As energy conservation becomes more of a concern for both government and consumers, REALTORS can better serve their clients by knowing more about heating system upgrades and government grant programs for them.
Clients who are interested in upgrading their heating systems can take advantage of the Ontario Home Energy Savings Program and the federal ecoEnergy Retrofit program which provide grants for retrofitting their homes. Homeowners can receive up to a combined maximum of $10,000 from both the provincial and federal government in grant money.
Only homes that have undergone a residential energy efficiency audit by an energy advisor certified by Natural Resources Canada will be eligible for grants under the ecoEnergy Retrofit program. So what’s involved?
Check for Leaks and Drafts: To qualify for federal grants and provincial rebates, homeowners must complete two home energy assessments: one pre-renovation and one post-renovation. Only renovations that begin after the initial assessment qualify. Renovations need to be completed by the earlier of either 18 months of receiving the pre-retrofit evaluation report or by March 31, 2011.
A typical energy audit consists of a walk-through to assess the home’s insulation, heating and cooling systems and other energy uses. The home’s ventilation, leaks and drafts are then identified using a “blower door” depressurization test. An evaluation report is produced and the advisor provides an EnerGuide rating label for the home. The energy advisor will submit the file to NRCan, who will then transfer the file to Ontario to process the audit grant cheque.
Once the audit is completed, the homeowner can choose which (or all) of the recommendations he or she wishes to implement. On completing the renovations, the homeowner should contact the energy advisor to perform the post-retrofit evaluation, and then submit the grant application. The homeowner should receive a grant cheque within 90 days of the post-retrofit evaluation.
All renovations, whether completely by the homeowner or a contractor, should be documented with receipts, photos and product literature to ensure full credit is received. After participating and completing the program, homeowners can register for another eligibility period in the program and continue with additional renovations.
Only energy advisors certified by NRCan and employed by licensed service organizations can conduct energy audits under both programs. Licensed organization can be found on the NRCan website at www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Grants Available: For a list of grants available check www.nrcan.gc.ca
Aside from the rebates (up to a maximum of $10,000), the actual savings from participating in the program depend on the home’s condition and the type of upgrades chosen. Participants typically reduce their energy use by up to 30 percent. This translates into a savings of $450 on a $1500 annual heating bill.
If you ever have any questions feel free to email me at mgillespie@kwottawa.ca
Your Real Estate Professional,
Mary-Anne
Source: Ontario Real Estate College
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Energy audits are definitely the best way to save on energy costs and retrofit any home to be more green. It is interesting to hear a realtor's take on it, and wish that more relators in the USA would encourage their clients to think about energy when looking/buying homes, and take advantage of tax credits that are available for being more energy efficient.
ReplyDeleteI think many are intimidated by having a professional who is unknown to them walk through their home and start pointing out its faults. Its much easier to do so during a home buying phase, and in my mind, should probably be a part of the home inspection process buyers pay for after signing a contingent contract.
Still, a homeowner can do a DIY audit and save money, but they won't get a check, as you say, from the government.
Nice post, thanks!
Best,
Dave Andersen
DIY Energy Audit Kits