making strides towards a greener future, and homeowners have been presented with numerous opportunities to upgrade their homes in an eco-friendly manner. These rebates and incentives not only benefit the environment but also help homeowners save on energy costs and improve the overall comfort and efficiency of their homes.
The GreenON Program
The Green Ontario Fund, or GreenON, was a popular initiative in Ontario aimed at helping homeowners make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. While the original GreenON program ended in 2018, the government has continued introducing various programs and rebates to promote energy efficiency and sustainability.
Canada Greener Homes Initiative
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Canada Greener Homes Grant
- The Canada Greener Homes Grant is a federal initiative that provides homeowners with grants of up to $5,000 to support energy-efficient home renovations. It helps cover the costs of implementing energy-saving measures, such as upgrading insulation, sealing air leaks, and installing high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. This grant is being co-delivered by Natural Resources Canada and Enbridge Gas in Ontario under the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) program. Unfortunately, the Canada Greener Homes Grant is no longer accepting new applicants as of April 30, 2024.
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Canada Greener Homes Loan
- This loan program is designed to further assist homeowners in making eco-friendly home upgrades. It offers interest-free financing of up to $40,000 for a variety of energy-efficient improvements. Homeowners can repay the loans at their own pace, making the initiative accessible and accommodating to diverse financial situations.
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Oil & Heat Pump Affordability Program
- This Canada Greener Home Initiative segment is tailored for homeowners who use oil as their primary heating source. It provides financial assistance to transition to more sustainable heating options, particularly heat pumps. By incentivizing this shift, the program helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promotes adopting cleaner energy alternatives.
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Canada Greener Affordable Housing Program
- The Canada Greener Affordable Housing Program is a government initiative striving to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency in affordable housing units across the country. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy consumption, and improve living conditions for low-income Canadians. To participate, homeowners must meet specific eligibility criteria related to property ownership, rental housing involvement, or non-profit organizational affiliation. The program provides two main funding options: Pre-Retrofit Funding for assessments and feasibility studies, and Retrofit Funding for implementing energy-efficient upgrades like insulation, energy-efficient windows, and heating system improvements. These upgrades lead to cost savings on energy bills, contribute to a greener environment, and foster a more sustainable housing sector in Canada.
Home Efficiency Rebate Plus Program (by Enbridge Gas Inc.)
The Home Efficiency Rebate Plus Program is a coordinated effort between Enbridge Gas Inc. and the Canada Greener Homes Grant to assist homeowners in making energy-efficient improvements to their homes. This program provides rebates for a wide range of eligible retrofits, including:
- home insulation
- windows and doors
- heat pumps
- renewable energy systems
- high-efficiency furnaces
- smart thermostats
- insulation improvements
- and air sealing
By participating in this program, homeowners across the province can take advantage of enhanced rebates, with current Enbridge Gas customers who rely on natural gas for heating benefiting from rebates of up to $10,000.
Energy Affordability Program (by Save on Energy)
Save On Energy’s Energy Affordability Program is targeted towards low-income households, and provides financial assistance to help make energy-efficient upgrades more accessible and affordable. By offering grants and incentives for energy-saving measures, such as energy-efficient appliances and weatherization, this program helps reduce energy expenses for vulnerable communities.
CMHC’s Eco Programs
CMHC Eco Improvement
The Eco Improvement program by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) supports homeowners in making energy-efficient renovations to their homes. It provides financial incentives and assistance for upgrades like window replacements, insulation enhancements, and heating system upgrades. The goal is to create more sustainable and energy-efficient living spaces.
CHMC Eco Plus
The Eco Plus program takes sustainability a step further by promoting the construction of energy-efficient homes. It incentivizes homebuilders to incorporate green building practices, energy-efficient designs, and sustainable materials. By encouraging the development of environmentally responsible homes, the program contributes to reducing the overall environmental impact of the housing sector.
Ontario actively promotes a sustainable and eco-friendly future through various green home upgrade programs and rebates. By taking advantage of these programs, homeowners can contribute to a greener environment, reduce energy costs, and create a more comfortable and energy-efficient living space.
It’s essential to stay informed about the available programs and choose upgrades that align with your sustainability goals and budget. If you need any assistance or help understanding these programs email info@mortgagesuite.ca and an agent on our team will get back to you immediately
