Just Geothermal Systems Ltd. strongly suggests that customers wishing to install a Geothermal Heat-pump to begin the process of getting their home audited before requesting a quote. This will greatly speed up the process of installation because you will already have begun the process of getting your rebate. The home auditor will apply for the grants on your behalf.
It is important to note that these programs are for retrofits only and new homes do not qualify
One auditing company is GreenTech which is a non-profit organization providing residential energy assessments.
For more details please check their website(link) or call them at 1.877.876.6555
The focus of the rebate program is to improve the efficiency of older homes with new technology. As most new homes are much more efficient, the government is currently not focused on new homes in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from old gas/oil/electric furnaces.
There are two grants available at this time for a GSHP system(single family home):
The Federal grant applies as follows:
- Install a CAN/CSA-C448 compliant earth-energy system (ground or water source). Grant: $3500
- Replace the heat pump unit of an existing earth-energy system (ground or water source). The system must be compliant with CAN/CSA-C448. Grant: $1400
The Provincial grant applies as follows:
- For renewable energy installations, the PST rebate is extended until January 1, 2010
- Install a CAN/CSA-C448 compliant ground- or water-source heat pump. Grant: $3500
You can find more details about the Federal grants for various installations here:
http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/retrofit-homes/retrofit-...
and also, the Provincial grants here:
http://www.energy.gov.on.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=conservation.homeretrof...
Additional Federal rebates that may be of interest to home owners:
- Install a heat recovery ventilator that is certified by the Home Ventilating Institute. Grant: $300
- Upgrade your windows, insulation, etc. and receive a grant amount based on the upgrades.
To receive the grants, a home owner should apply for the home audits before installation to determine their eligibility. You will be refunded up to $150 for the cost of the home audit. The cost of the pre-retrofit audit is usually $275-$300. The cost of the post-retrofit audit is usually around $100-$150. You can still get the audit rebate even if you decide you don't want to go ahead with the retrofit.
To qualify for the Home Energy Audit program, the pre-retrofit audit must have been done on March 23, 2007 or later.
To qualify for the Home Energy Retrofit Program, the post-retrofit verification audit must be completed after June 20, 2007.