ecoENERGY FAQs

What is the ecoENERGY Retrofit Grant?

ecoENERGYThe benefits of an ecoENERGY evaluation — to the homeowner and to the environment — accrue only when some or all of the recommended energy efficiency retrofits are completed. The retrofit grant encourages homeowners to undertake deeper retrofits for higher energy savings by rewarding property owners based on the recommended measures they adopt.

What is the amount of the grant I can expect to receive?

The amount of your grant will depend on the improvements you make in your home from among the list of qualifying measures recommended by your Certified Advisor. To be eligible, you will need to invest a minimum of $300 in retrofits. The more you do to reduce your home's energy consumption, the more you can expect to get back in the form of a retrofit grant. The province of Ontario is providing matching funds for the ecoENERGY program, download the PDF to see the federal grant amounts available. Maximun is $10,000, average grant amount is in the $2,000 range.

How do I apply for a retrofit grant?

To receive your ecoENERGY Retrofit grant, follow these three steps:

  1. Get an ecoENERGY evaluation: Schedule an evaluation. Book on-line or contact us on-line or by phone.
  2. Get the work done: Make some or all of the recommended energy efficiency retrofits. Your advisor's report will help you plan your retrofits and tell you which projects are top priority.
  3. Reap the rewards: When you are done, call us back for another visit. Our Certified Energy Advisor will test the performance of your home, check for the recommended upgrades that you have made, and give you a new rating. The advisor will submit an application on your behalf for a cash grant based on the upgrades. The more savings measures you implement, higher the grant for which you will be eligible. You will receive a cheque in the mail directly from the federal government.

What are the eligibility criteria for a retrofit grant?

Bungalows, detached, semi-detached and row houses, and mobile homes on fixed foundations, owned or rented, are currently eligible for the grant. Apartments and most condominiums are not eligible at this time.

How can ecoENERGY Retrofit help me?

ecoENERGYA residential energy efficiency assessment under ecoENERGY measures the performance of your home and helps you make informed decisions on what improvements you can make to enhance you comfort level, reduce energy bills, and help the environment. You will also receive a grant from the federal government based on the recommendations that you adopt.

The energy assessment offers a service developed by Natural Resources Canada and/or the Government of Canada

 

Enhanced home comfort

Your home can be warm, cozy, and draft-free. The air will be cleaner and the humidity level just right. An ecoENERGY assessment can help you solve the problems that are preventing you from fully enjoying your home.

ecoENERGY Retrofit Grant

You can apply for the ecoENERGY Retrofit Grant after you have completed the pre- and post-retrofit evaluations. You may be eligible to receive up to $10,000 (average $2,000) from the federal and provincial governments.

Savings on energy bills

Making recommended retrofits in your home following an ecoENERGY evaluation can cut your heating and cooling bills by an average of 35%.

Increased property value

Energy-efficient homes sell for an average of $8,000 more than unimproved homes.

Cleaner environment

By using energy more efficiently, Canadians can reduce emissions produced through energy use and contribute to clean air, water and energy and a healthy environment for all Canadians.

Why Hearthmakers?

Hearthmakers Energy Co-operative is a not-for-profit organization based in Kingston, and has performed over 2000 residential energy evaluations under the previous federal program, EnerGuide for Houses. We have the most experienced advisors in the region, and are a full member of Green Communities Canada, the largest network of residential evaluators in Canada. Hearthmakers delivers the ecoEnergy service under an agreement with Green Communities Canada.