Are you planning to renovate your home? While many residents are excited about kitchen or bathroom renovations, what is often forgotten are the potential savings from less visually appealing upgrades such as added insulation and new high-performance windows.
There are currently many programs offered through the Green Ontario Fund to help you save energy, make your home more comfortable, prevent climate change and save you lots of money on an ongoing basis. To access these funds, make sure you hire certified contractors who submit the rebate paperwork for you.
Are you an installer of insulation, windows, air or ground source heat pumps?
If you’re a qualified installer of insulation, windows or air or ground source heat pumps, you can apply to become a participating contractor with the Green Ontario Fund. To qualify, participating contractors must give proof of:
- Business licenses, insurance and professional certifications
- Complete an orientation session on the Green Ontario Fund incentives requirements
- Complete additional training specific to each measure such as insulation, heat pumps, etc.
- Your signature on a contractor participation agreement.
Contractors can help their clients get rebates by installing better insulation and air sealing measures, high performance windows, air-source or ground-source heat pumps, and smart thermostats. For a limited time, if you live in a single-detached, semi-detached or townhome, you can sign up for a free smart thermostat. And, stay tuned for the GreenON Solar Rebates Program which is expected to launch in Summer 2018.
Tips to save on energy costs
- Foil radiant barriers – This is a type of insulation that is traditionally installed in attics and walls to reduce summer heat gain and cooling costs. It includes a foil or reflective outer barrier that reflects heat instead of absorbing it.
- Blown-in insulation – This is another popular green renovation product. All insulation has an R-value, which measures a material’s thermal resistance based on how thick it is. Most contractors recommend an R-value of 40, which is equal to 12-inch thick blown-in insulation and half that for some spray foams. If you live in an older home, the insulation has probably lost some of its thickness or ‘R-value’ and isn’t as energy-efficient anymore. Consider re-insulating your home for energy savings.
- Sealing duct work – This is another way to save on energy costs. According to some reports, leaky heating ducts cause a ten to 30 per cent increase in energy costs. Ask a skilled building contractor to inspect your duct system to show you where leaks may be and what you can to fix them.
To learn more about the Green Ontario Fund, please visit GreenON.ca, email info@GreenON.ca or call 1-888-728-8444.
Take Action Burlington! Collectively, we can all take steps to increase the energy efficiency of our home to save energy, improve home comfort, prevent climate change and save money!
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