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Home Energy Retrofit Program
Home Energy Retrofit
Bulletin (Updated January 25, 2008):
The first set of rebate cheques under the Home Energy Audit and Home Energy Retrofit Program have been mailed.
Over 25,000 Ontarians have participated in one or both of the programs, and our highest priority is to process these rebates as quickly as we can.
If you haven’t received your rebate yet, it should arrive shortly.
Thank you for your patience.
Click here to read Minister Gerry Phillips' letter regarding Home Retrofit Rebates.
To help homeowners save energy, save money and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Ontario government has created the Ontario Home Energy Retrofit Program. The program provides homeowners with grants of up to $5,000 for home energy improvements.
How to Apply
The following information explains how the program works and how you can begin to help Ontario build a culture of conservation and a healthier environment:
For general information about the program call the Ministry’s 1-888-668-4636 INFO hotline.
To apply to the program follow the steps below:
- Step 1 : Visit the Natural Resources Canada site to get a list of licensed home auditors (energy advisors) in your community. Enter the first three digits of your postal code or your province/territory to find an energy advisor near you.
- Step 2 : Get quotes from several licensed home auditors and book the audit. The auditor will provide a thorough basement to attic assessment of the home’s energy use and will provide a written report on ways to save energy and information on grant amounts available for various measures.
- Step 3 : The report is submitted by the auditor to Natural Resources Canada and on notification that a qualifying audit has been completed, Ontario reimburses the homeowner 50 per cent of the cost of this first audit up to $150. The homeowner has up to 18 months to complete work on the recommendations.
Examples of possible measures include installing a solar-powered domestic water heating system, installing a high-efficiency gas furnace or replacing an old central air conditioner with an Energy Star model. - Step 4 : When work is completed, contact your licensed auditor to book a verification audit. The auditor returns and verifies which of the recommended measures have been installed and measures the efficiency improvement in the home. There may be a cost for this audit, which must be covered by the homeowner.
The auditor completes the paperwork to apply for the grants and submits it on behalf of the homeowner.
The maximum grant is $5,000 for a home from the province, and $5,000 from Natural Resources Canada.
Ontario reimburses the homeowner based on the measures undertaken and the rebate amount allowed for each component. Natural Resources Canada also provides reimbursement for the measures covered under its program.
The homeowner may also apply to programs offered by the Ontario Power Authority or their gas utility for other incentives that may be offered to further reduce the costs.
Also, for renewable energy installations, the province has extended the PST rebate to January 1, 2010, which can provide additional savings.
If you have additional questions on the program call the Ministry’s 1-888-668-4636 INFO hotline.
For a complete list of retrofit measures covered by the program please see our FAQs, question #19
Some Examples of Retrofit Measures, Estimated Costs and Rebates
The following are three examples of retrofits covered by the program, including the estimated costs, rebates to consumers, representative energy savings calculations, and the estimated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions per year.
A) Installing a New Solar Powered Hot Water System
The following are the estimated costs and rebates for installing a solar powered water system:
Estimated Costs
- Solar water system: $5,000 - $6,000
- Home energy audits: $300 - $600
Rebates
- Ontario home energy audit rebate: $150 ( Ontario pays 50 per cent of cost, up to $150)
- Ontario rebate: $500
- Federal rebate: $500
- Ontario PST rebate: Homeowners may be eligible for Ontario PST rebate on their renewable installations where applicable. For more information, please visit http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/refund/index.html or call the Retail Sales Tax Refund hotline at 1800-615-2757.
Total rebates : $1150
A typical family of four will also save approximately 2700 kWh or $325 per year by supplementing their electric water heater with a solar water heater. If the solar water heater is supplementing a gas water heater, the savings would be $200 per year.
Annual estimated GHG reductions would be 600 kg if replacing an electric water heater, or 760 kg if replacing a gas water heater.
B) Installing a high-efficiency furnace with a high-efficiency fan motor (to replace a 20-year old gas furnace)
The following are the estimated costs and rebates for installing a high-efficiency furnace and motor.:
Estimated Costs
- High efficiency furnace: $4000
- Home energy audits: $300 - $600
Rebates
- Ontario home energy audit rebate: $150
- Ontario rebate: $500
- Federal rebate: $500
- Ontario Power Authority rebate: $250*
- Enbridge rebate: $100*
* The Ontario Power Authority’s Cool Savings Rebate program is valid until the end of 2007. The rebate offered by Enbridge is valid until March 31, 2008. Please contact OPA and Enbridge for more information.
Total rebates : $1500
A typical family of four will also save approximately $330 per year (470 cubic meters of gas and 800 kWh of electricity).
Annual estimated greenhouse gas emissions reductions would be 1070 kg for replacing an older furnace with a high-efficiency furnace.
C) Replacing old central air system (10–15 years old) with an Energy Star central air system
The following are the estimated costs and rebates for installing an Energy Star central air system:
Estimated Costs
- Energy Star central air conditioner: $3000
- Home energy audits: $300 - $600
Rebates
- Ontario home energy audit rebate: $150
- Ontario rebate: $200
- Ontario Power Authority rebate: $350*
- Federal rebate: $200
*The Ontario Power Authority’s Cool Savings Rebate program is valid until the end of 2007. For more information, please refer to the OPA directly.
Total rebates : $900
A typical family of four will also save approximately $40 per year (350 kWh of electricity).
Annual estimated greenhouse gas emissions reductions would be 75 kg for replacing an old air conditioner with a new Energy Star air conditioner.
Other Grant Programs
Federal Incentives
For information on federal retrofit grants visit Natural Resources Canada or call toll-free 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232) or 1 800 926-9105 for the hearing impaired.
Ontario Power Authority Incentives
For information on Ontario Power Authority retrofit grants visit the OPA website or call their Conservation Information Line at 877-797-9473 or toll free at 1-800-797-9604
Utility or Gas Company Incentives
For information please contact your local gas utility.
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