Sun
If you’re planning to renovate your home, don’t reach for the hammer until you’ve checked out the new federal home energy program.
The EcoENERGY Retrofit from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) went into effect April 1, and has some significant differences from the EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Incentive that was cancelled last year. It still requires an independent energy evaluation of your home both before and after the renovations — the evaluation is no longer paid for by the program (it will likely run you approximately $300, depending on your home) — but there’s a list of standard grants available for specific renos, which makes it easier to plan your budget.
If you’re installing a certified heat recovery ventilator, for example, you’re eligible for $300; improving your attic insulation could net you $100 to $600. And, for the first time, alternative energy sources such as solar hot water heating, and grey water heat-recovery systems are part of the program.
According to the government, 17 per cent of all energy used in Canada goes to running our homes. Reducing that energy not only helps the environment, but it could mean big savings on your energy bills — an average of 35 per cent annually if your home’s more than 25 years old.
In most cases, expensive renovations such as replacing siding or windows aren’t worth doing solely for their potential energy savings.
However, if you’re re-siding anyway, it’s a great opportunity to add insulation to the house exterior. And if it’s time to replace your older windows, you can choose energy-efficient new models such as double-paned, low-E, energy coated versions. But you don’t need to tackle big renos to receive a big payback.
Draftproofing your house can work wonders, as can adding attic insulation and choosing Energy Star-rated products such as appliances.
If you’re building a new house or embarking on a renovation, it’s worth looking into alternative energy sources such as solar thermal systems for heating water — they’re now eligible for grants.
For more information, go to NRCan at ecoaction.gc.ca or call 1-800-O-Canada
© The Vancouver Province 2007