CanSpec Inspection Services

1. What is the ecoENERGYRetrofit program?

On January 21, 2007, the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, announced the $220-million ecoENERGY Retrofit Program to be launched on April 1,2007. The ecoENERGY Retrofit Program offers incentives for energy efficiency improvements in homes as well as in small and medium-sized organizations in the institutional, commercial and industrial sectors.

The ecoENERGY Retrofit Program is designed to help homeowners and owners of existing low-rise properties make smart energy retrofit decisions that will result in significant energy savings and a cleaner environment. The first step in participating in the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program is to call for a professional energy assessment. The advisor will perform a pre-retrofit assessment of the home and provide you with your own personalized action checklist of upgrades that will reduce your energy consumption.

2. How much can homeowners expect to save in terms of annual energy use and greenhouse gas emissions?

The average grant is expected to yield reductions in energy use of approximately 30 percent and greenhouse gas emission reductions of approximately 4tonnes per house. By implementing the energy retrofit recommendations, a typical homeowner could save $700 a year on a $2,000 annual heating bill.

3. What types of properties are eligible for a grant?

The ecoENERGY Retrofit Program offers grants to owners of low-rise residential properties defined as dwellings under Parts 2 and 9 of the National Building Code of Canada. These include single detached and attached homes (e.g. row housing, duplexes and triplexes) and mobile homes on a permanent foundation.

4. Do existing homes and multiple unit residential buildings of any age qualify under the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program?

ecoENERGY Retrofit program is designed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Canada’s existing housing stock. There is no restriction as to the age of an existing house or building but those built before 1985 will benefit the most as they have the potential for more significant energy improvements.

5. If a former school, church or commercial property is converted into a permanent residential property, is it eligible for a retrofit grant?

No. These types of structures are not eligible for a retrofit grant because they were originally built according to a building code which had different requirements and were intended for a non residential use. As such they are not low-rise residential properties as defined under Parts 2 and 9 of the National Building Code of Canada.

6. Does municipal housing also qualify?

The homes held by municipal social housing agencies can also participate in the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program. Agencies with multiple residential buildings that meet the requirements are eligible for up to $500,000 over the life of the four-year program ending March 31, 2011.

7. I recently built (or am building) a house. Am I eligible for a grant?

ecoENERGY Retrofit Program is designed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Canada’s existing housing stock. New houses are not the program’s focus, primarily because they are already quite efficient. Houses under construction are not eligible for grants.

If you are building a house, making it an energy-efficient home is a sound investment. Not only will it pay you back in energy savings year after year, it is one of the most
environmentally friendly housing choices you can make.

8. Are grants and incentives available for the construction of energy efficient new homes?

There are currently no grants or incentives being offered at the federal level. However, there are several regional grants and incentives available for homebuyers and homebuilders. Please contact your local Home Builders Associations and utilities for information on local programs and incentives.

9. Is the Retrofit grant taxable on my personal income?

No.

10. I received a grant under the old EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Incentive. Am I eligible to receive another under the new program?

Yes, but only for additional work performed on your home. You will not be eligible for a grant under the new program for the same upgrades covered by the first grant. However, you may apply to the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program if you have completed further energy efficiency retrofits.

11. Does the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program include new retrofit measures and incentives that were not part of the old EnerGuide for Houses initiative?

Yes, new measures that reduce energy consumption and provide for a cleaner environment have been added. Newly eligible retrofits include the replacement of your cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR® qualified models, the installation of solar hot water heaters, water-saving toilets and grey water heat-recovery systems. These are just a few of the possible upgrades that are covered.

12. Are the grants based on how much I spend for upgrades?

No. The grant is based on the individual upgrades completed. A flat incentive amount has been calculated for each qualifying upgrade, and the upgrades that save the most energy have the highest value. The potential grant is calculated by adding the total incentive amounts of the upgrades recommended in the Energy Efficiency Assessment Report’s action checklist that is presented by your energy advisor. This makes it easier for you to decide which renovations you want to carry out from the action checklist and in which order you would like to complete them. The grant is based on the total amounts for those retrofits you have completed.

13. Can I do the work myself and receive a grant?

Yes, provided that you receive a pre-retrofit energy assessment by a qualified energy advisor such as those at CanSpec Inspection Services. To receive a grant, you must obtain a post-retrofit assessment after the upgrades have been carried out. It is important that you keep a copy of the invoices for the materials purchased for the upgrades as you may be asked to submit a copy to NRCan. Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that they obtain all necessary permits and meet all municipal and provincial requirements.

14. a) I understand there are similar financial assistance programs in my province based on the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program. Am I eligible for both the federal and provincial programs?

Yes. Under the Ontario Home Energy Retrofit Program, the ecoENERGY Retrofit grants are enhanced up to $5000. So the potential amount of grant money available per home is $10,000. CanSpec Inspection Services energy assessments cover both grant programs. When you complete your assessment, we take care of the paperwork for both grants.

14. b) I already received a provincial grant not matched by EnerGuide for Houses. Am I eligible to claim an ecoENERGYRetrofit–Homes grant?

No, not for the same work. You can apply for additional work.

15. Can I get the ecoENERGY Retrofit program grants as well as the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC)?

Homeowners participating in the ecoENERGY Retrofit program are eligible to receive the temporary Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) in addition to the ecoENERGY Retrofit grants for some of the improvements made. More information on the HRTC is available at http://www.actionplan.gc.ca.

16. If I apply for the Home Renovation Tax Credit will I automatically get the ecoENERGY Retrofit program grants?

No. The only way to obtain the ecoENERGY Retrofit grants is to have a pre- and post- retrofit energy assessment conducted.

17. How do I get started? And how will I know which upgrades qualify and how much of a grant I will be entitled to?

Your first step is to consider if you are ready to invest in renovations that will save energy and money. Once you are ready, contact us to book an appointment for your energy assessment. Although all renovations started prior to obtaining a pre-retrofit energy assessment are not eligible for a grant, the home must be in such a state that the energy advisor can assess the building to make recommendations for improvement.

A grant depends on individual upgrades completed. The Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report provided by your advisor following your pre-retrofit assessment includes a personalized list of upgrades and the grant amounts you can expect to receive should you carry out the recommended home improvements. In addition, the report will indicate the relative impact the upgrades will have on the home’s energy efficiency level.

The average grant for a single property is expected to be over $1,200. The maximum grant available for one home or multi-unit residential building is $5,000. Property owners of multiple residential buildings are eligible for up to $500,000 over the life of the program ending March 31, 2011.

Thanks to the Ontario Home Energy Retrofit Program, you will also receive an additional grant up to $5,000, bringing the total possible grant amount to $10,000. We take care of the paperwork for both the federal (ecoENERGY Retrofit Program) and provincial (Ontario Home Energy Retrofit Program) grants.

A full list of qualifying renovations can be found here.

18. Do I get an energy rating of my house?

Yes. In addition to the personalized action checklist that is used to calculate the grant, the energy advisor provides the homeowner with an EnerGuide rating and label for the house, before and after renovations. This information is also made available to participating provincial partners that also use the EnerGuide rating system within their programs. Any personal information that owners provide is protected under the federal Privacy Act.

19. When can I apply for the grant?

With the launch of the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program effective April 1,2007, applications can now be accepted.

20. How does the grant application process work?

Following the pre-retrofit evaluation and the implementation of the renovations or upgrades by the homeowner, the homeowner must have a post-retrofit evaluation performed on the home. At the time of the post-retrofit evaluation, the energy advisor completes a grant application form on behalf of the homeowner and presents it for his/her review and signature. A copy of the application form is provided to the homeowner. The energy adivsor prepares and sends the electronic house file, which includes data on the house collected during the post-retrofit evaluation, to NR Can. NRCan processes the application and, under normal circumstances, the homeowner receives a cheque within 90 days following the date of the post-retrofit evaluation.

Applications for the provincial grant from the Ontario Home Energy Retrofit Program (which matches the federal grant dollar-for-dollar) are also processed at the same time. You will receive a separate cheque from the provincial government within 90 days.

21. How much time do homeowners have to complete the work?

You have until March 31, 2011 to complete the upgrades selected from the Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report’s action checklist and obtain your post-retrofit assessment.

22. I already started my renovations, can I still apply for a grant?

Unfortunately, all renovations started prior to obtaining a pre-retrofit energy assessment are not eligible for a grant. All energy-related renovations undertaken thereafter are eligible as long as they are listed on this page. The only exception is that of a furnace as outlined in the following question.

23. My furnace and/or domestic hot water system broke down. It’s an emergency, can I apply?

Effective October 15, 2009 until March 30, 2010. Yes, in the case of an emergency furnace replacement, the homeowner must call a service organization within five days of the system replacement to schedule his/her pre-retrofit assessment and must keep sufficient information regarding the older furnace.

Customers calling a service organization LATER THAN five days after the heating equipment has been replaced cannot be considered.

Please call us for details.

24. My air conditioning system broke. Can I apply?

In the case of an air conditioner (window or central system) that has broken down, a pre-retrofit evaluation MUST be performed BEFORE replacing it in order to be eligible for a grant under the program.

25. Are mobile homes eligible?

Yes, mobile homes can participate in the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program provided that they are situated on a permanent foundation and that the property tax roll is in the name of the homeowner.

26. Does municipal housing also qualify?

The homes held by municipal social housing agencies can also participate in the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program. Agencies with multiple residential buildings that meet the requirements are eligible for up to $500,000 over the life of the four-year program ending March 31,2011.

27. I rent a house, can I participate?

Yes, any rental property that meets the eligibility criteria can participate. Note: It is the property owner who is eligible for the grant; therefore, we suggest that you speak with your landlord.

28. Is Aboriginal housing eligible under the program?

Yes. First Nation, Band Council and Tribal Council housing is eligible under the program. The maximum grant available for one home or multi-unit residential building is $5,000. Owners of multiple residential buildings are eligible for up to $500,000 over the life of the four-year program ending March 31, 2011.

Aboriginal housing also qualifies for an additional maximum $5,000 grant under the Ontario Home Energy Retrofit Program.

29. Why is a high-rise condominium property excluded from the program?

The reason for excluding larger buildings from the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program is that, because of their construction, these buildings perform very differently than low-rise buildings and the energy assessment protocols must vary accordingly. The main differences in conducting an energy assessment in a high-rise are the size, complexity and type of the heating, hot water and ventilation systems. They also have common areas and services (such as elevators) and construction details (such as depressurization zones for fire control).

30. I live in a town home and have a condominium corporation, am I eligible to participate?

Yes, all low-rise condominium properties that meet the requirements of the eligibility criteria are eligible. Therefore, you and your co-owners can participate in the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program.

31. Is co-op housing eligible?

Co-op housing is a type of ownership and not a building type. If the building meets the eligibility criteria, you and your co-owners are eligible to participate. The grant is paid to the property owner as shown on the tax bill.

32. I own rental properties, are these eligible?

Yes, both single family homes and multiple-unit low-rise residential buildings held by rental property owners are eligible under the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program provided that they meet the eligibility criteria. Owners of multiple residential buildings are eligible to receive up to $500,000 over the life of the program ending March 31,2011.

33. I am not a Canadian citizen, but I own rental properties in Canada. Can I participate and receive a grant?

Yes, property owners who are not Canadians citizens can participate in the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program. The property must meet the eligibility criteria and the grant cheque must be mailed to a Canadian location. Owners of multiple residential buildings are eligible for up to $500,000 over the life of the program ending March 31, 2011.

34. When is a recreational property eligible for a retrofit grant?

In order to qualify for a grant, the recreational property must be a fully-serviced four season property, meeting the specific definitions under the National Building Code, parts 2 and 9. The recreational property does not have to be the primary residence of the owner. Recreational properties, such as cottages, cabins, chalets etc. that do not meet these requirements are not eligible for a retrofit grant.

35. What are the requirements for low-flush toilets and how can I find the list of qualified products?

Eligible low-flush or dual-flush models must be:

1. rated at 6litres per flush or less
2. meet the Los Angeles Supplementary Purchase Specification (shown as SPS on the list); and
3. have a flush performance of 350grams or more.

Here’s how you can search for a list of qualified products:

1. On the Internet, enter the: www.veritec.ca Web site address
2. Select the “Reports” button
3. Select the most recent edition of the MaP report (MaP Report 10th Edition version was the most recent version in July2007)
4. Download the report
5. Go to the appendix with the list of toilets sorted by performance
6. Look for SPS and ≥ 350g

Important: Homeowners must keep proof of the make and model number to ensure compliance and show this to the Advisor at the time of the evaluation.

36. What manufacturers of Drain Water Heat Recovery Systems are eligible under the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program?

Update – April 2, 2009

Currently, drain-water heat recovery systems listed below and manufactured by the following companies are eligible:

• EcoInnovation Technologies Inc. (ECO-GFX)
• Renewability Energy Inc. (PowerPipe)
• WaterCycles Energy Recovery Inc. (Watercycle)

Models with an efficiency ranging from 30 to 41.9% exclusively:

• EcoInnovation Technologies: S3-40 (75 mm/ 3 inch drain at 39% steady state)
• Renewability Energy: R3-36 (75 mm/ 3 inch drain at 38% steady state) and R4-24 (102 mm/ 4 inch drain at 31.5% steady state)

Models with an efficiency of 42.0% or greater:

• EcoInnovation Technologies: GS-40 (75 mm/ 3 inch drain at 46% steady state) and S4-40 (102 mm/ 4 inch drain at 44.7% steady state) and S3-60 (75 mm/ 3 inch drain at 49% steady state) and S4-60 (102 mm/ 4 inch drain at 51% steady state)
• Watercycle: DX-4048 (102 mm/ 4 inch drain at 44% steady state) and DX-3058 (75 mm/ 3 inch drain at 42% steady state)
• Renewability Energy: R3-42 (75 mm/ 3 inch drain at 42.4% steady state) and R3-54 (75 mm/ 3 inch drain at 49.2% steady state) and R3-72 (75 mm/ 3 inch drain at 58.8% steady state) and R4-54 (102 mm/ 4 inch drain at 54.7% steady state)

Note that the list of eligibile equipment has changed. Eligible systems have been tested by an independent testing facility recognized by Natural Resources Canada. Note: Homemade systems are not eligible for the ecoENERGY Retrofit grant.

37. What are the CSA standards for solar domestic hot water systems?

The standard entitled CAN/CSA-F378-87 Solar Collectors applies to solar collectors. For solar collectors that produce heat, see “Glazed Water Heating Solar Collectors – Flat Plate Collectors” and “Glazed Water Heating Solar Collectors – Evacuated Tube Collectors” sections of the list for eligible systems.

Note: At a future date, system installations will have to be certified as per CAN/CSA-F379.1-88 Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems for packaged systems designed for single-family dwellings; and CAN/CSA-F383-87 Installation Code for Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems for the installation and commissioning of packaged systems for single-family dwellings.

38. What is the effective thermal resistance of foil-faced bubble insulation and other similar products recognized by NRCan to model homes?

At this time, despite claims made by Canadian manufacturers and salespeople, and unless otherwise proven by a respected third-party testing agency against a recognized standard for the testing of such reflective materials, NRCan recommends the following effective thermal resistance maximum values for foil-faced bubble insulation products or the foil-faced portion of a laminated layer of foam or fibre-based insulation board when modeling them in the simulation software.

• RSI 0.26 (R 1.5) where the bubble layer is between two layers of foil without air spaces in front of the foil.
• RSI 0.53 (R 3) where the bubble layer is between two layers of foil with only one air space in front of the interior facing foil.
• RSI 0.62 (R 3.5) where the bubble layer is between two layers of foil with air spaces in front of the foils.
• RSI 0.62 (R 3.5) where the foil layer is between two clear layers of bubbles acting as air spaces

NRCan does not comment on other characteristics of foil-faced bubble insulation, such as its flexibility, its air/vapour barrier characteristics or its ability to reflect solar radiation in cooling climates. The intent is to provide information on the effective insulation value accepted by NRCan for this type of product, for the purpose of modeling houses under the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program.

39. What should I look for in an earth energy system (i.e., GeoExchange™, geothermal, ground- or water-source heat pump)?

The system must meet the CAN/CSA-C448 Design and Installation of Earth Energy Systems standard and it is also recommended that the equipment meet:

• CAN/CSA-C13256-1-01 Water-Source Heat Pumps – Testing and Rating for Performance – Part1: Water-to-Air and Brine-to-Air Heat Pumps or
• CAN/CSA-C13256-2-01 Water-Source Heat Pumps – Testing and Rating for Performance – Part2: Water-to-Water and Brine-to-Water Heat Pumps

We strongly recommend that the design and installation be performed by professionals accredited by the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition.

Until April 1st, 2008, the system installer must complete a “CSA 448 Design and Installation Compliance & Commissioning Report” (available from the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition), forward it to the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition and provide a copy to the homeowner. The homeowner must then show this copy to the energy advisor at the time of the post-retrofit evaluation in order to be eligible for a grant.

IMPORTANT: As of April 1, 2008, all eligible systems must be certified by the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition and therefore, drilled, designed and installed by professional(s) accredited by this coalition. From this date, the “GeoExchange System Certification Form” available from the Coalition will have to be used in replacement of the “CSA 448 Design and Installation Compliance & Commissioning Report”.

For more information on earth energy systems including a current list of accredited installers, designers, and drillers, please contact the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition at http://www.geo-exchange.ca or call 514-807-7559.

40. Are rebates and incentives available for the construction of energy efficient new homes?

There are currently no rebates or incentives being offered at the federal level. However, there are several regional rebates and incentives available for homebuyers and homebuilders. Check our list of rebates and incentives to see if any apply to you. You may also want to consider contacting Home Builder’s Associations and Utilities for information on local and regional programs and incentives.

41. I own an older mobile home in a trailer park where I rent the land. I have lived in it for several years and I want to know the definition of a fixed foundation to qualify for a grant. It sits on timbers, is skirted and has never been moved.

When the homeowner owns and occupies a mobile home but rents or leases the lot (e.g., mobile home park), the home is eligible for the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes grant, provided it is on a permanent foundation. A mobile home can be considered permanently fixed if it sits on a foundation of concrete, wood or steel (e.g., a mobile home on wood cribbing with a plywood or vinyl apron would qualify though regional requirements may negate use of aprons); it is structurally complete with entire plumbing, heating and electrical services installed and permanently connected to the appropriate electrical utility service, fuel service, sewer or septic service and water delivery system/service; and its towing apparatus and axle have been removed as per regional requirements.

The mobile home owner must supply his or her tax roll number (municipal/provincial or territorial) as required for the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program application process.

42. I own a multi-unit residential building (MURB) (traditional apartment-type building) and would like to get the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program grants. Can you help?

As always, we are able to test semi-detached (row houses, townhouses) homes in all our locations. But now CanSpec is licensed to conduct energy assessments on apartment buildings (no higher than 3 storeys), tri-plexes, 4-plexes and houses converted with apartments inside (MURBs) in the Sudbury area only. Please call 1-877-672-3242 ext 210 and speak to Debra about this if you own a MURB.