The Great Rebate Race

Published on May 21, 2019

Cover your ears and keep your eyes glued to the track, because the Great Rebate Race is about to begin! There are five different rebate programs lined up, and they are all racing towards one goal: your attention. Although each rebate program has its specified use, it is worth looking over each of the programs to get an idea of what they are all about. In general, rebates are available for Ontario residents who upgrade their home for energy efficiency and reduce their energy use.

Here at BSG, we are happy to see so many rebate programs making it more affordable for Ontario residents to improve the quality of their living space. If you have any questions about the available rebate programs, or if you would like help determining your eligibility for any of the rebates we have listed, please contact us at 1-866-333-3920 or fill out a contact form on our website.

In the First Lane: Home Efficiency Rebates

Representing all of Ontario in lane # 1 is the Home Efficiency Rebate program (HER). This rebate program has a strong chance of taking home the prize today, as it boasts up to $5,000 in home reno rebates for homeowners who improve their home’s energy efficiency. The HER program is available to any Ontario homeowner who is a customer of either Union Gas or Enbridge Gas.

In order to qualify, it requires two home energy audits (aka energy assessments)to be conducted by a certified service organization - such as Barrier Sciences Group. A home energy audit must be conducted both before any renovations have started and after the renovations have finished. The first energy audit allows you to see which eligible upgrades are the most cost-effective for your home, and the second energy audit illustrates how effective your upgrades already are - and where you could go from there.

Through the HER program, home reno rebates are available for: insulation and airtightness improvements, window/door replacements, and even for furnace and boiler upgrades. It also includes a rebate to help cover the cost of the two energy audits that are needed to qualify.

The HER program is likely to be this year’s crowd favourite for a couple of reasons. Most notably is the $250 bonus for every eligible upgrade that is performed after the first two, and the new $2000 rebate that is available for homeowners who insulate their entire home to have an R-Value of at least R-20. The Home Efficiency Rebate program makes it more affordable for Ontario homeowners to reduce their home’s energy use, lower their monthly utility payments, and see quicker returns on their investment.

To get started with the application process for the HER program, and to show your support for it in the Great Rebate Race, contact us nowand schedule a time for a home energy assessmentof your very own.

Lane # 2: The Green Home Premium Refund from CMHC

In the second lane of the Great Rebate Race is the Green Home Premium Refundfrom the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation. This refund program is shaping up to be a strong contender in today’s race, as it offers homeowners a refund on the cost of their mortgage loan insurance of up to 25 percent. The Green Home Premium Refund is available for any Ontario resident who is financed through the CMHC, and is building, buying, or even renovating their home for energy efficiency.

As is required with most rebate programs in the Great Rebate Race, a home energy auditfrom a certified service organization is part of the application process. A home energy audit unlocks a number of different pathways for energy efficient home renovations, and is a crucial part of many rebate programs. No matter which rebate program(s) win the race of your attention, it is always beneficial to start off with the help and guidance of a registered energy advisor, and to have them conduct a home energy audit to illustrate which home renovations could be most cost-effectively targeted.

Representing Toronto in Lane #3: The Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)

Toronto homeowners, take extra notice to the rebate in lane # 3, as it not only represents Toronto, but it offers a unique low-interest loan for homeowners to improve their home’s energy efficiency. Available in 5, 10, and 15 year fixed-interest terms, up to $75,000 can be borrowed to make home renovations that reduce energy use, such as: airtightness upgrades, attic insulation improvements, furnace replacements, and others.

The uniqueness of the Home Energy Loan Programcomes from the fact that the payments do not follow the homeowner if they decide to sell the home before the loan’s term has completed. Instead, the new homebuyer takes on the remaining loan, and will also have the advantage of moving into a place that has already been improved for the sake of energy efficiency. It can also be paid off at anytime without penalty, helping make it a frontrunner for Torontonians in the Great Rebate Race.

The Home Energy Loan Program also requires an energy audit to qualify - contact BSG now and schedule a time for your’s today!

In Lane # 4: The AffordAbility Fund of Ontario

Over in lane # 4 we have the AffordAbility Fund of Ontario, and it is representing all Ontario residents who are burdened by their electricity bill. The AffordAbility Fund is a program that provides government aid to anyone in Ontario who is having trouble paying the bill for their electricity usage. This means that homeowners, renters, and those who live in social or assisted living spaces can all apply. Through this program, financial assistance is provided to help reduce household energy consumption, and involves making improvements such as: upgrading lights to LEDs, adding weatherstripping and insulation, and replacing inefficient appliances with more energy efficient models.

The AffordAbility Fund’s website has a handy tool to check how much assistance you could qualify for, and only requires your household’s average yearly income and monthly electricity bill to get started. For certain Ontario residents who qualify, the AffordAbility Fund will cover all costs involved with the upgrades.

Who is the Winner of the Great Rebate Race?

You are! With so many different rebate programs all racing towards the goal of your attention, the only downside is that it can be difficult to choose between them. However, with the assistance of one BSG’s registered energy advisors, and with the information included in a home energy audit, you can clearly see which rebate programs you not only qualify for, but also which programs will allow you to make the most improvements to your home for the lowest upfront investment.

Contact BSG today and you can take the first steps towards applying for rebates that help you live in a more comfortable, affordable, and eco-friendly home.