Comments on: Why a Home Energy Audit Can Save You Money

By: Jeannie

Jeannie — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:50:05 +0000

I was told by a well known window company that if I replaced my old windows with Energy Efficient windows the Government would give me a rebate when I filed my Income Tax. Well I had over $10,000.00 worth of windows installed as my home was over 50 years old and it needed doing. I found out later that I did not qualify for the rebate because I was retired and did not pay income tax if I understood the reason correctly. I am upset with the window company because they didn’t disclose this information. All they wanted was the sale and didn’t care if the person could pay or even receive some form of discount regarless of how small to help in the payment. As far as the Government, what I have to say about them, is better left unsaid.

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:21:24 +0000

I have not found anyone yet who has actually received any money back.
My parents did this audit a wile back 5yrs. At the time of inspection they were told that if they change there windows they will receive a good amount back, however when the follow up inspection was complete they only received $20.00 after spending $10,000.00. They were told that it has not improved the house sufficiently.
Is this the same government scam.
Let me know if anyone has received any money back.
Thanks

By: karl

karl — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:36:25 +0000

after calling to obtain info in some of these programs i found they are no longer available,as typical of government they all of sudden got expiry as the time you happen to call
perhaps the government should or cmhc should just close their departments for all the help they are

By: Melissa

Melissa — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:14:04 +0000

I am wondering what other’s experiences have been with these home energy audits. While the hype is that it’s only $300 and you get $150 back, I just noticed that you can only qualify for the rebates/grants after having a second assessment done AFTER you have completed all the work within the 18mth period…..and that’s an additional $195 approx. with no rebates on that. So you’re shelling out $395 but is it worth it? Or is it just another money grab and another way to “stimulate” the economy by suckering home owners into doing renos they might not have otherwise done or are able to afford?

By: Janice

Janice — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:37:50 +0000

I agree with Theresa. We had the inital audit done & were able to pay for that, but finding money for the actual upgrades has proven very challenging. I would love to do all the upgrades that were recommended, but that will be nearly impossible. Coming up with the $$ up front is extremely hard. I think alot of people would benefit if they would pay you the grants BEFORE having to shell out for the upgrades, so you could actually use that money for the equipment.

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:49:18 +0000

Hi Dot – to get the cost of an energy audit for each of your units, you’d have to contact an energy auditor in your community (prices for audits vary from city to city). You can find a list of energy auditors in your community on this page.

Hope that helps,

Mark
Editor, ShowMeTheGreen.ca

By: Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:37:31 +0000

Michael Webb, a spokesperson for the firm, added that the expense of embracing energy efficiency is something the businesses should consider. Energy Efficiency

By: leeann penney

leeann penney — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:14:51 +0000

l would like to get the energy savings done but the costs is too much 500.00 i dont have. i live in nova scotia

By: Theresa Gilberf

Theresa Gilberf — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:22:13 +0000

It is good that the government is recognizing the need to help homeowners, but it is not geared towards homeowners who live from pay cheque to pay cheque. I will have a hard time coming up with $300.00 in advance even though I will get half of it back. I believe the incentive is much too low. I think a home energy grant to cover the costs $100% or close to that, would be benificial to all. Come on government, I know you can do better that this!

By: Dot

Dot — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:04:35 +0000

My husband and I own rental property and I would like to know how much it would cost us per unit to have an audit done. We have a 3 unit building, 1 upper-lower duplex and 5 separate houses from bachelor to 2 bedroom. Any info you could send me would be appreciated. Thank You