What to Know About Canada’s Greener Homes Grant and Loan in 2024

The Canada Greener Homes Grant has received applications from Canadian homeowners like you since May 2021.

Over 200,000 applicants have received over $38 million in energy-efficient grants through the Greener Homes grant program!

A Canada Greener Home Grant  is a great way to save on energy costs and help the environment when making a smaller, eligible retrofit to your home.

We’ll also discuss the Canada Greener Homes loan program, an interest-free loan on larger home improvement projects that maximize energy efficiency, and your eligibility criteria for a Canada Greener Home windows loan.

In addition to being a door and window replacement program, other eligible projects include upgrading thermostats, insulating and air-sealing your home, space or water heaters, and some renewable energy retrofits.

What is a Canada Greener Homes Loan?

A Greener Homes loan is best for more significant home improvement projects by eligible applicants. 

Suppose you’re uncertain about your eligibility criteria for interest-free financing. In that case, we recommend applying for a Canada Greener Homes grant first. 

What Can Eligible Applicants Receive Through the Canada Greener Homes Loan Program?

The minimum loan amount for an eligible retrofit is $5,000, and the maximum for eligible applicants is $40,000.

Here’s what to know:

• The Greener Homes loan offers interest-free financing.
• The repayment term is ten years.
• The loan type is an unsecured personal loan for eligible applicants with approved credit.

If you’re eligible for the grant program, you can apply for the loan too. For full details of the Canada Greener Homes Windows Loan, please click on Natural Resources Canada. 

What is a Canada Greener Homes Grant? 

Natural Resources Canada is managing the Canada Greener Homes initiative. 

It’s a home efficiency rebate program for eligible applicants. When you receive a grant to make a smaller eligible retrofit to your home, you’ll save money on energy costs and benefit our environment.

Instead of an interest-free loan, you will receive a one-time grant for an eligible retrofit that improves your home’s energy efficiency.

Here’s what to know:

• Eligible applicants can receive grants up to $5,000 for an eligible retrofit.
• You can receive up to $600 to cover energy evaluations by a certified energy advisor.

Replace Your Windows or Sliding Glass Doors With a Canada Greener Home Grant

Windows and glass doors that are old and improperly sealed lose heat far quicker and cost you more in energy bills—some studies show a heat loss of up to 25%! 

In addition, the Greener Homes Loan Program offers an interest-free financing option through the federal government. 

What Are the Eligibility Criteria Requirements for a Canada Greener Homes Grant or Loan?

What do I need to be eligible for the Loan?

• You must have good credit history

• You must be a Canadian citizen

• You must have had a home assessment completed after April 1, 2020.

Who Is ineligible for the Grant?

It’s important to know the following:

• If you’ve already started your home improvement project,
• If your retrofits have not been approved by a licensed Energy Advisor,
• If your retrofits are not authorized, or if you complete retrofits that were not part of your application,

Unfortunately, you will be ineligible for the Grant. 

What are the Requirements?

Canadian homeowners must meet four requirements to be considered eligible applicants for a Greener Homes Grant.

Here’s what to know:

1. Schedule two evaluations (pre and post-retrofit) through a certified energy advisor (a list of energy advisors in your area will be provided).
2. Complete at least one eligible retrofit outlined in your pre-retrofit evaluation.
3. Purchase all home improvement products in Canada.
4. Maintain all records and receipts until March 31, 2028.

Do you meet the eligibility criteria? Great! 

Next, we’ll guide you through the process step by step. 

Seven Simple Steps for the Greener Homes Grant Program

We’ve already mentioned Step 1, but all seven steps are listed below in list form for easy reference.

Step 1: Meeting the Eligibility Criteria

We recommend you complete the official Canada Greener Homes Grant pre-evaluation quiz because it’s the quickest, most secure way to determine eligibility.

Step 2: Your Application

Click on the Greener Homes grant program to complete your application.

Step 3: Energy Advisor Completes the Pre-Retrofit Evaluation

Click on pre-retrofit for full details on scheduling an evaluation with your energy advisor. 

Step 4: Complete at Least One Eligible Retrofit

A certified energy advisor may give you one eligible retrofit recommendation or a list with several energy-efficiency improvements. Eligible applicants must complete at least one retrofit to receive their home efficiency rebate.

Step 5: Energy Advisor Completes Post-Retrofit Evaluation

Let’s say you’re eligible to receive a grant for window improvements. After we’ve completed the job, you’ll schedule a post-retrofit evaluation with your advisor, and they can provide you with an estimate of the grant money you’re eligible to receive.

Step 6: Requesting Your Home Efficiency Rebate

Following your post-retrofit appointment, you can log into your Greener Homes grant program account and follow the steps to request your grant reimbursement. 

For your records, here are the reimbursement guidelines again:

• Up to $5,000 for homeowners completing an energy-efficient home improvement project (retroactive to December 1, 2020).
• Up to $600 for pre- and post-retrofit evaluation costs with a certified energy advisor (retroactive to December 1, 2020).

You’re almost finished! Here’s your last step, and it’s essential.

Step 7: Receiving Your Grant

Eligible applicants must know reimbursements for pre- and post-retrofit evaluations are only available after completing all seven steps. 

You’ll know you’ve completed the process when you receive an email from the Greener Homes grant program confirming your grant amount. Your cheque should arrive by mail within 30 days.

Use Your Canada Greener Homes Grant for New Windows

Many homeowners are eligible for a home efficiency rebate on new windows or doors. 

These can be the best home improvement projects for two reasons:

• It significantly increases your home’s beauty and curb appeal.
• When correctly installed, new windows or doors provide maximum energy efficiency.

Let’s discuss the specific requirements for an eligible retrofit for a Canada Greener Home grant.

Eligibility Criteria for New Windows Through the Greener Homes Grant Program

Your Greener Home grant will cover a maximum of $250 per rough window or door opening, up to $5,000 total per eligible applicant. 

Here’s what to know:

• Whether you purchase your home improvement products in a store or online, they must be from a Canadian store or distributor.
• Keep ENERGY STAR® labels on your windows or glass until after the energy advisor completes the post-retrofit evaluation.
• A new or existing window frame is required. You are ineligible for the grant program if you only replace the glass, sash, or door without a frame.

There are also requirements for the type of windows and sliding doors you install to make it an eligible retrofit. The U-factor measures heat loss through windows, and an energy rating is an overall factor that must be met or exceeded. 

Here are the ENERGY STAR® categories and rebate amounts:

Categories	Approximate amount of rebate per rough window opening
ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient Window and Sliding Door Units • U-factor of 1.05 or less OR • Energy Rating ≥ 40	$250
ENERGY STAR® Certified Window and Sliding Door Units • U-factor of 1.22 or less OR • Energy Rating ≥ 34	$125
ENERGY STAR® Certified Hinged Doors With or Without Sidelites or Transoms • U-factor of 1.22 OR • Energy Rating ≥ 34	$125

Falcon Windows Exceed ENERGY STAR® Eligibility Criteria for a Canada Greener Homes Grant

Falcon Windows is your one-stop window specialist for manufacturing, installing, and maintaining energy-efficient windows.

We’re bringing you this information on the Canada Greener Homes Grant program to maximize your home efficiency rebate. When you’re ready to apply for a Canada Greener Homes grant, we are your resource for an energy-efficient home improvement through the grant program or a Canada Greener Home windows loan. Contact us today!