Unlocking Canada Greener Homes Grant

Unlocking Canada Greener Homes Grant

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Unlocking Canada Greener Homes Grant: Your Comprehensive Guide to Home Retrofitting

Discover How Homesol Building Solutions Leads the Way in Saving you Energy and Money through Home Retrofitting, While Qualifying for Government Grants and Interest-Free Loans

Have you noticed that your energy bills are becoming increasingly expensive? Are you interested in reducing your environmental footprint while also saving money? If so, then home energy retrofitting may be the solution you need. Energy retrofitting is the process of upgrading your home’s energy efficiency by adding or improving insulation, upgrading heating and cooling systems, switching to more energy-efficient lighting and appliances, or installing renewable systems, like solar. In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how Homesol Building Solutions can help you unlock energy savings through home energy retrofitting while also qualifying you for the Canada Greener Homes grants of up to $5,600, and the Canada Greener Homes Loan which is an interest-free loan of up to $40,000 with a repayment term of 10 years. You might also qualify for thousands of dollars in additional provincial grants. Below is an explanation how it works and what steps to take.

Assessing the current state of energy consumption in your home

The first step in retrofitting your home is to have Homesol Building Solutions assess the current state of energy consumption in your home. Our team of professional energy advisors will provide a comprehensive energy audit that identifies the primary areas where you can improve your home’s energy efficiency, which range from envelope upgrades like insulation, window replacement and air sealing to heating system upgrades like heat pumps, all the way to renewables like solar panel installation. Based on the results of the audit, Homesol creates personalized retrofit suggestions for your home, using our advance training and the whole home approach, which outlines the most significant areas of improvement while considering safety, comfort, and your return on investment. The retrofit plan will include a list of recommended upgrades and what order you should complete them in, it will also show you how much energy ($$) you can save by implementing each upgrade.

Insulation upgrades

Generally, one of the most significant areas of improvement in home energy efficiency is insulation upgrades. Proper insulation helps keep warm air in during the winter and warm air out (or cool air in) during the summer. In fact, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the average homeowner can save 15% on heating and cooling costs by adding insulation in attics, basements, crawl spaces, and basement rim joists.

Upgrading heating and/or cooling systems

Another significant area of home energy efficiency is upgrading the heating and/or cooling systems. Many clients choose to apply for Greener Homes Canada programs and combine it with the provincial rebates to install heat pump system, including mini-splits, fully ducted air source system or even geothermal/water source heat pumps. Not only do these upgrades save energy and reduce your environmental footprint, but they can also lead to significant cost savings on your energy bills over time. In fact, you can expect to save anywhere from 30-70% per year on your heating/cooling bills when you convert from an older system to a high efficiency heat pump system.

Air Sealing

The next step in retrofitting your home for energy saving is air sealing. Every home has air leaks that lead to energy waste. Homesol Building Solutions will identify the air leaks in your home, so in your retrofit plan you can choose to seal them off using a combination of caulking, spray foam, and weatherstripping. This process is low cost and will help keep your home more comfortable and improve its overall energy efficiency. Professionals will attest that the best return-on-investment with home energy is air sealing. Our team will also be able to determine if your home is too air tight and should have additional ventilation added like a heat recovery ventilation system to improve air quality, health and comfort in your home.

Installing solar panels

Last but not least, installing solar panels will not only reduce your electrical bill, it will also increase the value of your home. More and more home buyers are prioritizing energy-efficient homes, and as such, solar panels have become a valuable asset. By installing solar panels, you are investing in your home, saving on electricity bills, and increasing your property’s value. Solar panels require very little maintenance, and since they have no moving parts, the likelihood of repairs is minimal. Many provinces now provide net metering, this removes the need for expensive batteries for energy storage. With net metering when your solar system generates more electricity than is being used your meter will run in reverse sending that additional electricity back to the main grid. You can then use those “energy credits” when your solar system is not providing enough electricity for your demand. It’s a win-win situation.

In conclusion, the Greener Homes Canada Grant provides homeowners with a fantastic opportunity to make their homes more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, while giving you significant incentive, up to $5,600 which can be combined with provincial grants in thousands of additional dollars as well. And if you want to do more deep energy retrofits or can’t afford the cost up front, we can guide you toward applying for the up to $40,000 interest-free loan. By taking advantage of these programs, you will reduce your energy bills, improve the health and comfort for your family, save money and increase the value of your home, while at the same time doing your part to combat climate change and move towards a better future. So, win-win-win-win-win!

If you are interested in making energy-efficient upgrades to your home, be sure to contact Homesol Building Solutions to provide you more information and guide you through the process.
#GoGreenWithHomesol and contact us today!

Net Zero Training by Homesol

Net Zero Training by Homesol on April 25 in Curran

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Improving the energy efficiency of existing homes is crucial to reaching Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions goals. There are over 14 million existing homes in Canada, all of which need to achieve Net Zero ready performance by 2050. Through the Canadian Homes Builder’s Association (CHBA) Net Zero Home Labelling program and their Towards Net Zero Reno Initiative, we will be advancing proven technologies and approaches to pursue net zero levels of performance in the most cost-effective ways possible, a key to making it possible for more Canadians to not only increase the comfort in their home, but also reduce their energy consumption and GHG emissions.

With support from Natural Resources Canada, the CHBA Towards Net Zero Reno Initiative is working with select Municipalities that have programs supporting deep energy retrofits to give direction to their constituents on viable pathways to upgrade existing homes to Net Zero or Net Zero Ready. The scope of this project is to support the industry in delivering 100-150 Net Zero Renovations across Canada, representing a variety of climate zones and geographical areas and to build capacity through providing Net Zero training for Renovators, Builders, Energy Advisors, relevant contractors, and municipalities, and to develop tools and processes that will allow for a scalable and cost-effective house-as-a-system approach to improving homes through the CHBA Net Zero Home Labelling Program.

Homesol Building Solutions is a Net Zero Qualified Service Organization with Net Zero Qualified Energy Advisors and Trainers. We are one of the leaders in the industry providing Net Zero training to home builders, renovators, and contractors, and have helped over 150 projects achieve Net Zero labels.

The next training session is the Advanced Building Science course (a prerequisite for the Net Zero Builder course) in Curran Ontario, 896 Elizabeth St, K0B 1C0, on the 25th of April 2023 from 8 am to 4 pm. The cost will be $400 + tax.

Contact Mark from our Ontario division to get your tickets: mark.wease@homesol.ca

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New Energy Advisor in Kitchener-Waterloo: Jason Cheng

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“I grew up in the Greater Toronto Area and studied at McGill University for my Bachelor of Science.  I started my professional career in the telecommunications sector in Montreal; providing technical support and account management for unified communication products for 8 years.  I later moved back to the GTA in 2017 and worked for Rogers Communications, also in a technical support role for residential cable services for the past 4 years.

I decided earlier this year to make a career change, more in line with my studies, passions, and interests.  I’ve always been inspired by the work of climate action leaders like David Suzuki, David Attenborough, Al Gore, Greta Thunberg, and alike. After discovering the role of an energy advisor, I started studying and passed both exams, traveled to Chicago to see the Energy Revolution exhibit at the Chicago Architecture Centre, listened to countless webinars from Efficiency Canada (Carleton University), Building Knowledge Canada, and reading publications related to our industry. Most recently, I’ve joined and volunteered time with a local climate change action group in my community and lobbied our government for more aggressive targets on emissions caps on the oil and gas industry.

In my personal time, I enjoy traveling, spending time in nature, and being active. That includes over two decades of camping experience around Ontario’s provincial parks, the Muskoka and Kawartha regions, and have been playing golf for the past 6 years. In 2016, I went backpacking across Southeast Asia for 6 months, covering Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Taiwan and I’m currently a certified advanced open-water diver with PADI with hopes to pursue further certification in the future.”

Jason will be operating out of and providing Energy Assessments to those in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. Book your Energy Assessment today to get started!

Existing Home Evaluation

Existing Home Evaluation: What to Expect

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Introduction

When you have an Energy Advisor come to do an evaluation on your home, they’re using the EnerGuide Rating System developed by Natural Resources Canada, which is an essential part of energy efficiency grant and loan programs.

Regional partners and Licensed Service Organizations such as Homesol use this rating system to evaluate the energy performance of your home and make recommendations that will provide you with the information to make your house more comfortable with less energy waste, which will get it closer to Net Zero energy.

Before the evaluation is complete, here are some tips on what to expect.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, it needs to have ash and coals removed (swept clean) and the dampers closed. This is to prevent ash and soot from getting all over your home.

Upon arrival, the Energy Advisor will greet you and ask you questions like: Do you experience any comfort issues, Are you already considering specific upgrades?

The Energy Advisor will begin by taking measurements & photos of your home both inside and outside.

The Advisor will record the make and model of your mechanical systems which includes; heating, cooling, ventilation, and hot water, and document if there are bathroom exhausts, a rangehood, or a clothes dryer.

The Advisor will perform an Exhaust Devices Test, the purpose of this test is to determine if your exhaust fans can draw combustion gasses into your home from fuel-burning appliances.

The blower door test is next, to determine the air tightness of the house. This simulates a 32 km/hr wind pressure on all sides of the building. Please note: If vermiculite is identified, the blower door test cannot be performed, due to the potential for asbestos.

While the house is being depressurized, the Energy Advisor will show you where the air leaks are around your home so that you can visualize where the energy is being wasted.

After completion of the home evaluation, your Energy Advisor will complete the energy model within two weeks, providing an EnerGuide label, a homeowner information sheet, and a renovation upgrade report, which will be submitted to Natural Resources Canada.

The renovation upgrade report will provide you with measured information that can help you determine which upgrades will have the biggest impact on providing a more comfortable house that also reduces energy waste.

You can’t manage what you don’t measure, so get started by booking an evaluation with Homesol Building Solutions today!

Get started

greener homes loan program

Greener Homes Loan Program

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New $40,000 Interest-Free Loan Program

The Federal Government has rolled out the Greener Homes Loan Program, an interest-free loan program providing Canadian Homeowners with up to $40,000 to make energy-efficient upgrades to their home. The program is an extension of the existing Canada Greener Homes Grant, which offers Canadian homeowners up to $5,600 for energy-efficient upgrades including solar panels, heat pumps, insulation, windows, and more.

Top Available Upgrades

    • Air Sealing
    • Attic / Celling Insulation
    • Exterior Wall Insulation
    • Exposed Floor
    • Basement / Foundation Insulation
    • Crawlspace
    • Windows & Doors
    • Ground Source Heat Pumps
    • Air Source Heat Pumps & Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pumps
    • Domestic Hot Water Equipment
    • Renewable Energy Systems

The Process

  • Energy Evaluations

The first step is to schedule an Energy Evaluation with Homesol Building Solutions. Homesol will conduct two EnerGuide home evaluations to determine what possible upgrades you would need and which ones you can qualify for. Upon completion of the evaluations, you take the recommendations to invest in upgraded equipment which the grant will cover.

  • Application

The second major step in the process is to apply for the Canada Greener Homes Grant after scheduling your first Energy Evaluation. We can help you with the application. Once you go through the application process, Homesol will perform the prior and post-retrofit Energy Evaluation for your home under the program.

  • Rebates

Any upgrades recommended by your Homesol Energy Advisor are eligible for a rebate of 20% to 100% of the cost of the renovation to a maximum of 5000 dollars. In addition, if any upgrade is completed, you will receive up to 600 dollars to cover the cost of the energy evaluations.

Complimentary Rebates

    • Thermostats
    • Resiliency Measures
    • MURBS

Get Started

Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

Ontario EAs Now Service MURBs

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Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

It’s official! Homesol Building Solutions now has Energy Advisors who specialize in servicing and assessing Multi-Unit Residential Buildings or MURBs as they are also known. There are many rebates available in the Canada Greener Homes Grant exclusively for MURBs, and MURBs can receive up to $20,000 under the program. Contact Homesol Building Solutions today to get started!

Better Homes Kingston loan Program

Better Homes Kingston Loan Program

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Kingston homeowners are now eligible for a zero-interest loan for home energy efficiency improvements.

Better Homes Kingston is a local improvement charge (LIC) financing program to encourage homeowners to undertake deep-energy retrofits. Homeowners who participate in the program will qualify for up to $40,000 loans at 0 per cent interest, with the option for an initial 30 per cent upfront to pre-pay contractors for your services. This project is carried out with assistance from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund, an endowment created by the Government of Canada.

  • How, why, and where to start to retrofit your home for energy savings.
  • Information on the Better Homes Kingston Program, incentives, and rebates to help you get the work done!
  • Services that will help you choose the right home improvements for your home.

Learn More

Homesol is Raising Money For The Canadian Red Cross

Homesol Is Raising Money For The Canadian Red Cross

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Canada

Homesol Building Solutions is raising money for the Canadian Red Cross’s disaster relief program.

About the Fundraiser

The strength of the Canadian Red Cross is our dedicated volunteers and donors. Help us build stronger communities at home and abroad.

From situations ranging from house fires that affect one family, to wildfires and hurricanes which can disrupt entire regions, The Canadian Red Cross is there every step of the way, providing communities with tools and skilled responders preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters.

Beyond disaster relief, the Canadian Red Cross also provides other essential services to those who need it most. Whether it’s teaching students about violence and bullying prevention, or providing essential health services to an elderly patient so they can live more independently, or delivering water safety and first aid courses to help build safer communities, no organization is better equipped to serve the most vulnerable people in our communities than the Red Cross.

Donate Here

Homesol now Services Alberta

Homesol now Services Alberta

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Alberta

Homesol Building Solutions now has Energy Advisors in Alberta! Alberta is the latest province Homesol has expanded to, and our Energy Advisors will cover the areas of Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, and everywhere in between!

Homesol’s Canada Expansion

Starting in Ottawa in 1999, since then we have expanded to cover all of Ontario, then New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and now Alberta! As the demand for Energy Advisors surges across the country, Homesol continues to expand across our great nation!

If you are interested in having an Energy Assessment completed for your home to make energy-efficient and environmental upgrades, book an audit with us today!