ecoENERGY Grants Increase at least 25%

Mar 30, 2009

Big Changes to ecoENERGY Grants

Natural Resources Canada has announced several dramatic changes to the ecoENERGY for Homes grant program.  All changes are effective to homeowners who have their follow-up evaluation on or after March 30, 2009.

Larger Grants and New Grants

All grants have increased: Every ecoENERGY grant has increased by at least 25%.  Still, the maximum grant amount that a homeowner can receive from the federal government remains at $5,000

As examples, homeowners may now receive up to:

  • $1,875 for exterior wall insulation
  • $4,375 for new geothermal systems
  • $40 per window replaced
  • $65 per low-flow toilet installed

Higher Grants for Solar

Solar hot water grant more has increased from the previous amount of $500 to an amazing grant of $1,250. 

New grants available for:

  • First-time installers of condensing gas furnaces ($790)
  • Zero-clearance gas furnaces in mobile homes ($375)
  • Integrated mechanical system that provides space and domestic water heating ($1,625)

Higher Standard for Gas Furnaces

For homeowners who have their initial evaluation after March 30th, 2009, installed furnaces must have an AFUE of 92% or higher to qualify for a grant. (Our understanding is that the previous 90% AFUE grant will still be available for homeowners who had their initial evaluation before March 30, 2009)

Other Significant Changes to ecoENERGY for Homes

A second chance for grants: Homeowners who have had a follow-up evaluation and have received their grants under the ecoENERGY program may have a second follow-up evaluation.  The second follow-up must be done within 18 months of the first follow-up.  This means that homeowners can apply for grants for work completed after the first follow-up.  However, the total amount of federal government money that each homeowner may receive through the ecoENERGY program cannot exceed $5,000.

Other Important Details

An additional $300 million has been designated towards the ecoENERGY grants.

The ecoENERGY program will end March 31, 2011.  All follow-up evaluations must be done before this date in order for homeowners to get their grants.

More Information:

Download new ecoENERGY grant brochure

March 30, 2009 Press Release from Natural Resources Canada

Updated grant information from Natural Resources Canada