Do you want to make your home energy-efficient and reduce your energy costs? The Canada Greener Homes Grant is what you need.
The federal government launched the Canada Greener Homes Grant program to reduce the country’s high cost of home upgrades.
This is in line with the government’s efforts to achieve its 2030 climate change target and net-zero emissions by 2050 in a country where buildings, including homes, constitute 18% of greenhouse gas emissions.
But what is the Canada Greener Homes Grants program all about? Who qualifies for the program? How much can you receive? How do you apply for the program?
Continue reading to find answers to these questions and more.
What is the Canada Greener Homes Grants Program?
The Canada Greener Homes Grant is a program administered by the federal government to help reduce the cost of upgrading homes in Canada.
Furthermore, the program aims at creating additional job opportunities for energy advisors while fighting climate change and expanding the green supply chains in the country.
That said, you can receive up to $5,600 tax-free payment under the Canada Greener Homes Grants program for the costs of energy-efficient renovations, expert advice and EnerGuide home evaluations.
Offered through the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the program aims to provide 700,000 grants to eligible Canadians within the scope of 7 years.
So as you continue reading, you will learn more about the Canada Greener Homes Grant program and whether you’re eligible or not.
How Does the Canada Greener Homes Grant Work?
The Canadian Greener Homes Grant program reduces the cost of upgrading homes in Canada so as to improve insulation.
Thus, the grants cover the costs of energy-efficient renovations, expert advice and EnerGuide home evaluations.
So for the cost of pre and post-renovation EnerGuide evaluations, eligible homeowners can receive up to $600.
The pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation seeks to identify where home inefficiency exists and how to make it more energy-efficient.
Once the EnerGuide pre-retrofit evaluation is done, you will be notified about the type of retrofits that will be reliable at increasing your home’s efficiency.
Following that, you can begin your retrofitting process, applying the retrofit recommended in the pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation.
Subsequently, you will arrange your post-retrofit evaluation to determine the improvement in emissions and the cost of your retrofits.
Furthermore, the Canadian Greener Homes Grant program aims at increasing recruitment, training and jobs for energy advisors for the whole country.
However, special attention will be given to underrepresented people and underserviced areas.
What is Covered By Green Homes Grant Canada?
As mentioned previously, the Canadian Greener Homes Grant program covers the costs of energy-efficient renovations, expert advice and EnerGuide home evaluations. The coverage is as follows:
- Maximum of $5,000 for energy-efficient renovations.
- Maximum of $600 for expert advice and EnerGuide home evaluations.
- Improving recruitment, training and job opportunities for EnerGuide energy advisors.
Overall, you can receive up to $5,600 for your home upgrade under the Canadian Greener Homes Grant program.
Who is Eligible for the Green Homes Grant?
Once you’re a homeowner, regardless of your location, you can join the Canadian Greener Homes Grants program. But to qualify for the program, you must:
- Submit evidence of homeownership using your property tax bill number
- Prove that the home is your primary residence using your government-issued ID or driver’s license.
However, only one person per home is allowed to register.
That said, the following groups are also qualified to register for the grant:
- Land claim organizations, band councils or other indigenous governments or organization
- Indigenous service delivery organizations or housing management bodies with formal partnerships with Indigenous organizations or governments.
However, the groups can register multiple houses, including those that are not their primary residence. However, the applicant must own the registered home which indigenous households must occupy.
What Property Types are Eligible for the Canada Greener Homes Grant?
Not all property types are eligible for the Canada Greener Homes Grant program. This means your property must be eligible to receive the grant.
So what are the eligible property types? The following are types of property eligible for the grant:
- Single and semi-detached houses
- Townhomes
- Row housing
- Permanent foundation mobile homes
- All-season cottages
- Residential mixed-use buildings
- Permanently-moored floating homes
- Small multi-unit residential building
Note: The small multi-unit residential property must not be above three storeys with more than 600m2 footprint. Read more requirements for this type of property.
That said, new homes that are six months or less of occupancy by the initial homeowner are not qualified for the Canada Greener Homes Grant program.
What are the Eligible Retrofits for Greener Homes Grant?
Like property type, not all home retrofits are eligible for reimbursement. Below is a highlight of the eligible retrofits and the maximum amounts.
| Retrofit | For | Maximum Amount |
| Home Insulation | Upgrading eligible crawl space insulation, attic/ceiling insulation, basement insulation, exterior wall insulation, foundation or exposed floor. | $5,000 |
| Replacement Windows and doors | Replacing your windows and glass doors using ENERGY STAR® products | $5,000 |
| Home Air-Sealing | Improving your home air-tightness | $1,000 |
| Heat Pumps | Reducing your carbon footprint and your utility bill. | $5,000 |
| Photovoltaic Solar Panels
| Converting sunlight energy into electricity by installing photovoltaic solar panels | $5,000 |
| Smart Thermostats | Reducing your energy bill with a smart thermostat. | $50 |
| Resiliency Measures | Protecting your home against environmental damages | $2,625 |
Note: It is mandatory to purchase all products in Canada.
Canadian Government Grants Home Improvements 2021
Depending on your choice, you can use the Canadian government grants for home improvements in 2021 by hiring a contractor by doing it yourself.
1. Hiring a Contractor
You can hire a contractor to do the work for you. This may be preferable because a contractor knows the local bylaws and can comply with federal, provincial, territorial and municipal laws.
However, not all contractors are the same. Before you choose a contractor, ask them the following questions:
- Can you provide evidence of your license to install a given product?
- Can I contact your references?
- Will the project adhere to all building guidelines?
- Will the project require utility or building permits?
- Are all the products you recommended in line with all applicable laws and guidelines?
- How long have you been installing these products, and what challenges have you encountered?
- How will you protect my family and home during and after the project?
2. Doing it Yourself
However, if you can do the work yourself, ensure you adhere to the following health and safety tips:
- Adhere to the manufacturers’ guidelines of all tools and products you will use.
- Ensure you purchase and install only eligible products.
- Use protective dress and equipment.
- Don’t let dust or debris contaminate your family and home.
- Be careful of areas that may be contaminated with lead, mould, vermin, asbestos, and other harmful materials.
4 Things to Consider Before Applying the Canada Greener Homes Grants Program 2021
Before Applying for the Canada Greener Homes Grants Program 2021, here are four essential things you should know:
1. Professional Installations
A licensed and trained professional must install any mechanical or electrical equipment, aside from thermostats.
That said, obtaining proof of their eligibility to install the equipment is a requirement for reimbursement before starting your retrofits.
Additionally, you might have to select one qualified product to install in your home before you can receive reimbursement for some retrofits.
2. Build Envelope Measures
Every element in your home affects one another. This ranges from roof, walls, ventilation, cooling and heating systems, the occupants’ activities and the external environment.
Thus, the interaction of these elements determines the overall performance of your home. This is why it’s advised you build envelope measures before starting your retrofit.
As a result, you can figure out the best energy-efficient retrofits that suit your home.
3. Retrofit Objective
What is your retrofit objective? Are you primarily concerned with saving energy bills, improving your comfort, improving the environment? or both?
Thus, your retrofit objective will help you make a retrofit that suits your needs. As a result, you should set your retrofit objective before starting your retrofit.
4. Budget & Loan
Finally, it’s essential to consider your budget before starting your retrofit. How much you want to invest will determine the type of retrofit you will make.
If you’re on a low budget, you can obtain up to a $40,000 interest-free loan from this program to fund your retrofit.
However, the loan part of the program is not yet available, but you can subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on when it will kickstart.
How Do I Apply for a Canada Greener Grant?
Applying for the Canada Greener Homes Grants program takes just four steps. These are:
Step 1: Register
The first step of applying to the Canada Greener Homes Grant program is registering online or by phone.
To register online, all you need is to log in to your Partner account or your GCKey.
Also, you can register for the program by calling 1-855-438-1102, TTY 1-855-438-1103.
But to complete the registration, you will be required to provide your:
- Name
- Phone number
- Address of your primary residence
- Type of house
- Evidence of residence using your government issued ID or driver’s license
- Evidence of homeownership using your property tax bill number
However, if you’re a resident of Quebec, you should apply through the Rénoclimat Quebec. But if you’re a resident of Nova Scotia, you should apply through the Home Energy Assessment Nova Scotia.
Furthermore, New Brunswick residents are to apply via their provincial programs.
Step 2: Book Your Pre and Post-Retrofit EnerGuide Evaluation
The second step of the application involves completing the pre and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations.
After completing the first step of the application, you should select a service organization in your area by searching through your postal code.
Following that, you will request for evaluation, upon which an energy advisor will contact you to schedule your pre-retrofit evaluation appointment.
That said, the pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation is all about expert suggestions on the type of retrofits that suit your home.
So at the end of the pre-retrofit evaluation, your energy advisor will offer you:
- Home rating and label based on EnerGuide.
- Renovation Upgrade Report and Homeowner Information Sheet plus tailored suggestions on improving the energy performance of your home.
On the other hand, the post-retrofit evaluation measures the level of greenhouse gas emissions reduction and energy saved through retrofits. This will be provided after the work completion.
Step 3: Upload all Documents Online
The next is to upload the following documents in order to verify your eligible retrofits and be appropriately reimbursed:
- Pre and post-retrofit receipts for EnerGuide evaluations.
- Invoices and receipts for all products purchased plus installation expenses
If applicable for your retrofit, you may be required to provide an attestation form to prove the:
- Complete installation of any mechanical or electrical equipment by a trained and licensed professional.
- CSA-based installation of geothermal systems.
- Sizing of the heat pump to your entire home.
That said, the before and after photos are to be uploaded by your energy advisor.
However, you must store all your document copies until March 31, 2028.
Step 4: Receive Your Reimbursement
Finally, you’ll be notified to confirm your grant total through the portal once your profile has been reviewed and recommended a grant amount.
However, if you’re not okay with the total amount and explanation, your application will be reassessed once you provide a convincing reason.
Note: First come, first served is the procedure for processing applications.
Additional Greener Homes Initiative in Canada
Besides the Canada greener homes grants program, eligible homeowners can also enjoy other Greener Homes Initiative in Canada.
So if you’re not eligible for the greener home grant or want to advance your home energy upgrade, you can apply for the forthcoming loan program.
Through this program, you can receive up to $40,000 tax-free loan to improve your home.
The loan program aims to help many Canadians save more on their energy bills while making their homes energy-efficient.
Although the loan program is not yet available, you can register to receive updates when it kick starts.
Final Thoughts on the Greener Home Gant
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change can be accomplished by improving your home’s energy efficiency.
By retrofitting your home, you can contribute to achieving Canada’s 2030 climate change target as well as its 2050 target for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
So what are you waiting for? Initiate your application today to be among the lucky Canadians to benefit from the Canada Greener Homes Grants program.
However, if you need additional help in the process of claiming your greener home grant, don’t hesitate to contact me or drop your concerns in the comment section.
