In the quest for a more energy-efficient home, one of the most significant upgrades any homeowner can make is to replace old, inefficient windows. But what often stops people is the cost of this investment. Enter the new window rebates available in Ontario and Alberta. These rebates can substantially offset the cost, making energy-efficient windows an attainable upgrade for many homeowners. GreenThink explores the advantages of taking advantage of these rebates and details each provincial program’s application process.
Why Windows Matter: The Importance of Energy-Efficient Windows
Before diving into the specifics of the rebates, it’s worth examining why energy-efficient windows are such a crucial investment. Old or inefficient windows can account for up to 25% of a home’s heat loss, contributing to higher energy bills. On the other hand, energy-efficient windows minimize heat loss and can reduce energy bills by as much as 20%. They also improve home comfort by reducing drafts, cold spots, and external noise.
New Window Rebate: Your Ticket to Savings and Efficiency
New window rebates offer a financial incentive for homeowners to replace their old windows with energy-efficient ones. These rebates can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the number and type of windows replaced. In addition to immediate savings, homeowners benefit from reduced energy bills over time, improved home comfort, and increased property value.
Unlock Savings with New Window Rebates
New window rebates can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the number and type of windows replaced. This makes it easier for homeowners to invest in energy-efficient windows, leading to long-term savings on energy bills and increased property value.
Ontario HER+ Program
In Ontario, the HER+ (Home Efficiency Rebate Plus) program is designed to encourage homeowners to undertake multiple energy-efficient home upgrades. This program offers up to $500 per window, covering a maximum of 10 windows or up to $5,000 for installing select high-performance windows.
Application Process for Ontario HER+ Program
- Contractor Selection: Homeowners must choose a HER+ registered contractor for their window installation. Only installations by a registered contractor are eligible for the rebate.
- Documentation: Keep all invoices, contracts, and Energy Star labels for the new windows.
- Online Application: After installation, the online application for the rebate can be submitted. Supporting documents such as invoices and proof of homeownership are required.
- Inspection and Rebate: An inspection may be needed post-installation. Once approved, the rebate check is sent directly to the homeowner.
Alberta's Clean Energy Improvement Program
Alberta’s Clean Energy Improvement Program offers rebates based on the total square footage of the energy-efficient windows installed. The program is part of Alberta’s commitment to sustainable and energy-efficient living.
Application Process for Alberta’s Clean Energy Improvement Program
- Preliminary Eligibility: Fill out the form to determine your Sustainable Energy Improvement Program eligibility.
- Review Terms: Review your municipality’s Program Terms and Conditions before submitting.
- Lender Permission: If there’s a mortgage on your home, permission from your lender is mandatory for program participation.
- Submit to Municipality: File the form with required documents to your municipality, where the property is located. The documents must meet the requirements outlined on your municipality’s CEIP webpage and Terms and Conditions.
- Project Application Form: If the submitted material meets the program criteria, Alberta Municipalities will provide a Project Application Form. However, receiving this form doesn’t guarantee eligibility or program financing, finalized only after signing a deal with the municipality.
- Pre-Qualification and EnerGuide Home Evaluation: Installations will not start until you’ve been pre-qualified, completed an EnerGuide Home Evaluation, received approval for the Project Application Form, and signed all necessary program agreements.
- Qualified Contractor Requirement: Any incidental work funded by the program must be performed by a qualified contractor.
- Financing and Tax Bill: Upon project completion, the funding is added to your property tax bill, similar to a local improvement assessment. The payment period will be determined, and you will continue to pay your property taxes.
The Value of Your Investment
Replacing windows may be an aesthetic upgrade, but it’s a financial investment yielding long-term energy savings and increased property value. The new window rebates offered by the Ontario HER+ and Alberta’s Clean Energy Improvement Program are opportunities that homeowners should seize to make this investment more affordable.
Don't Let This Opportunity Pass You By
There’s no time like the present for those considering adopting more energy-efficient living. To explore which rebates and incentives are most suitable for specific situations and to initiate the application process for new window rebates in Ontario and Alberta, contact GreenThink.
