EcoEnergy FAQ

Grants under ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes

1. What is the ecoENERGY Retrofit program?

   On January 21, 2007, the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, announced the $220-million ecoENERGY Retrofit program to be launched on April 1, 2007. ecoENERGY Retrofit offers incentives for energy efficiency improvements in homes as well as in small and medium-sized organizations in the institutional, commercial and industrial sectors.

   ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes is designed to help homeowners and owners of existing low-rise properties make smart energy retrofit decisions that will result in significant energy savings and a cleaner environment. The first step in participating in ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes is to call for a professional energy assessment provided by an energy advisor licensed by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). The advisor will perform a pre-retrofit assessment of the home and provide you with your own personalized action checklist of upgrades that will reduce your energy consumption. Find an energy advisor near you.

2. How much can homeowners expect to save in terms of annual energy use and greenhouse gas emissions?

   The average grant is expected to yield reductions in energy use of approximately 30 percent and greenhouse gas emission reductions of approximately 4 tonnes per house. By implementing the energy retrofit recommendations, a typical homeowner could save $700 a year on a $2,000 annual heating bill.

3. What types of properties are eligible for a grant?

   ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes offers grants to owners of low-rise residential properties defined as dwellings under Parts 2 and 9 of the National Building Code of Canada. These include single detached and attached homes (e.g. row housing, duplexes and triplexes), small multi-unit residential buildings including some small apartment buildings of three storeys or less built on a maximum footprint area of 600 square metres or less, and mobile homes on a permanent foundation.

4. Do existing homes and multiple unit residential buildings of any age qualify under the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program?

   ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes is designed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Canada's existing housing stock. Thus the only restriction on the age of a house is that it must not be a newly built home that has been occupied for less than six months. After a newly built home has been occupied for more than six months, there is no limit to how old a home can be to qualify for the ecoENERGY Retrofit incentive. However, houses built before 1985 will benefit the most because they have the potential for more significant energy improvements.

5. I recently built (or am building) a house. Am I eligible for a grant?

   ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes does not apply to new construction. A house is considered new construction up to six months after the builder has transferred the house to the homeowner. When a home is built by the owner, it is considered new up to six months following occupancy. You will find information about the Government of Canada’s initiatives for newly built homes at www.newhomes.gc.ca .

6. Is the Retrofit grant taxable?

   No

7. I received a grant under the old EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Incentive. Am I eligible to receive another under the new program?

   Yes, but only for additional work performed on your home. You will not be eligible for a grant under the new program for the same upgrades covered by the first grant. However, you may apply to ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes if you have completed further energy efficiency retrofits.

8. Does the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program include new retrofit measures and incentives that were not part of the old EnerGuide for Houses initiative?

   Yes, new measures that reduce energy consumption and provide for a cleaner environment have been added. Newly eligible retrofits include the replacement of your cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR® qualified models, the installation of solar hot water heaters, water-saving toilets and grey water heat-recovery systems. These are just a few of the possible upgrades that are covered.

9. Are the grants based on how much I spend for upgrades?

   No. The grant is based on the individual upgrades completed. A flat incentive amount has been calculated for each qualifying upgrade, and the upgrades that save the most energy have the highest value. The potential grant is calculated by adding the total incentive amounts of the upgrades recommended in the Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report's action checklist that is presented by your energy advisor. This makes it easier for you to decide which renovations you want to carry out from the action checklist and in which order you would like to complete them. The grant is based on the total amounts for those retrofits you have completed.

10. Can I do the work myself and receive a grant?

    Yes, provided that you receive a pre-retrofit energy assessment by a qualified energy advisor. To receive a grant, you must obtain a post-retrofit assessment after the upgrades have been carried out. It is important that you keep a copy of the invoices for the materials purchased for the upgrades as you may be asked to submit a copy to NRCan. Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that they obtain all necessary permits and meet all municipal and provincial requirements.

11. I understand there are similar financial assistance programs in my province based on ecoENERGY Retrofit. Am I eligible for both the federal and provincial programs?

    Yes.

12. I already received a provincial grant not matched by EnerGuide for Houses. Am I eligible to claim an ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes grant?

    No, not for the same work. You can apply for additional work.

13. How do I get started? And how will I know which upgrades qualify and how much of a grant I will be entitled to?

    Your first step is to consider if you are ready to invest in renovations that will save energy and money. Once you are ready, contact a licensed service organization to book an appointment for your energy assessment. Although all renovations started prior to obtaining a pre-retrofit energy assessment are not eligible for a grant, the home must be in such a state that the energy advisor can assess the building to make recommendations for improvement.

    A grant depends on individual upgrades completed. The Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report provided by your advisor following your pre-retrofit assessment includes a personalized list of upgrades and the grant amounts you can expect to receive should you carry out the recommended home improvements. In addition, the report will indicate the relative impact the upgrades will have on the home's energy efficiency level.

    The average grant for a single property is expected to be over $1,000. The maximum grant available for one home or multi-unit residential building is $5,000. Property owners of multiple residential buildings are eligible for up to $500,000 over the life of the program ending March 31, 2011.

14. Do I get an energy rating of my house?

    Yes. In addition to the personalized action checklist that is used to calculate the grant, the energy advisor provides the homeowner with an EnerGuide rating and label for the house, before and after renovations. This information is also made available to participating provincial partners that also use the EnerGuide rating system within their programs. Any personal information that owners provide is protected under the federal Privacy Act.

15. When can I apply for the grant?

    With the launch of the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program effective April 1, 2007, applications can now be accepted.

16. How does the grant application process work?

    The energy advisor submits an electronic data file to NRCan that includes the results of the post-retrofit assessment once it is completed. The advisor completes a grant application form on behalf of the homeowner, presents it for his/her signature, then once approved, submits it to NRCan for processing. A copy of the application form remains with the homeowner, who can expect a cheque in the mail within 60 days from the time the application is received by NRCan.

17. Where can I find a service organization that can provide energy assessments?

    A full list of licensed service organizations is available on our Contact an Energy Advisor Web page.

18. What happens if the service organization that performs my first (pre-retrofit) energy assessment ceases to deliver the service?

    The service organization that performs your first assessment submits your electronic file to NRCan within 30 days from the date of service. If during the 18-month period after you have received this service the organization ceases to deliver and you have gone ahead with and completed the recommended upgrades, you could then:

    • 1) call another service organization; and
    • 2) provide them with your file number, your name and address as it appeared on the previous report along with your phone number.

    NRCan would then supply this service organization with your electronic file so that you can schedule your follow-up energy assessment.

19. Do you want to become an NRCan-licensed service organization and participate in a Request for Proposal (RFP) process?

    Join our roster of NRCan-licensed energy advisors and help your fellow Canadians reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced through energy use. You will also help to contribute to clean air, water, energy and healthy indoor environments. Current RFPs are posted.

20. I am a professional renovator. Can I deliver the energy assessment service as well as provide my renovation services to my customers?

    Unlike the EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Incentive, NRCan now permits qualified renovators to obtain a licence to provide the energy assessment service. This change is intended to offer the homeowner a faster service. Of course, it is always at the discretion of the homeowner to make the decision about who will perform the upgrades, and renovators must meet the same stringent requirements as independent service organizations.

21. How much time do homeowners have to complete the work?

    Starting from the time you receive your pre-retrofit energy assessment, you have 18 months to complete the upgrades selected from the Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report's action checklist and obtain your post-retrofit assessment.

    If you are a property owner of Aboriginal housing that meets the eligibility criteria, the 18-month time limit is waived in the event of possible delays in getting the necessary materials to the site and in obtaining approvals.

22. I already started my renovations, can I still apply for a grant?

    Unfortunately, all renovations started prior to obtaining a pre-retrofit energy assessment are not eligible for a grant. All energy-related renovations undertaken thereafter are eligible as long as they are listed in the Eligible Improvements / Retrofits table. The only exception is that of a furnace as outlined in the following question.

23. My furnace broke. I replaced it before I scheduled a pre-retrofit assessment. Can I still apply for a grant?

    Effective May 15, 2008, emergency furnace replacements will no longer qualify for a grant. Homeowners must have an ecoENERGY pre-retrofit evaluation performed before they replace or install anything, including heating equipment, if they want that upgrade work to be eligible for a grant.

24. My air conditioning system broke. Can I apply?

    If your window or central air conditioning system breaks, a pre-retrofit evaluation must be performed BEFORE replacing it in order to be eligible for a grant for the air conditioner. It is recommended that you consider additional retrofits that could improve your home's energy efficiency BEFORE you schedule a pre-retrofit evaluation since the energy assessment in not meant to replace air conditioners.

    ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes is designed to support homeowners who take steps to reduce their energy consumption which in turn helps to reduce greenhouse gases. By simply replacing a cooling system without considering and undertaking any other energy-saving measures, the value of the incentive or grant may not be sufficient to justify both pre- and post-retrofit evaluations.

25. Are mobile homes eligible?

    Yes, mobile homes can participate in the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program provided that they are situated on a permanent foundation and that the property tax roll is in the name of the homeowner.

26. Does municipal housing also qualify?

    The homes held by municipal social housing agencies can also participate in the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program. Agencies with multiple residential buildings that meet the requirements are eligible for up to $500,000 over the life of the four-year program ending March 31, 2011.

27. I rent a house, can I participate?

    Yes, any rental property that meets the eligibility criteria can participate. Note: It is the property owner who is eligible for the grant; therefore, we suggest that you speak with your landlord.

28. Is Aboriginal housing eligible under the program?

    Yes. First Nation, Band Council and Tribal Council housing is eligible under the program. The maximum grant available for one home or multi-unit residential building is $5,000. Owners of multiple residential buildings are eligible for up to $500,000 over the life of the four-year program ending March 31, 2011.

29. Why is a high-rise condominium property excluded from the program?

    The reason for excluding larger buildings from ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes is that, because of their construction, these buildings perform very differently than low-rise buildings and the energy assessment protocols must vary accordingly. The main differences in conducting an energy assessment in a high-rise are the size, complexity and type of the heating, hot water and ventilation systems. They also have common areas and services (such as elevators) and construction details (such as depressurization zones for fire control).

30. I live in a town home and have a condominium corporation, am I eligible to participate?

    Yes, all low-rise condominium properties that meet the requirements of the eligibility criteria (see answer #2) are eligible. Therefore, you and your co-owners can participate in the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program.

31. Is co-op housing eligible?

    Co-op housing is a type of ownership and not a building type. If the building meets the eligibility criteria (see answer #3), you and your co-owners are eligible to participate.

32. I own rental properties, are these eligible?

    Yes, both single family homes and multiple-unit low-rise residential buildings held by rental property owners are eligible under the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program provided that they meet the eligibility criteria. Owners of multiple residential buildings are eligible to receive up to $500,000 over the life of the program ending March 31, 2011.

33. I am not a Canadian citizen, but I own rental properties in Canada. Can I participate and receive a grant?

    Yes, property owners who are not Canadians citizens can participate in the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program. The property must meet the eligibility criteria and the grant cheque must be mailed to a Canadian location. Owners of multiple residential buildings are eligible for up to $500,000 over the life of the program ending March 31, 2011.

34. I own a cottage / four-season recreational property, is this eligible?

    No. Recreational properties are not eligible under ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes.

35. What are the requirements for low-flush toilets and how can I find the list of qualified products?

    Eligible low-flush or dual-flush models must be:

    1. rated at 6 litres per flush or less
    2. meet the Los Angeles Supplementary Purchase Specification (shown as SPS on the list); and
    3. have a flush performance of 350 grams or more.

    Here's how you can search for a list of qualified products:

    1. Visit: www.veritec.ca
    2. Select the “Reports” button
    3. Select the most recent edition of the MaP report (MaP Report 10th Edition version was the most recent version in July 2007)
    4. Download the report
    5. Go to the appendix with the list of toilets sorted by performance
    6. Look for SPS and ≥ 350 g

    Important: Homeowners must keep proof of the make and model number to ensure compliance and show this to the Advisor at the time of the evaluation.

36. What manufacturers of Drain Water Heat Recovery Systems are eligible under ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes?

    Currently, only drain water heat recovery systems manufactured by the following companies are eligible:

    • Renewability Energy Inc. (PowerPipe)
    • Inventroment Inc. (ECO-GFX)
    • ReTherm Energy Systems Inc. (ReTherm)
    • WaterCycles Energy Recovery Inc. (Watercycle)

    The efficiencies of these systems are categorized as below:

    • Low-range efficiency models (between 30 - 42%):
      • Watercycle HX-3029 and HX-3056
      • ReTherm C3-40
      • Power Pipe R3-36
    • Mid-range efficiency models (greater than 42%):
      • ReTherm S3-60
      • PowerPipe R3-60
      • Inventroment ECO-GFX G3-40 and G3-60

    Note: Homemade systems are not eligible for the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes incentive.

37. What are the CSA standards for solar domestic hot water systems?

    The standard entitled CAN/CSA-F378-87 Solar Collectors applies to solar collectors. For solar collectors that produce heat, see “Glazed Water Heating Solar Collectors – Flat Plate Collectors” and “Glazed Water Heating Solar Collectors – Evacuated Tube Collectors” sections of the list for eligible systems.

    This link opens a new window.. Note: At a future date, system installations will have to be certified as per CAN/CSA-F379.1-88 Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems for packaged systems designed for single-family dwellings; and CAN/CSA-F383-87 Installation Code for Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems for the installation and commissioning of packaged systems for single-family dwellings.

38. What is the effective thermal resistance of foil-faced bubble insulation and other similar products recognized by NRCan to model homes?

    At this time, despite claims made by Canadian manufacturers and salespeople, and unless otherwise proven by a respected third-party testing agency against a recognized standard for the testing of such reflective materials, NRCan recommends the following effective thermal resistance maximum values for foil-faced bubble insulation products or the foil-faced portion of a laminated layer of foam or fibre-based insulation board when modeling them in the simulation software.

    • RSI 0.26 (R 1.5) where the bubble layer is between two layers of foil without air spaces in front of the foil.
    • RSI 0.53 (R 3) where the bubble layer is between two layers of foil with only one air space in front of the interior facing foil.
    • RSI 0.62 (R 3.5) where the bubble layer is between two layers of foil with air spaces in front of the foils.
    • RSI 0.62 (R 3.5) where the foil layer is between two clear layers of bubbles acting as air spaces

    NRCan does not comment on other characteristics of foil-faced bubble insulation, such as its flexibility, its air/vapour barrier characteristics or its ability to reflect solar radiation in cooling climates. The intent is to provide information on the effective insulation value accepted by NRCan for this type of product, for the purpose of modeling houses under the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program.

39. What should I look for in an earth energy system (i.e., GeoExchange™, geothermal, ground- or water-source heat pump)?

    The system must meet the CAN/CSA-C448 Design and Installation of Earth Energy Systems standard and it is also recommended that the equipment meet:

    • CAN/CSA-C13256-1-01 Water-Source Heat Pumps – Testing and Rating for Performance – Part 1: Water-to-Air and Brine-to-Air Heat Pumps or
    • CAN/CSA-C13256-2-01 Water-Source Heat Pumps – Testing and Rating for Performance – Part 2: Water-to-Water and Brine-to-Water Heat Pumps

    We strongly recommend that the design and installation be performed by professionals accredited by the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition.

    Until April 1st, 2008, the system installer must complete a "CSA 448 Design and Installation Compliance & Commissioning Report" (available from the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition), forward it to the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition and provide a copy to the homeowner. The homeowner must then show this copy to the energy advisor at the time of the post-retrofit evaluation in order to be eligible for a grant.

    IMPORTANT:As of April 1, 2008, all eligible systems must be certified by the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition and therefore, drilled, designed and installed by professional(s) accredited by this coalition. From this date, the "GeoExchange System Certification Form" available from the Coalition will have to be used in replacement of the "CSA 448 Design and Installation Compliance & Commissioning Report".

    For more information on earth energy systems including a current list of accredited installers, designers, and drillers, please contact the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition at http://www.geo-exchange.ca . or call 514-807-7559.

40. Are rebates and incentives available for the construction of energy efficient new homes?

    There are currently no rebates or incentives being offered at the federal level. However, there are several regional rebates and incentives available for homebuyers and homebuilders. Check our list of rebates and incentives to see if any apply to you. You may also want to consider contacting Home Builder's Associations and Utilities for information on local and regional programs and incentives.

41. I own an older mobile home in a trailer park where I rent the land. I have lived in it for several years and I want to know the definition of a fixed foundation to qualify for a grant. It sits on timbers, is skirted and has never been moved.

    When the homeowner owns and occupies a mobile home but rents or leases the lot (e.g., mobile home park), the home is eligible for the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes grant, provided it is on a permanent foundation. A mobile home can be considered permanently fixed if it sits on a foundation of concrete, wood or steel (e.g., a mobile home on wood cribbing with a plywood or vinyl apron would qualify though regional requirements may negate use of aprons); it is structurally complete with entire plumbing, heating and electrical services installed and permanently connected to the appropriate electrical utility service, fuel service, sewer or septic service and water delivery system/service; and its towing apparatus and axle have been removed as per regional requirements.

    The mobile home owner must supply his or her tax roll number (municipal/provincial or territorial) as required for the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes application process.

42. Do I have to make any preparations before the energy advisor visits my home?

    The energy advisor will need access to every room in the house, in addition to the attic and any crawl spaces that may exist. Please be sure to clear the area around these access points before he or she arrives. Also ensure that the hatch or door to the attic is not sealed as accessing the attic is an important part of both the first (pre-retrofit) evaluation and the evaluation that is done once retrofits are complete. In addition, please make sure not to use any wood-heating appliances, such as fireplaces or wood stoves, at least 24 hours prior to the evaluation and clean the appliances before the evaluation.

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