Canadian homeowners are thrilled about the Greener Homes Grant, and here is how you can apply for it. It is essential for homeowners interested in the grant to accurately get informed. There is a lot to learn regarding the steps of this program and it is important to understand what it entails to the full extent. To register, you must meet the eligibility criteria to claim the retrofit expenses and get a reimbursement. The government will grant the appropriate sum for renovations to homeowners’ primary residences all over Canada, regardless of where they are located.
Register and book your pre-retrofit evaluation
You can register for the initiative online or by phone. To register online, start by visiting the Canada Greener Homes Grant website and log in to your Sign-In Partner account through your bank or by using your GCKey. Quebec and Nova Scotia residents must apply directly through their provincial programs to register and schedule their EnerGuide home evaluation. Homeowners who are located in New Brunswick are recommended to register through their provincial programs to ease the process. Throughout the process, you are required to complete two home energy audits from trained professionals to qualify for the grant. It is important to complete the pre-retrofit evaluation to determine which retrofits will be most beneficial for your home.
Plan, document and complete your home retrofits
Once the EnerGuide evaluation is completed, your energy advisor will recommend the necessary retrofits for your home. This will allow you to determine which renovations are best suited for your budget and home renovation goals. Only retrofits that have been recommended and approved by your energy advisor will be eligible for reimbursement from the Greener Homes initiative. Once the appropriate paperwork has been approved, you may hire a trained solar installer to complete the necessary work.
A few things to consider before you start your home renovations:
- A licensed professional is required to install all mechanical and electrical systems, with the exception of thermostats.
- Your budget will play a crucial role in determining the retrofits you are eligible for
- Some retrofits may not be available for your home depending on the results of the energy audit
- What is your primary objective for the renovations?
Book your post-retrofit evaluation and apply for reimbursement
Your post-retrofit evaluation should be scheduled as soon as your home renovations are completed allowing you to apply for your reimbursement as early as possible. This second home evaluation will tell you how much energy you are saving from the retrofits and your reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. With this, your home energy advisor will recommend how much you qualify to receive for reimbursement. Your signed documents will be submitted to Natural Resources by your advisor within 30 days after your post-retrofit.
Receive your reimbursement
Finally, for the last step of the process, a program officer will review your file and the amount recommended for your grant. You will be prompted to confirm the amount in your portal. If you do not agree with the amount received, a program officer needs to be contacted to provide justification and your grant application can be re-evaluated.
