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Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQ) about ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes

These frequently asked questions (FAQs) answer most general inquiries regarding the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes grant program. To find specific terms on this page, type Ctrl+F for PCs and Command-F for Macs.

General

March 31, 2010 Announcement about Pre-Retrofit Evaluations

Eligible Homeowners and Properties

Eligible Measures

Post-Retrofit Evaluations

Cheque Status

Program Extensions and Re-Entry

Becoming an Energy Advisor or Service Organization

Inquiries and Contact Information

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General

What is the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program?

The ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program provides financial assistance to encourage owners of existing low-rise properties make smart energy retrofit decisions that will result in significant energy savings, more comfortable living spaces and a cleaner environment. Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan’s) Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) administers the program and provides the grants, but local service organizations across the country deliver the program to homeowners.

Launched on April 1, 2007, the program stopped accepting bookings for pre-retrofit evaluations on March 31, 2010is scheduled to end on March 31, 2011. To date, approximately 1 in 20 homeowners in Canada have participated in the program.

What are the steps after scheduling my pre-retrofit evaluation?

Only homeowners who booked a pre-retrofit evaluation by March 31, 2010 are eligible to participate in the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program with a certified energy advisor. The advisor performs an energy evaluation on your home, from the basement to the attic, including a blower door test to measure air tightness and to help locate air leakage sites. Approximately two weeks after your evaluation, you should receive a homeowners report with a list of recommended measures and an EnerGuide rating label.

Select your improvements and implement your energy upgrades, leaving time to ensure you complete your post-retrofit evaluation with a licensed service organization within 18 months of the date of the report or by March 31, 2011 (whichever comes first). NRCan recommends that you keep all receipts, and in the case of in-wall insulations, it is a good practice to take photos during installation.

During the post-retrofit evaluation, the energy advisor visits your home again and completes a new blower door test. The advisor completes a grant application form on your behalf and presents it to you for review and signature. The energy advisor then prepares and sends the electronic house file to the service organization who submits the electronic and paper files to NRCan.

NRCan processes the application and, under normal circumstances, most homeowners receive a cheque within 90 days following the date of the post-retrofit evaluation, but this is not a fixed deadline and delays are possible for a number of reasons.

How do I apply for regional programs?

Although NRCan is no longer accepting participants, many provinces, territories, municipalities and energy utilities offer complementary programs which provide grants, rebates and other types of financial incentives based on the results of your ecoENERGY Retrofit post-retrofit evaluation. Even if you are not eligible for a grant from NRCan, you still may be able to participate in these regional programs.

In some cases, NRCan transfers data to these regional programs after approving your federal grant, while other regional programs require you to apply separately. At the time of your post-retrofit evaluation, your energy advisor can advise you about complementary funding, but they are only trained on the delivery of the federal grant and may not have all details about all local programs.

How much of a grant will I receive and how much energy will I save if I complete the recommended retrofits?

The average federal grant for a single property is approximately $1,300. The maximum grant available for one home is $5000 or %000 per dwelling unit in a multi-unit residential building. Property owners of multiple residential buildings are eligible for up to $500,000 over the life of the program ending March 31, 2011.

As a result of their renovations, participants have reduced their energy consumption by over 20 percent and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 3 tonnes per house.

What is the last possible date I can have my post-retrofit evaluation, and will there still be funds available at that time?

Participating homeowners who booked a pre-retrofit evaluation before March 31, 2010, have until March 31, 2011 to complete their retrofits and have their post-retrofit evaluation. You should schedule your appointment at the earliest possible date since it may be difficult to book an appointment as the program nears the end date. By ending pre-retrofit evaluation bookings now, the program is confident that all eligible homeowners who previously entered the program by scheduling or completing a pre-retrofit evaluation will still have the opportunity to apply for and receive a grant.

What if I cannot afford the renovations?

If you have not yet started your renovations, low-income homeowners may apply for the Homeowner Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (Homeowner RRAP) from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) instead of through ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes. Based on your income, house value and postal code, you could be eligible to receive financial assistance for upcoming necessary repairs. For more information, visit call 1-800-668-2642 or visit the CMHC Web site.

Can I apply for both the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) and the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes grant?

If you are participating in the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program and you purchased materials and perform work between January 28, 2009, and January 31, 2010, you may claim the 15 percent Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) from the Government of Canada on your 2009 tax returns in addition to as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. You can call 1-800-959-8281 for more details or visit the Canada Revenue Agency’s Web site for more information about the HRTC.

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March 31, 2010 Announcement

Can I still enter the program?

No. Effective March 31, 2010, the program is not accepting new bookings for pre-retrofit evaluations.

There are three steps in the program: a pre-retrofit evaluation, the retrofit and the post-retrofit evaluation. While the pre-retrofit assessment phase of this program is now complete, the Government will continue to process applications from homeowners who have scheduled or completed a pre-retrofit evaluation and who will be undertaking energy efficiency improvements on their homes and apply for a grant before March 31, 2011.

Most provinces and territories have developed their own energy efficiency programs for homes, and the Government of Canada will continue to process applications for those complementary programs.

Will the complementary programs offered by the provinces and territories remain in place?

Most provinces and territories have developed their own energy efficiency programs for homes, and the Government of Canada will continue to process applications for those complementary programs.

Why are bookings no longer being accepted into the program?

In the Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada committed to reviewing its energy-efficiency and emissions-reductions programs to ensure they continue to be an effective and efficient use of Canadian tax dollars.

This demonstrates prudent management and will aim to ensure that all eligible homeowners who previously entered the program have the opportunity to apply for a grant.

By ending pre-retrofit evaluation bookings now, the program is confident that all eligible homeowners who previously entered the program by scheduling or completing a pre-retrofit evaluation will still have the opportunity to apply for and receive a grant.

I have already booked a pre-retrofit. Will I still be able to go ahead?

Yes. Homeowners who have pre-retrofit evaluations already scheduled remain eligible to apply to the program. However, homeowners are reminded that they are required to complete their renovations and follow-up with a post-retrofit evaluation and submit their application by March 31, 2011.

I have already had an energy evaluation. What is the deadline for applying for a grant? Is my grant guaranteed?

The deadline for applying for a grant is 18 months from the time of the pre-retrofit evaluation or March 31, 2011, whichever comes first. Homeowners who have completed the eligible work under the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program within their 18-month period or before March 31, 2011, (whichever comes first) are eligible for a grant. However, it is suggested that you complete your energy upgrades well in advance of the deadline in order to allow enough time for your post-retrofit evaluation.

I am an energy advisor – how long will the program be operating?

Under its existing budget, the program will continue to operate until March 31, 2011. The Government will continue to pay grants to homeowners already in the program, who will be undertaking energy efficiency improvement work on their homes and can apply for their grant up to March 31, 2011.

In addition, most provinces and territories have developed their own energy efficiency programs for homes, and the Government of Canada will continue to process applications for those complementary programs.

The Government of Canada continues to encourage homeowners to have home energy evaluations so that they can identify best opportunities for energy efficiency improvements, improve their home’s energy performance and receive an EnerGuide rating label.

The Government has launched the development of its next-generation EnerGuide Rating System, which underpins the home energy evaluations in Canada, including those of the ecoENERGY program, provincial and territorial programs, and initiatives by other stakeholders.

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Eligible Homeowners and Properties

Am I still eligible for a grant if the type of property changed?

A property needs to meet the program eligibility criteria at the time of both the pre-retrofit and post retrofit evaluations. The ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program offers grants to owners of low-rise residential properties defined under Parts 2 and 9 of the National Building Code of Canada. These include single detached and attached homes (e.g. row housing, duplexes and triplexes), small multi-unit residential buildings; mobile homes on a permanent foundation and permanently-moored floating homes.

Which multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) require an evaluation by a MURB-certified advisor?

The program considers side-by-side semi-detached units with their own entrances, attics and basements as single-family homes, and not as MURBs.

Most low-rise multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) and mixed-use buildings are eligible for the grant if there are three stories or less, the footprint is less than 600 square meters, there are a maximum of 20 units, at least 50% of the floor space is used for residential purposes, and there is no specialized commercial equipment. Since the energy advisor needs to evaluate the structure from the basement to the attic, all units must participate in the pre-retrofit assessment by an energy advisor who has been certified to evaluate MURBs. Depending on the number of outside doors, you may need multiple and simultaneous blower door tests.

For a list of service organizations (SO’s) with MURB-certified energy advisors, enter your postal code using the search tool and look for those listed with an asterisk (*). In some areas of the country, there are not yet any MURB-certified energy advisors. NRCan has offered MURB training to all SO’s, and the number of MURB-certified advisors should increase in the coming months. Since certification can happen more quickly than Web updates, you may wish to contact all SO’s on the list, even if there is no asterisk.

What if I added rooms or re-built my home after the pre-retrofit evaluation?

The ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program does not apply to new construction, and if you have added additions or re-built your home, this is considered new construction and will not be eligible. Non-energy renovations such as roofs and foundations are not eligible.

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Eligible Measures

What measures or technologies are eligible, and how do I choose?

The homeowner report you receive in the weeks after your pre-retrofit evaluation lists recommendations from the energy advisor that visited your home, however, you can choose to implement any measures which are listed in the program’s Grant Table.

NRCan does not approve or endorse any specific product, or the services of any contractor, and accepts no liability in the selection of materials, products or contractors, and their performance or workmanship. Homeowners are responsible for comparing products and contractors, making the final choice and ensuring that all upgrades and renovations meet building codes, by-laws and regulations. Before undertaking upgrades or renovations, find out about the appropriate products and installation techniques to ensure that your home’s building envelope and indoor air quality will not be compromised. It is also important that you carefully consult the Grant Table to ensure that all your measure are eligible before you start the work.

Are my retrofits still eligible if the Grant Table changed since my pre-retrofit evaluation?

Yes. NRCan revised the Grant Table several times since 2007 and ENERGY STAR ratings for certain products have changed over time. If a measure is no longer eligible, you can still apply for the grant for the amount advertised at the time of your pre-retrofit evaluation. If NRCan increased a grant amount before your post-retrofit evaluation, you can apply for the higher amount.

Which types of domestic hot water equipment are eligible?

There are five types of domestic hot water equipment that are eligible for ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes grants. This includes certain models of solar domestic hot water systems, instantaneous gas-fired water heaters, instantaneous condensing gas-fired water heaters, condensing gas storage-type water heaters and drain-water heat recovery (DWHR) systems. For specific requirements and related lists of eligible models, refer to Eligible Domestic Hot Water Equipment Web page. Domestic hot water equipment that is used for both space heating and water heating may be eligible.

Which earth energy systems are eligible?

Earth energy systems (such as geothermal systems or ground- or water-source heat pump) must meet the appropriate Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards and be individually certified by the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition. GCA-accedited professionals must drill, design and install each system. The CSA revised its standards to include direct expansion (DX) systems as of October 20, 2009. For more information on earth energy systems including a current list of accredited installers, designers, and drillers, contact the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition or call 514-807-7559.

Which windows, doors and skylights are eligible?

Visit the ENERGY STAR Web site before purchasing any new windows, doors or skylights, to ensure that they are qualified for their climate zone. As proof of ENERGY STAR qualification, homeowners should provide the ENERGY STAR label or a copy of an invoice indicating the brand/product name, and the NRCan model reference number or the manufacturer's model code, as well as the climate zone for which the windows, doors or skylights are qualified.

One unit of window is defined as one rough opening in the wall. A large window consisting of multiple panels of glass is counted as one opening in the wall, regardless of how large the window is, or how many windows is required to fill the rough opening. For example, NRCan considers a typical bay or bow window as one rough opening or one window.

Are heating systems and hot water systems eligible in emergency situations?

If your furnace or hot-water heater was red-tagged or could not be repaired during the heating season of October 15, 2009 until March 30, 2010, you could proceed with the replacement before the pre-retrofit evaluation under certain conditions. For example, the property owner needed to call a service organization within five calendar days of the system replacement (no later than March 31, 2010) to schedule a pre-retrofit assessment, and the assessment must take place within 30 days of the new heating system installation. In addition, new gas-fired furnaces must have an efficiency of 94% or better and oil-fired furnaces MUST have an efficiency of 85% or better which is higher than what is required for non-emergency systems. Ask your service organization about other requirements for this special situation.

Can I do the work myself and receive a grant?

Yes. In these cases, it is important that you keep a copy of the invoices for the materials you purchased as you may be asked to submit a copy to NRCan. Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that they obtain all necessary permits and meet all municipal and provincial requirements.

Are renovations I started before my pre-retrofit evaluation eligible?

No. Only renovations started after obtaining a pre-retrofit energy evaluation are eligible for a grant.

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Post-Retrofit Evaluations

Why do I require both a pre-retrofit and post-retrofit evaluation if I’m only planning on one or two measures?

The goal of the program is not to issue rebates for single measures, but rather to act as an incentive to encourage you to invest in multiple measures you may not have otherwise considered. The post-retrofit evaluation offers you an updated energy efficiency baseline and EnerGuide rating, and combined with the pre-retrofit evaluation, ensures that the Government of Canada offers a credible, results-based program. In order to maximize your grant, refer to the homeowner report to consider other measures recommended by your energy advisor, or read the program’s Grant Table.

Is there a cost for the post-retrofit evaluation?

Yes. Service organizations across Canada set their own prices.

How do I schedule my post-retrofit evaluation if I want to use a different energy advisor or if the service organization who performed my pre-retrofit evaluation is no longer in business?

You are not required to use the same service organization or energy advisor for your post-retrofit evaluation. You can contact your service organization and request a different energy advisor. You can also search for a different service organization. Provide the new service organization with the file number that is on your evaluation report, your name and address as it appeared on the previous report, as well as your phone number. NRCan will then supply the new service organization with your electronic file so that they have your pre-retrofit data for your post-retrofit evaluation.

What if I have trouble arranging for the energy advisor to return to my rural area?

NRCan licenses service organizations across the country to deliver the program on the government's behalf, and if their name appears when you search for a service organization using your postal code, they should be able to send an energy advisor to your home, although there may be delays or additional travel costs.

Do I have to make any preparations before the energy advisor visits my home?

In order to have your pre-retrofit or post-retrofit evaluation, your home must be considered “habitable” according to specific requirements of NRCan. The home must have no exposed walls and it should be in such a state that the energy advisor can assess the building. The energy advisor will need access to every room in the house, in addition to the attic and any crawl spaces. Be sure to clear the area around these access points before the energy advisor arrives. In addition, please make sure not to use any wood-heating appliances, such as fireplaces or wood stoves, at least 24 hours prior to the evaluation and clean the appliances before the evaluation.

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Cheque Status

How long does it take to receive my cheque?

After your post-retrofit evaluation, your local service organization and their energy advisor who evaluated your home have 30 days to submit your information to NRCan. NRCan reviews files and approves, processes and mails most payments within 90 days. The 90 days is not a firm timeline, and there can be delays for a number of reasons. For example, certain types of files require a manual evaluation from NRCan technical officers. In addition, if the project includes an earth-energy system such as a a geothermal or ground source heat pump, NRCan must receive certification from the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition before processing the application which can sometimes cause delays. Please do not contact NRCan for any cheque status request if it has been less than 90 days since your post-retrofit evaluation. If it has been more than 90 days since your post-retrofit evaluation, you can contact 1-877-953-5454 (Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Ottawa time).

What do I do if I disagree with the amount that I received?

NRCan bases the grant amount on information provided by service organization, The energy advisor that visited your home is trained and employed by a local service organization licensed to deliver the program in your area. If you have questions about the amount of grant monies you received, you need to contact should be the head office for the service organization. You will find the phone number in your homeowner report, on your EnerGuide label or using search feature.

What do I do if the name on the cheque is wrong?

If you received your cheque and the name is incorrect, NRCan can arrange to issue you a new cheque, but there could delays. First speak with someone at your bank that you normally deal with, and show them evidence such your application form. If the bank will not redeem it, send the original cheque, along with the stub, and a copy of your municipal tax bill to:

ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes Program
Natural Resources Canada
1 Observatory Crescent
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0E4

What do I do if I suspect my federal cheque is missing?

If you have received your provincial cheque but your federal portion has not arrived after two weeks contact your bank to ensure that the cheque was never redeemed by you or your spouse. You should then contact the program and include the name of the person who signed the application form at the post-retrofit evaluation, your full address and phone number, and your 10-digit file number. If the cheque has been redeemed by someone else or has not been returned, NRCan will proceed with a full investigation in conjunction with Public Works with the goal of helping you receive your grant as early as possible.

How do I verify the status of my cheque from partner organizations?

After approval of your federal grant, NRCan transfers the data to partner programs across the country. These external organizations send out their own cheques, and you should contact their offices if the cheque is delayed more than a month after you receive your cheque from the Government of Canada. To find their contact information, you can call 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) or visit the following regional complementary programs Web page.

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Program Extensions and Re-Entry

What do I do if my 18-month deadline is approaching and I need more time?

If your pre-retrofit evaluation homeowner's report was dated within the last 18 months and you require more time to complete the work or to schedule your post-retrofit evaluation, you can request additional time using the registration form. You will need your 10-digit ecoENERGY file number which can be found in your homeowner evaluation report or the ecoENERGY mini-label which should be affixed to your electrical panel. NRCan will contact you to confirm your eligibility for more time.

If you are a property owner of Aboriginal housing on a reserve that meets the eligibility criteria, the 18-month time limit is waived in the event of possible delays in getting the necessary materials to the site and in obtaining approvals.

Can I request re-entry or an extension if I am outside the 18 month deadline?

No. Energy advisors explain the deadline at the time of the pre-retrofit evaluation, and it is discussed in the homeowner report, the Grant Table and Web site. The 18-month deadline is meant to encourage homeowners to implement measures and start saving energy as soon as possible. It is also important since the program plans its budget based on how many homeowners plan to apply for the grant.

If you have already exceeded the 18-month deadline, the program has no mechanism for exceptions or appeals, even in the case of illness, deaths in the family, equipment delays or delays with contractors. Unfortunately, homeowners who have passed their 18-month deadline are not eligible for more time, regardless of the reason and cannot re-start the process with a new pre-retrofit evaluation. Files that are not eligible for an NRCan grant can still be processed according to the requirements of regional programs.

What do I do if I believe that I was wrongfully denied re-entry or an extension?

If you have records that you requested more time from NRCan before the 18 month deadline, contact the head office of the service organization that performed your evaluation using the phone number found on your homeowners report or EnerGuide label. They can contact NRCan on your behalf if they agree that you are still within your time limit.

Can homeowners who already received an ecoENERGY Retrofit grant apply again for a second grant?

Homeowners who already received an ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes grant can only apply for a second grant if they or their service organization registered for re-entry by March 31, 2010. Eligible homeowners have until March 31, 2011, (subject to available funding) to complete the additional energy retrofits and have a post-retrofit evaluation. The maximum allowable funding per dwelling is $5,000. Based on existing funding levels, NRCan ended the pre-retrofit phase of the program on March 31, 2010, which means it is no longer accepting bookings for pre-retrofit evaluations and is no longer accepting new registrations for re-entry.

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Becoming an Energy Advisor or Service Organization

How do I become an energy advisor?

NRCan is not responsible for hiring or providing training for energy advisors. Instead, programs such as ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes license service organizations across the country to deliver the program on the government’s behalf. If you are interested in becoming a residential energy advisor, you can contact an existing service organization to inquire if they are looking for more energy advisors. In order to be considered for an energy advisor position, you must possess and demonstrate, as a minimum, knowledge and skills in areas such as construction practices for existing low-rise housing; energy-efficient renovation practices; residential building materials; residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; building science, including the principles of the “house as a system”; basic arithmetic and geometry; the use of computers, modems, the Internet and e-mail; and good client relations.

Can I start my own service organization?

There are currently no opportunities to start your own service organization to deliver the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program. NRCan chooses these organizations through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process, which is a fair, competitive and transparent selection method. NRCan determines if it requires an RFP process by evaluating the capacity of existing service organizations to deliver the program in under-served areas across the country. It is too early to determine if there will be a fourth RFP before the scheduled program end date of March, 2011.

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Inquiries and Contact Information

What if I have a question or complaint about my evaluation?

If you have questions or concerns, contact your service organization since it is their energy advisor who visited your home and prepared your report. If it is a technical question they cannot answer, they can contact NRCan on your behalf. You will find the phone number in your homeowner report, on your EnerGuide label or by using the search tool. If you are still not satisfied after exhausting this approach, you can make a formal complaint in writing to Natural Resources Canada detailing your concerns. Please include your full address, phone number and the 10-digit file number which you can find on your homeowner report, EnerGuide label, ecoENERGY mini-label or signed application form.

What if I have a general question, or questions about my grant status or cheque breakdown?

NRCan approves, processes and mails cheques for most applications within 90 days. If it has been less than 90 days since your post-retrofit evaluation, please do not contact NRCan yet about your cheque status. You can make inquiries by phone, by mail or using an e-mail form. For fastest response, provide your e-mail address and the 10-digit ecoENERGY file number which can be found in your homeowner evaluation report or the ecoENERGY mini-label which should be affixed to your electrical panel. Phone inquiries are handled by Service Canada through the 1-800-O-Canada toll free line, and if they cannot answer your question, they may transfer you to a live specialist from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Ottawa time, Monday to Friday. If the specialist cannot answer your inquiry, they will forward your inquiry to a program officer on your behalf. NRCan strives to respond to all inquiries within the departmental standards of 5 business days for general inquiries and 7 business days for technical inquiries. Unfortunately, during times of high volume, this is not always possible. Almost 1 in 20 households in Canada are now participating in the program, and the Government of Canada receives over 500 inquiries every day about this popular program. We apologize for any delays you may experience. If you do not receive a response from a program officer after 2 weeks, please contact us again and we will elevate your inquiry to a program manager.

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Date Modified: 2010-05-12

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