Upgrading your windows and doors can be pricey but the benefits easily outweigh the replacement costs. Energy-efficient windows and doors will lower your energy bills because they properly regulate your home’s temperature. Installing new windows and doors will also improve the aesthetic look and financial value of your house.
To encourage homeowners to replace outdated windows and door, there are window grants for Ontario homeowners available to eligible residents. The Ontario window rebate helps homeowners:
- Offset the Cost of Replacing Old or Damaged Windows and Doors with More Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors.
- Improve Your Home’s Air Quality by Improving Temperature Regulation.
- Lower Your Energy Bills.
- Increase the Resale Value.
- Reduce Your Carbon Footprint and Negative Environmental Effects by Reducing the Energy Needed to Warm or Cool Your Home.
Home Efficiency Rebate
The Ontario window rebate gives qualifying homeowners up to $500 per window up to $5,000 maximum to complete two or more certified upgrades to their home. Depending on the size of the window, this will save homeowners between 1/3 to 1/2 of the total expense to replace each window and door.
To qualify for rebates on window and door installation, homeowners must successfully complete these steps:
1.Pre-Qualify for the Ontario Window Rebate Program
To pre-qualify, homeowners must fill out the online application found on the Government of Canada or Enbridge websites. The prequalification application consists of a short questionnaire that is designed to determine eligibility. A Registered Energy Advisor can contact you within 48 hours to help you complete the questionnaire and answer any questions you have.
To qualify, you must complete at least two or more recommended upgrades to your home like replacing windows and doors with certified energy-efficient models.
2.Schedule a Pre-Energy Assessment
Once your pre-qualification application has been approved, schedule an appointment with a Registered Energy Advisor (REA) listed on the Enbridge website. Pre and post-assessments cost $550 total and will be reimbursed as part of the total rebate once the work is complete.
During pre-assessment, an REA will inspect the home’s current energy use and make recommendations to improve energy efficiency. Some recommendations can include simple retrofits like weatherstripping windows and insulating your doors to eliminate drafts and air leaks.
3.Complete the Work
Once the pre-assessment is complete, homeowners can hire the contractor of their choice to complete at least two or more recommended upgrades to their home. The window and door installation contractor you hire has to be registered with one of the following directories:
- RenoMark
- HIRAI
- Insulate and Airseal
4.Schedule a Post-Energy Assessment
Once all the work is complete, schedule with an REA to visit your home. During the appointment, the REA will review the work done to ensure you have installed energy-efficient windows and doors. They will also assess the new energy use levels, comparing them to the original levels.
Once the upgrades have been approved, homeowners can expect to receive their cheque within eight to ten weeks.
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