EcoRETROFIT Programme

On January 29, National Resource Minister Joe Oliver announced that registrations for the ecoENERGY retrofit for homes program had closed due to a 250,000 participant limit. This solidifies suspicion that the ecoENERGY Retrofit program will not be renewed again. If you already have a Natural Resources Canada registration number, you can still add these quick jobs to your list to get the most possible out of the final 40 days of the ecoENERGY retrofit program. If you already have your approval and number, the structure of the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program is set around the following key dates, which changed in the announcement on January 29:March 31, 2012: All work must be completed. June 30, 2012: The post-renovation evaluation must be completed. If you already have your number, this change in dates actually extends the time you have to get the last bit of work completed in your home because only the work has to be completed by March 31, and the inspection can be done later. This means there is still time for you to add a few ecoENERGY rebate-qualified updates to your home. Click here to see the revised wording on the Natural Resources Canada website. This is likely your last chance to make the most out of tax savings to retrofit your home, so make sure you don’t miss out.Before deciding to make some additions to your planned retrofit renovations, there are two key components to the process you should consider.How much of the renovation cost will be covered by the retrofit? Take into consideration the cost of the materials, labour and potential savings. How long will this renovation or addition to your plan take? Consider what type of preparation you can do yourself, and what guarantees you can obtain from the contractor doing the work. Although there are quite a few major projects that you probably don’t have time for, the ones listed below can be completed within your timeline have the potential to make a noticeable difference in your home and have a strong upfront cost to ecoENERGY rebate ratio.Upgrade to low-flush toilets This is one of the simplest changes to make and if you are looking for a really strong upfront cost to rebate ratio you should do a little digging and watch for a sale. It is entirely possible for the cost of these toilets to be the same as the rebate.Time to complete: One to two weeks (including time to book)Potential rebate: $65 per toilet (max. of four per household)Upgrade to a tankless water heaterAn inefficient water heater can waste a tremendous amount of energy. The rebate for the qualified upgrade should be factored in with future savings to calculate the overall value of this option. Best of all, the installation of a rental water heater will still qualify for this rebate.Time to complete: One to two weeks (including time to book)Potential rebate: $375Increase the air sealing of your homeThis is one you may be able to take care of yourself with some research and a little bit of time. Although the rebates for this one are not as large as others, you will see on the ecoENERGY program list that the potential for heating cost savings is tremendous. For more information on doing this one yourself, have a look at the ENERGY STAR website http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=diy.diy_indexTime to complete: Allow 3-4 days for DIY jobs, and 1-2 days for a pro.Potential rebate: $245 when your result is 20% better than your target.Upgrade your furnace and air conditioner system (HVAC)This is one of the largest jobs on the list but it also comes with quite a few options. Because the requirements of the ecoENERGY program are based on installation, financing and rental options can qualify for the rebates (but be sure to confirm your options with your provider).Time to complete: One week (based on Reliance’s average install time)Potential rebate: $1040 (not including OPA rebates, which qualify as well)For more information on all of the ecoENERGY rebate options and answers to the most common frequently asked questions, visit the Natural Resources Canada website or click on the following link: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/retrofit/4171