Wednesday, November 25, 2009

AskCat.com/Energy Audit


Ever wish you could get some help paying for home improvements? Want to make your home more energy efficient but concerned about the expense? If you're planning to do any renovations or upgrades to your home, make sure you get a Home Energy Audit first. Both the Canadian Federal and Ontario Provincial governments have generous rebates available for homeowners who make their homes more efficient. Don't leave money on the table!

When we bought our house 2 years ago, we knew we'd have to replace the furnace sooner than later. Luckily, we had a friend in the HVAC business who was able to improve our system affordably, but even better, he insisted we get an audit to make ourselves eligible for potential rebates. Are we ever glad we did. Turns out, we'll get over $2,000 back from the government, we have a greener, better functioning heating and cooling system to keep us comfortable, and we've added tangible value to our home.

Here's how it works. You book an auditor (many referrals available through the government online, plus a recommendation posted below) and they come out to do an initial review of your house and its systems. The cost is around $300, but this initial audit itself is eligible for a $150 rebate. You then have 18 months to make any necessary improvements or upgrades and the auditor returns for a post-improvement check. This secondary audit costs another $150. The auditor confirms your eligibility and then (best part!) they complete all the necessary paperwork on your behalf. Your rebates, if any, will just appear in your mailbox 90 days later, like magic!

For more on the Ontario Home Energy Savings Program, visit http://www.mei.gov.on.ca/en/energy/conservation/homeenergyon/?page=ohesp1

For info on the Federal EcoEnergy Retrofit Program, check out

Green Alliance (auditor) can be booked by calling 416-903-7285.

Dan O'Brien Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation can be reached at 416-429-9139.

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