Introduction

• What is the ecoEnergy Retrofit Program?
• How much can homeowners expect to save in terms of annual energy use and greenhouse gas emissions?

Grant eligibility

1. What types of properties are eligible for a grant?
2. Are the grants based on how much I spend for upgrades?
3. I understand there are similar financial assistance programs in my province based on ecoEnergy Retrofit. Am I eligilible for both the federal and provincial programs?
4. I received a grant under the old Energuide for House Retrofit Incentive. Am I eligible to receive another under the new program?
5. Does the ecoEnergy Retrofit – Homes program include new retrofit measures and incentives that were not part of the old Energuide for House initiative?
6. Is the Retrofit grant taxable on my personal income?

Program Eligibility

7. Do existing homes and multiple unit residential buildings of any age qualify under the ecoEnergy Retrofit-Homes program?
8. I recently built (or am building) a house. Am I eligible for a grant?
9. Are grants and incentives available for the construction of energy efficient new homes?
10. I already started my renovations. Can I still apply for a grant?
11. My furnace broke. I replaced it before I scheduled a pre-retrofit assessment. Can I still apply for a grant?
12. My air conditioning system broke. Can I apply?
13. Are mobile homes eligible?
14. I rent a house, can I participate?
15. Why is a high-rise condominium property excluded from the program?
16. I live in a town home which is managed by a condominium corporation. Am I eligible to participate?
17. Is co-op housing eligible?
18. I own rental properties. Are these eligible?
19. I am not a Canadian citizen, but I own rental properties in Canada. Can I participate and receive a grant?
20. 1. I own a cottage/recreational property. Is this eligible?
    2. When is a "recreational" property eligible for a retrofit grant?
21. I own an older mobile home in a trailer park where I rent the land. I have lived in it for several years and I want to know the definition of a fixed foundation to qualify for a grant. It sits on timbers, is skirted and has never moved.
22. Does a ‘floating’ home qualify under this grant?

Getting Started

• How do I get started?

23. How will I know which upgrades qualify?
24. How much of a grant will I be entitled to if I complete the recommend retrofits?
25. Do I have to make any preparations before the energy advisor visits my home?
26. Do I get an energy rating of my house?
27.  
    1. How does the grant application process work?
    2. I live in a province that is offering a provincial grant program. Do I need to apply to my provincial program separately?
28. What happens if the service organization that performs my first (pre-retrofit) energy assessment ceases to deliver the service?

Eligible Products

29. Do external doors qualify for a retrofit grant?
30. I am considering replacing my windows, doors and skylights. What should I know before I make my decision?
31. I am replacing a Bow window consisting of 5 window units. Under the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes progam, do the windows qualify as 5 separate units or one unit?

Introduction

What is the ecoENERGY Retrofit program?

On January 21, 2007, the Honorable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, announced a $220-million ecoENERGY Retrofit program which was launched on April 1, 2007. ecoENERGY Retrofit offers incentives for energy efficiency improvements in homes.

ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes is designed to help homeowners and owners of existing low-rise properties make smart energy retrofit decisions that will result in significant energy savings and a cleaner environment. The first step in participating in ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes is to call for a professional energy assessment provided by an energy advisor certified by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). The advisor will perform a pre-retrofit assessment of the home and provide you with your own personalized action checklist of upgrades that will reduce your energy consumption.

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How much can homeowners expect to save in terms of annual energy use and greenhouse gas emissions?

The average grant is expected to yield reductions in energy use of approximately 30 percent and greenhouse gas emission reductions of approximately 4 tonnes per house. By implementing the energy retrofit recommendations, a typical homeowner could save $700 a year on a $2,000 annual heating bill.

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Grant eligibility

1. What types of properties are eligible for a grant?

ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes offers grants to owners of low-rise residential properties defined under Parts 2 and 9 of the National Building Code of Canada. These include single detached and attached homes (e.g. row housing, duplexes and triplexes), small multi-unit residential buildings including some small apartment buildings of three storeys or less built on a maximum footprint area of 600 square metres or less; mobile homes on a permanent foundation and floating homes permanently moored also qualify.

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2. Are the grants based on how much I spend for upgrades?

No. The grant is based on the individual upgrades completed. A flat incentive amount has been calculated for each qualifying upgrade, and the upgrades that save the most energy have the highest value. The potential grant is calculated by adding the total incentive amounts of the upgrades recommended in the Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report's action checklist that is presented by your energy advisor. This makes it easier for you to decide which renovations you want to carry out from the action checklist and in which order you would like to complete them. The grant is based on the total amounts for those retrofits you have completed.

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3. I understand there are similar financial assistance programs in my province based on ecoENERGY Retrofit. Am I eligible for both the federal and provincial programs?

Yes, many provinces, territories and municipalities offer complementary programs. Follow this link to obtain more information.

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4. I received a grant under the old EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Incentive. Am I eligible to receive another under the new program?

Yes, but only for additional work performed on your home. You will not be eligible for a grant under the new program for the same upgrades covered by the first grant. However, you may apply to ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes if you want to complete further energy efficiency retrofits.

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5. Does the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program include new retrofit measures and incentives that were not part of the old EnerGuide for Houses initiative?

Yes, new measures that reduce energy consumption and provide for a cleaner environment have been added. Newly eligible retrofits include the replacement of your cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR^® qualified models, the installation of solar hot water heaters, water-saving toilets and grey water heat-recovery systems. These are just a few of the possible upgrades that are covered.

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6. Is the Retrofit grant taxable on my personal income?

No.

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Program Eligibility

7. Do existing homes and multiple unit residential buildings of any age qualify under the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program?

ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes is designed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Canada's existing housing stock. Thus the only restriction on the age of a house is that it must not be a newly built home that has been occupied for less than six months. After a newly built home has been occupied for more than six months, there is no limit to how old a home can be to qualify for the ecoENERGY Retrofit incentive. However, houses built before 1985 will benefit the most because they have the potential for more significant energy improvements.

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8. I recently built (or am building) a house. Am I eligible for a grant?

ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes does not apply to new construction. A house is considered new construction up to six months after the builder has transferred the house to the homeowner. When a home is built by the owner, it is considered new up to six months following the certificate of completion by the local inspector. You will find information about the Government of Canada's initiatives for newly built homes at www.newhomes.gc.ca.

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9. Are grants and incentives available for the construction of energy efficient new homes?

There are currently no grants or incentives being offered at the federal level. However, there are several regional grants and incentives available for homebuyers and homebuilders. Check our list of grants and incentives to see if any apply to you. You may also want to consider contacting Home Builder's Associations and Utilities for information on local and regional programs and incentives.

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10. I already started my renovations. Can I still apply for a grant?

Unfortunately, all renovations started prior to obtaining a pre-retrofit energy assessment are not eligible for a grant.

All energy-related renovations undertaken after a valid energy assessment has been performed are eligible as long as they are listed in the Eligible Improvements / Retrofits table.

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11. My furnace broke. I replaced it before I scheduled a pre-retrofit assessment. Can I still apply for a grant?

No, effective May 15-2008, emergency furnace replacement does not qualify for a grant. Homeowners are required to have an ecoEnergy pre-retrofit evaluation performed before they replace or install anything, including heating equipment, if they want that upgrade work to become eligible towards a grant.

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12. My air conditioning system broke. Can I apply?

If your window or central air conditioning system breaks, a pre-retrofit evaluation must be performed BEFORE replacing it in order to be eligible for a grant for the air conditioner.

The energy assessment in not meant to replace air conditioners. ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes is designed to support homeowners who take steps to reduce their energy consumption which in turn helps to reduce greenhouse gases. By simply replacing a cooling system without considering and undertaking any other energy-saving measures, the value of the incentive or grant may not be sufficient to justify both pre- and post-retrofit evaluations. It is recommended that you consider additional retrofits prior to scheduling your pre-retrofit evaluation.

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13. Are mobile homes eligible?

Yes, mobile homes can participate in the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program provided that they are situated on a permanent foundation and that the property tax roll is in the name of the homeowner.

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14. I rent a house, can I participate?

Yes, any rental property that meets the eligibility criteria can participate. Note: It is the property owner who is eligible for the grant; therefore, we suggest that you speak with your landlord.

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15. Why is a high-rise condominium property excluded from the program?

Large buildings, such as high-rise condominiums, fall outside of the scope of the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program and are therefore excluded. Only houses or low-rise residential buildings that have three stories or less and that fall under Part 2 or 9 of the National Building Code are eligible for the program. High-rise buildings perform very differently than low-rise buildings and the energy assessment protocols vary accordingly. High-rise buildings are more complex because of their size, the type of heating, hot water and ventilation systems, the presence of common areas and services (such as elevators), and construction details not found in low-rise buildings (such as depressurization zones for fire control).

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16. I live in a town home which is managed by a condominium corporation. Am I eligible to participate?

Yes, all low-rise condominium properties that meet the requirements of the eligibility criteria qualify. Therefore, you and your co-owners can participate in the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program. The grant is paid to the property owner as shown on the tax bill.

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17. Is co-op housing eligible?

Co-op housing is a type of ownership and not a building type. If the building meets the eligibility criteria, you and your co-owners are eligible to participate. The grant is paid to the property owner as shown on the tax bill.

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18. I own rental properties. Are these eligible?

Yes, both single family homes and multiple-unit low-rise residential buildings held by rental property owners are eligible under the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program provided that they meet the eligibility criteria. Owners of multiple residential buildings are eligible to receive up to $500,000 over the life of the program ending March 31, 2011.

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19. I am not a Canadian citizen, but I own rental properties in Canada. Can I participate and receive a grant?

Yes, property owners who are not Canadians citizens can participate in the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program. The property must meet the eligibility criteria and the grant cheque must be mailed to a Canadian location. Owners of multiple residential buildings are eligible for up to $500,000 over the life of the program ending March 31, 2011.

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20a. I own a cottage / recreational property. Is this eligible?

No. Cottage/ recreational properties are not eligible under ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes.

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20b. When is a "recreational" property eligible for a retrofit grant?

In order to qualify for a grant, the recreational property must be a fully-serviced four season property, habitable 12 months of the year, at the time of the initial assessment. The recreational property does not have to be the primary residence of the owner. A recreational property, such as cottages, cabins, chalets etc, that do not meet these requirements, are not eligible for a retrofit grant.

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21. I own an older mobile home in a trailer park where I rent the land. I have lived in it for several years and I want to know the definition of a fixed foundation to qualify for a grant. It sits on timbers, is skirted and has never been moved.

When the homeowner owns and occupies a mobile home but rents or leases the lot (e.g., mobile home park), the home is eligible for the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes grant, provided it is on a permanent foundation. A mobile home can be considered permanently fixed if it sits on a foundation of concrete, wood or steel (e.g., a mobile home on wood cribbing with a plywood or vinyl apron would qualify though regional requirements may negate use of aprons); it is structurally complete with entire plumbing, heating and electrical services installed and permanently connected to the appropriate electrical utility service, fuel service, sewer or septic service and water delivery system/service Its towing apparatus and axle must have been removed as per regional requirements.

The mobile home owner must show his or her property tax bill as required for the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes application process.

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22. Does a 'floating home' qualify under this program?

Yes, floating homes can participate in the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program. Floating homes are homes designed and built to local building codes and typically secured to wharfs where utilities and mooring charges are available (similar to mobile home parks). Floating homes are designed to be occupied year round and for grant purposes, must have a property tax roll number in the name of the homeowner. Floating homes are not boats or house boats, have no engines and are similar in nature to homes and cottages depending on their design.

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Getting Started

How do I get started?

Your first step is to consider if you are ready to invest in renovations that will save energy and money. Once you are ready, contact a licensed service organization to book an appointment for your energy assessment. Although all renovations started prior to obtaining a pre-retrofit energy assessment are not eligible for a grant, the home must be in such a state (including proper doors, windows, and roof) that the energy advisor can assess the building to make recommendations for improvement.

House Smart Home Improvement can arrange for a pre-retrofit assessment.

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23. How will I know which upgrades qualify?

A grant depends on individual upgrades completed. The Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report provided by your advisor following your pre-retrofit assessment includes a personalized list of upgrades and the grant amounts you can expect to receive should you carry out the recommended home improvements. In addition, the report will indicate the relative impact the upgrades will have on the home's energy efficiency level.

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24. How much of a grant will I be entitled to if I complete the recommended retrofits?

The average grant for a single property is expected to be over $1,000. The maximum grant available for one home or multi-unit residential building is $5,000. Property owners of multiple residential buildings are eligible for up to $500,000 over the life of the program ending March 31, 2011.

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25. Do I have to make any preparations before the energy advisor visits my home?

The energy advisor will need access to every room in the house, in addition to the attic and any crawl spaces that may exist. Please be sure to clear the area around these access points before the energy advisor arrives.

Also ensure that the hatch or door to the attic is not sealed as accessing the attic is an important part of both the first evaluation and the evaluation that is done once retrofits are complete. In addition, please make sure not to use any wood-heating appliances, such as fireplaces or wood stoves, at least 24 hours prior to the evaluation and clean the appliances before the evaluation.

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26. Do I get an energy rating of my house?

Yes. In addition to the personalized action checklist that is used to calculate the grant, the energy advisor provides the homeowner with an EnerGuide rating and label for the house, before and after renovations. This information is also made available to participating provincial partners that also use the ecoEnergy methodology for their programs. Any personal information that owners provide is protected under the federal Privacy Act.

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27a. How does the grant application process work?

Following the pre-retrofit evaluation and the implementation of the renovations or upgrades by the homeowner, the homeowner must have a post-retrofit evaluation performed on the home. At the time of the post-retrofit evaluation, the energy advisor completes a grant application form on behalf of the homeowner and presents it for his/her review and signature. A copy of the application form is provided to the homeowner. The energy advisor prepares and sends the electronic house file, which includes data on the house collected during the post-retrofit evaluation, to the service organization that in turn submits to NRCan. NRCan processes the application and, under normal circumstances, the homeowner receives a cheque within 90 days following the date of the post-retrofit evaluation.

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27b. I live in a province that is offering a provincial grant program. Do I need to apply to my provincial program separately?

Some provincial programs require you to apply separately; others grant programs are automatically transferred from NRCan to the provincial program administrator. To learn more about what your province, municipality, city or utility provider is providing, talk to your local energy advisor, or follow this link.

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28. How much time do homeowners have to complete the work?

Starting from the time you receive your pre-retrofit energy assessment, you have 18 months to complete the upgrades and obtain your post-retrofit assessment.

If you are a property owner of Aboriginal housing on a reserve that meets the eligibility criteria, the 18-month time limit is waived in the event of possible delays in getting the necessary materials to the site and in obtaining approvals.

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Eligible Products

29. Do external doors qualify for a retrofit grant?

Yes, providing you replace both the door and the frame with an ENERGY STAR qualified product. Replacing only the door does not qualify for a grant.

For further information on ENERGY STAR certified products, visit: www.energystar.gc.ca.

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30. I am considering replacing my windows, doors and skylights. What should I know before I make my decision?

The replacement of windows, doors and skylights with models that are ENERGY STAR qualified are eligible for an ecoENERGY Retrofit   Homes grant. Following a pre-retrofit (D) evaluation with a certified energy advisor, the homeowner should visit the ENERGY STAR web site before purchasing any new windows, doors or skylights, to ensure that the new models are qualified for their climate zone.

In order to receive an ecoENERGY grant, proof of ENERGY STAR qualification for the climate zone must be shown to the Energy Advisor during the post-retrofit (E) evaluation of the home. Important: NRCan will ONLY accept one of the following as proof of ENERGY STAR qualification:

• The presence of an ENERGY STAR label on all of the replacement windows, doors or skylights indicating that they are ENERGY STAR qualified for the house's climate zone (if the labels are removed by the installer, the homeowner should request them as proof). View sample ENERGY STAR labels.
• A copy of an invoice indicating the brand/product name, and the NRCan model reference number or the manufacturer's model code, as well as the climate zone for which the windows, doors or skylights are qualified. With this information, the energy advisor should then consult the ENERGY STAR web site to confirm that they are indeed ENERGY STAR qualified for the home's climate zone.

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31. I am replacing a Bow window consisting of 5 window units. Under the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes progam, do the windows qualify as 5 separate units or one unit?

Under the current guidelines, one unit of window is defined as one opening in the wall. A large window consisting of multiple panels of glass is counted as one opening in the wall, regardless of how large the window is, or how many units of window is needed to fill the opening. Therefore the Bow window will be counted as one window. The same applies for bay windows.