A great resource on home retrofits from our friends in Markham

The City of Markham has posted a great webpage on home energy retrofits, definitely worth a visit.

 

The City of Markham has put together a lively and informative webpage with all you ever wanted to know about home energy retrofits.

It's got everything from information on government subsidies to homeowner testimonials to information on the best products available (sound familiar?). The FAQs are particularly good. We've copied them below.

Check out the full webpage at https://yourvoicemarkham.ca/home-energy-retrofits

 

Why should I retrofit my home?

Residents who invest in home energy upgrades can lower their energy bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect against energy price increases and improve the comfort in their homes. 

Below are some examples of the benefits of common deep retrofits:

Deep Retrofit How it Works Benefits
Heat pumps
  • Moves heat from one space to another: In the winter it warms by transferring heat inside and in the summer it cools by sending heat outside
  • Can be used for space conditioning and domestic hot water
  • Increases value of home
  • Reduces costs for electric heating, natural gas, and water heating
  • Requires less maintenance than combustion heating systems
  • Provides both heating and cooling
  • Safer than combustion-based heating systems
  • Can last up to 15 years

 

Insulation and air sealing (building envelope, ducts, windows, doors)
  • Slows the flow of air into or out of your home
  • Insulation slows the rate of heat loss
  • Air sealing prevents air leakage from places such as windows and doors 
  • Fewer drafts during the winter
  • Less noise from outside
  • Improves air quality as a result of less humidity, pollen, dust and pests
  • Better humidity control
  • Reduces heating and cooling costs

 

Smart thermostats with Zone Control
  • Divides your home into multiple zones, which allows you to set different temperatures for each space
  • Eliminates wasteful heating 
  • Creates more comfortable temperatures 
  • Reduces heating and cooling costs 

 

High Efficiency Furnace (Energy Star)
  • Results in less heating going to waste
  • High efficiency furnaces have over 90 per cent efficiency while older models typically have around 65 per cent
  • Uses less energy than other models
  • Longer lifespan than older models
  • Lower energy bills
  • Saves even more energy when paired with a smart thermostat

 

Solar PV options with battery storage
  • Converts sunlight energy into electricity
  • Source of renewable energy
  • Solar generated can be stored by battery (for power outages) 
  • Excess power can be sent into grid (get credit on bill with Net Metering)

 

What is the EnerGuide home evaluation?

Conducting an EnerGuide home evaluation(External link) can help you understand your home's energy use and identify areas for improvement. 

The audit is carried out by a registered energy advisor. Your energy advisor will examine the exterior and interior of your home to look for air leaks, indoor air quality, insulation levels, HVAC equipment, and much more.

Once the assessment is complete, you will receive customized recommendations in the form of the following documents: 

  • An EnerGuide rating and label
  • A Homeowner Information Sheet
  • A Renovation Upgrade Report

 

For more information on how to interpret your results, please visit Natural Resources Canada(External link).

How much does an energy audit cost?

The EnerGuide home evaluation typically costs between $400-600. Homeowners pay up-front for evaluations. However, a number of grants are available to cover the costs of the evaluation.

For programs such as the Canada Greener Homes Grant, you must complete the process in order to receive reimbursement for the pre-retrofit evaluation.

How do I complete a home energy retrofit?

The following steps summarize what to expect when undertaking a home energy retrofit:

1. Arrange an EnerGuide home evaluation

2. Review results

  • Once your home evaluation is complete, your energy advisor will share the following documents with you:
    • An EnerGuide rating and label
    • A Homeowner Information Sheet
    • A Renovation Upgrade Report
  • Using this information, you will be able to select the appropriate retrofits for your home.
  • For more information on how to interpret your results, please visit Natural Resources Canada(External link).

3. Select and hire contractors

 

4. Apply for incentives and financing

  • In order to finalize your reimbursement, you may need to book a post-retrofit evaluation. Check the eligibility requirements of each grant and incentive.
  • You may also need to upload documents online to request reimbursement. Submit all relevant documents (invoices, receipts, etc.) using the indicated method and within the given timeframe.

5. Track and manage your retrofits

  • A number of tools and resources are available online to help you plan your retrofits.
  • Download a copy of our Project Tracker by visiting our "Documents" section on the homepage.

6. Complete a post-retrofit EnerGuide rating

  • Once all upgrades have been installed, you can book your post-retrofit evaluation and request reimbursement. 
  • The post-retrofit evaluation will include:
    • a new EnerGuide rating and label
    • follow-up information indicating improvements to your home energy efficiency and your EnerGuide rating
  • Your energy advisor has up to 30 days to submit documents to Natural Resources Canada.

7. Enjoy upgrades and collect incentives

  • Collect your reimbursement and enjoy the benefits of an energy efficient home.

What are the rebates and incentives?

The following rebates and incentives are available to Markham residents:

Rebate or Program
Source
Contact
Focus
Income Based
EnerGuide Evaluation Required
Details
Federal Government
Home efficiency and lower GHG emissions
No
Yes
(Rebate if complete recommended retrofit)

Up to $5,600 available for primary residence. Newly built homes are not eligible.

Home Retrofits (External link) Enbridge Gas Inc.

Utility Company
1-855-659-0549 Home energy efficiency upgrades No Yes

(Rebate if complete 2 qualifying upgrades)

Up to $5,000 to eligible homeowners who complete 2 qualifying upgrades.

Home Winterproofing(External link) Enbridge Gas Inc.

Utility Company
1-855-659-0549 Winterproofing Yes No Free insulation, draft proofing and a smart thermostat to reduce heating and cooling costs.
Thermostat Rebate(External link) Enbridge Gas Inc.

Utility Company
1-855-659-0549

Home efficiency upgrades No No

Up to $75 

Enbridge gas customers must register to and use discount code prior to purchase online or at Home Depot. 

First Nations Conservation Program(External link)

Hydro One

Utility Company

1-844-349-8972

[email protected]

Home efficiency upgrades

No Yes

Free home evaluation and free upgrades to those who qualify. 

Includes LED bulbs, smart power bars, weather-stripping, faucet aerators, insulation, thermostats and more.

Energy Affordability Program(External link) Save On Energy 1-855-591-0877

 

[email protected]

Lower monthly electricity costs and energy savings Yes Yes Free energy assessment to those who qualify and free energy saving kits.

 

If you notice information that is out of date, please notify us at [email protected]

Can I stack rebates?

Yes, homeowners can apply for multiple rebates and incentives. Please review the details of each rebate to determine which ones work best for you.

Where can I find a qualified contractor?

Homeowners are strongly encouraged to hire an expert for deep retrofits. Find a licensed and experienced contractor by visiting the following links:

 

Consider supporting the local economy and hire a Markham-based contractor. The following directories can help you find green companies in your area:  

 

Disclaimer:  The City of Markham does not endorse any of the contractors included in the list above, and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee and assumes no responsibility or liability for any work performed by such contractors. This list is meant strictly as a resource to aid home owners in narrowing their search when looking for a contractor, and not as a warranted referral service.

What should I ask when hiring a contractor?

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) recommends asking the following questions when hiring a contractor: 

  • How can I be sure that the product you are recommending meets the applicable federal and provincial or territorial legislation?

  • Can I see the Material Safety Data Sheet for this product (if applicable)?

  • Will the product be installed according to manufacturer’s guidelines?

  • Are the workers trained in these procedures?

  • Will the retrofit work comply with municipal by-laws as well as any provincial, territorial and/or federal legislation and utility requirements?

  • What steps will you take to protect my family and me during and after the renovation?

  • What challenges as a contractor have you had working with this product?

  • Do you foresee any problems installing this in our home?

  • May I contact your references?

For more information, see NRCan's publication Keeping the Heat In(External link) and How to Recognize Energy Scams(External link).

Where can I find more information?

For additional resources and further learning, please visit the following websites:

 

For more information on the City of Markham's sustainability initiatives, please visit:

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