Canada Greener Homes Grant: What Is It And How Do I Get It?

Between the harsh Canadian winters and sweltering summers, bills can get quite costly for homeowners due to the energy necessary to heat or cool their homes in the drastic prairie weather.  These costs can spike even more due to components such as insulation and windows not being up to the current standard.  However, the heightened energy use does not only allude to more expensive homeownership.  It also means a higher contribution to the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.  Buildings, including our homes, account for  18% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.

So, what is it? 

The Canada Greener Homes Grant provides funds for home evaluations and retrofits, up to a total of $5,600.  Broken down as such, homeowners are eligible for up to $600 total for the cost of pre and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations and up to $5,000 total for the implementation of eligible retrofits such as home insulation, windows, doors and air sealing.

The Canada Greener Homes Grant initiative helps homeowners make their homes more comfortable, affordable and energy-efficient in support of Canada’s environmental objectives.  The grant heightens the recruitment and training of EnerGuide energy advisors to meet the increased demand, creating new jobs across the country.  Additionally, it grows our domestic green supply chains and fights climate change. 

Great!  How do I get it?

Check your eligibility

• Provide proof of homeownership
• Demonstrate the property is your primary residence

Register and book your pre-retrofit evaluation

• Register online on the Greener Home Grant portal
• Book pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation
  • Mandatory before you undertake your retrofits and to be performed by an NRCan registered energy advisor

Plan, document and complete your home retrofits

• From the evaluation, review the recommendations and determine which retrofits work best for your budget and reno plans
• You must complete at least one recommendation by the advisor

Book your post-retrofit evaluation and apply for reimbursement

• Submitted either online or by mail
• Once completed, your new EnerGuide label and a post-evaluation report will show you how much more energy-efficient your home is

Receive Reimbursement

• You will receive an email confirming your grant total
• Once confirmed, you will receive a cheque by mail

Whether you’re considering selling and how best to increase your home’s market value or what to look out for when purchasing, contact me today and rest assured that there are numerous benefits to an energy-efficient home!  See the Government of Canada website for more information on the Canada Greener Homes Grant and how you can qualify.