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Home Energy Audit Program – What, Why & Getting Started
The Ontario Home Energy Savings Program is an energy conservation program from the Government of Ontario. A Home Energy Audit shows you how your home uses energy and where it is being leaked. It identifies improvements you can make to your home’s heating, cooling, hot water heating and other energy uses that could result in hundreds of dollars in energy savings each year.
The Government of Ontario will pay 50% of your Home Energy Audit, up to $150.
The audit will explain your home’s energy use – attic to basement. A typical audit involves the following steps:
* A walk-through assessment of your home’s insulation, heating and cooling systems and other energy uses
* A “blower door” depressurization test to identify leaks and drafts
* A personalized Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report
Many of the energy-saving upgrades identified by your Home Energy Audit will qualify you for rebates under the Home Energy Retrofit Program. These rebates from the Governments of Ontario and Canada can reimburse you up to $10,000* when you complete improvements identified by your audit.
The “why” behind the program
If your home is older than 10 years, it’s very likely leaking energy. A lot of energy and a lot of money. Right now your home may be leaking energy from any one or a combination of the following:
1. Energy leaks around doors
2. Poorly-fitted windows and sills
3. Energy-guzzling old furnaces
4. Poor attic insulation
5. Energy-wasting appliances
6. Energy-wasting old water heaters
An Ontario Home Energy Audit will find these energy leaks and give you a plan that can reduce your energy bills. On average, a homeowner can reduce their annual energy bill by up to 30% after a retrofit. You will receive a Home Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report that will outline how to make your home more energy efficient. And the Government of Ontario will pay up to $150 for your first audit.
Your energy efficiency evaluation report
Your personalized Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report will provide you with a detailed plan of improvements you can make to save on your energy bills. Your home will be given an EnerGuide rating that shows how energy efficient your home is and how efficient it can be with energy-saving upgrades. Make the upgrades suggested in your home energy plan and you can take advantage of up to $10,000 available through the retrofit program.
Do you Qualify?
You qualify if you live in Ontario and own a single family home you are eligible for the program. A single family home is defined as a detached or semi-detached home or a low-rise, multi-unit residential building that is three stories or less and less than 600 square meters.How do I select an energy advisor?
How to select an Advisor
To be eligible for the Ontario Home Energy Savings Program rebate, your home needs to be audited by a certified home energy advisor whose company is licensed by Natural Resources Canada. Get quotes, choose an energy advisor and book an appointment.
For more great information about how to get started saving energy and money visit Ontario Home Energy.
This information is originally from the Government of Ontario.
