If you plan to renovate your house to make it more Energy efficient, you have probably heard about the Canada Greener Homes Grant that allows homeowners to save a considerable amount of money on particular home improvements. The federal grant provides a reimbursement of up to $5000 based on the type of renovation despite the region you live in.

But homeowners living in Ontario have even more than that. From 2023 onwards, Enbridge Gas and Canada’s Greener Homes Grant have partnered to increase the amount of the rebates on Ottawa window & door replacement projects up to $10600!

Moreover, the retrofits such as heat pumps, renewable energy systems, home insulation and others also got a considerable boost! The program, now called the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus, is aimed to help more Ontarians make their homes more Energy efficient while saving additional money on retrofits. 

NOTE:

As of February 2024, the program has concluded. But despite the end of this specific grant, numerous other government incentives and programs are still available to support your energy-efficient home improvement projects. Contact us to learn how you can save big when shopping for new windows and doors.

How Much Can You Save on New Windows & Doors with HER+?

To be eligible for the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program, homeowners must upgrade existing windows and doors only to ENERGY STAR®-rated models, which qualify for up to $10,000 in rebates.

Moreover, you can expect reimbursement of up to $600 on the pre-and post-retrofit evaluations through EnerGuide Home Energy Assessments. Please note that both evaluations should be done to be entitled to reimbursement. 

Windows & Doors Eligibility Requirements:

• Your new window must be inserted into the existing frame of an old unit. Replacements of only glass, sash, or doors without frames do not qualify for the rebate;
• All products must be purchased in Canada;
• Online purchases qualify if they are ordered from a distributor located in Canada;
• Only Energy Star window and door models are eligible for the rebate;
• Homeowners must keep the ENERGY STAR labels on the windows and doors until after the post-retrofit evaluation;
• Skylights are not eligible;

How Much Savings To Expect Per Unit Replaced?

Ontarians can qualify for a maximum of $325 per rough opening* but up to the cap of $10,000. But the precise rebate amount depends on how Energy efficient your replacement window and/or door is. 

A rebate of up to $325 per rough opening is available for the following:

New replacement windows or sliding glass doors of ENERGY STAR Most Efficient® models:

• U-Factor of 1.05 W/m²K or less or
• Energy Rating ≥ 40

Homeowners must choose from one of the following lists of most efficient models according to Energy Star: windows or sliding glass doors;

A rebate of up to $175 per rough opening is available for the following:

New replacement windows or sliding glass doors of ENERGY STAR® certified models:

• U-Factor of 1.22 W/m²K or less or
• Energy Rating ≥ 34

Homeowners must choose from one of the following lists of Energy Star-rated models: windows or sliding glass doors;

OR

Replace hinged doors, with or without sidelights or transoms ENERGY STAR® certified models:

• U-Factor ≤ 1.22 W/m²K or
• Energy Rating ≥ 34

Your selection must be on the following list: hinged doors, sidelights, and transoms.

*PLEASE NOTE that a rough opening is defined as a structurally stable opening in an outside wall. The opening may be surrounded by framing members (e.g., studs, lintels) or solid material (e.g., concrete, solid wood logs). A rough opening means installing one replacement window or door unit.

What Home Types Qualify For HER+ Program?

Please check the eligible types of homes under Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+), including:

• Single and semi-detached homes
• Townhomes
• Mobile homes on a permanent foundation
• Permanently moored floating homes
• Row housing
• Mixed-use residential buildings (must be at least 50% residential)
• Low-rise multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) (3 storeys or less with a footprint of <600 m2). 

How Do You Apply For The Home Efficiency Rebate Program?

Step 1: Your application process begins with an EnerGuide evaluation done only by a program-approved Registered Energy Advisor. It takes place to analyze which retrofit upgrades will work best for your house to increase overall energy efficiency and climate change resilience. 

Step 2: Homeowners will get a report from the energy advisor summarizing approved retrofits to help and comply with your renovation plan. Please remember that only the energy advisor-recommended retrofits qualify for the HER+ program.

Step 3: The grant can cover anywhere from $175 to $10,000, depending on your eligible renovations. Please, make sure to keep all paid-in-full invoices and receipts to submit after completing your renovations. You are allowed to finish the home upgrades until 2027. 

Step 4: After completing your window or door replacement project, a second EnerGuide evaluation will be performed to identify the updated energy rating and savings. You can expect reimbursement of up to $600 for these evaluations as a part of the Home Energy Rebate Plus program.