Now is a great time to consider upgrading your windows and doors at home. The Government of Canada recently introduced a new program “Greener Homes Loan Application” aimed at helping homeowners get access to interest-free incentives to improve their homes.
You may have heard about the Canada Greener Homes Loan. If you haven’t, you can learn all about it in our recent blog – Everything You Need to Know about the $40,000 Greener Homes Loan.
The loan allows you to receive up to $40,000 to retrofit your home to make it more efficient. It’s a great program that helps Canadians get access to funds to improve the efficiency of their homes. When your home is more efficient, it will cost less to operate – meaning energy bill costs savings for you.
In this blog, our windows professionals will provide you with tips to ensure you complete the Canada Green Homes Loan application so you can take advantage of the cost savings offered through the program.
1. Make Sure The Program Is Right For Your Needs
While the Canada Greener Homes loan program offers a great incentive, it is not for everyone. So, before you start planning your project, it’s important to make sure qualify under the program. There are certain situations where you will not qualify. They include:
- You are a landlord and rent your property
- You are a renter. You need to be a homeowner
- You have already completed retrofits to your home. To qualify, you first need to complete an EnerGuide home evaluation
- Your home is too new. You will not qualify if your home was built within the last 6 months. You can qualify if it’s over 6 months old.
- You currently do not live in the home. For example, you may be renovating before making it your main residence.
You can check your eligibility for the Canadian Greener Homes Grant here. Simply answer the questions about your current situation to see if you are a candidate for funding through the program.
Your timeline to complete your project is also an important factor to think about. The Greener Homes Grant can take some time to process. So, if you are looking to complete a project imminently, this may not be ideal for you. The program states:
“The Canada Greener Homes Grant Initiative process takes time as it consists of several steps, including application review and confirmation of eligibility, pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluations, and payment processing. Timelines may vary due to the high interest in the Canada Greener Homes Grant Initiative.”
So, be ready to wait sometime before starting your project. The sooner you get your application in and the more accurate you are, the quicker it will be approached, and you can get started.
2. Be Clear About What Retrofits Are And Are Not Included In the Program
Not all types of renovations are approved as part of the program. The focus is on retrofits that will make your home more energy efficient. So, it focuses on the systems that parts of your home where efficiency issues could arise, such as your windows and doors. Make sure you review the program list of approved projects before you apply. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you are counting on the money only to realize you do not have an approved project. Here is a list of the types of projects that are approved under the program:
- Home insulation – adding or topping up insulation in your roof and exterior walls
- Air-sealing – finding air leaks and sealing them
- Windows and doors – repairs and replacements of older windows and doors
- Space and water heating – replacing older and less efficient systems
- Renewable energy (e.g., solar panels) – adding new renewable energy systems to your home
- Resiliency measures (e.g., moisture-proofing or roofing membrane) – Updating your home to make it more secure and sealed against outside weather
3. Thoroughly Complete The Application Process
This is an important tip that often gets overlooked. It’s important for all homeowners to thoroughly complete all steps in the application process.
One of the common mistakes people is not applying for the Canada Greener Homes Grant first. As part of this application, you are required to apply for the Canada Greener Homes Grant first.
When filling out the application, make sure you provide accurate and honest information. This will help ensure that you qualify and receive the correct loan amount based on the work you want to complete on your home.
Get A Free Estimate For Upgraded Windows and Doors
Is now the time to invest in new windows and doors? Call us at 1-888-837-6569 for a free in-home estimate. Our consultants will come to your home to assess your windows and doors. We’ll recommend a repair or replacement based on the current condition. Start by looking at our vinyl window collection. Check out our summer special for even more savings!
Take Advantage of our Summer Savings Special
The summer of 2022 is a great time to take advantage of savings for EcoTech customers. We have some great deals for homeowners to help them save money while making their homes more efficient. Get a FREE upgrade to triple pane windows OR we pay the tax, and you don’t pay until 2023.
Plus, we offer financing from as low as $20 per month. AND you will get up to 1,000 AIR MILES Reward Miles with a window purchase!
Read More About Energy Efficient Windows & Doors On Our Blog
Everything You Need to Know about the $40,000 Greener Homes Loan
How Energy Efficient Windows Keep the Heat Out During the Hot Summer Months
What is the True Cost of Replacement Windows in 2022 with Inflation in Ontario Considered
5 Reasons Why Upgraded Windows & Doors are a Great Investment in 2022
