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 |
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| Insulation and air sealing (building envelope, ducts, windows, doors) |
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| Smart thermostats with Zone Control |
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| High Efficiency Furnace (Energy Star) |
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| Solar PV options with battery storage |
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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:
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
Registered energy advisors will conduct a detailed audit of your house and identify areas that can save you energy and money.
2. Review results
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
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
Download a copy of our Project Tracker by visiting our "Documents" section on the homepage.
6. Complete a post-retrofit EnerGuide rating
Your energy advisor has up to 30 days to submit documents to Natural Resources Canada.
7. Enjoy upgrades and collect incentives
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
|
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:
Not sure how to deal with climate change or the emotions and thoughts it brings? Maybe we don’t need to figure it out on our own. Check out this inspiring story from one Pocket resident who started her own climate change support group among friends and neighbours.
The story of one Pocket Changemaking family who focused their retrofit on creating more space for their kids and lowering their home’s carbon footprint. Now they’re 100% electric, enjoying air conditioning in summer and greater comfort in winter, and loving their much lower utility costs.
