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About the program
Why is the City of Guelph offering this program?
In support of our Race To Zero targets, the City plans to offer a zero-interest loan to residential property owners in Guelph to help cover the costs of residential energy efficiency upgrades. This program will help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and make homes more energy-efficient, comfortable, and climatefriendly.
How long will this program be available?
This project is carried out with support from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund, an endowment created by the Government of Canada. This program will run until the allotted funds have been disbursed.
Who do I contact if I have any questions?
For more information about the Guelph Greener Homes program please contact [email protected] or 519-822-1260 extension 3984.
Am I eligible to apply for this program?
Please refer to what you need before applying for eligibility information.
What is the loan payment term?
The Guelph Greener Homes Program offers a 0% interest loan up to a maximum of $50,000 with 10-year payment termadded to the property tax bill. This is to help Guelph households cover the cost of energy-efficiency upgrades to their homes.
Are there additional program fees?
We are offering this loan program with no additional hidden program fees making it a 0% interest free loan.
Do you offer an initial deposit or down payment?
Yes, under the loan program, there is an option to request 20% of the total project cost up to a maximum of $10,000.
Yes, under the grant program, there is an option to request 30% of the total project cost up to a maximum of $10,000.
The deposit request has to be an additional line item on the quote.
Eligibility
Can I use this program to make improvements for a home that is not my primary residence?
Yes, any residential homeowner in Guelph can participate in the program. You must be the owner of the property.
Is this program available to residential properties outside of Guelph?
No, this program is only available for residential properties in the City of Guelph. Properties in surrounding townships, counties, and other areas in close proximity to Guelph are not eligible at this time.
I don’t live in Guelph, but own a residential property in the City of Guelph, am I eligible?
Yes, if the residential property is located in the City of Guelph, the owner of the property can participate regardless of the homeowner’s primary address.
Can I participate if I am a tenant?
No, you must be the owner of the residential property to participate.
Can I participate if I own a multi-unit residential building?
Currently we do not offer this program to multi-unit residential buildings. Any updates to the program will be posted on guelph.ca/greenerhomes
Can I apply for more than one upgrade through multiple applications?
All anticipated and eligible upgrades must be submitted through one application.
How the program works
How do I apply?
Start your application process.
Please refer to what you need before applying and Steps to apply for additional information.
I have already started my upgrades, am I still eligible to participate in this program?
Unfortunately, no. You will need a fully signed and executed Property Owner Agreement before you begin any upgrades. If you have questions about this
program, please contact [email protected] or 519-822-1260 extension 3984.
Do you recommend any energy auditors?
Please choose from the list of certified energy auditors that service your area.
Please be advised that if you are also applying to the Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program the energy auditor used must also be registered under the Enbridge program.
The Guelph Greener Homes Program accepts EnerGuide home evaluations previously completed within the last 24 months of your initial application form
submission.
Do I need to hire a professional contractor to complete the work?
All eligibility and performance criteria for the Canada Greener Homes Grant and Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus requirements apply to the Guelph Greener Homes program. It is recommended to obtain quotations or bids from at least three independent contractors who are qualified, properly licensed, and insured.
Do I have to pay for the home energy assessment?
Yes, you are required to pay for both pre and post home energy assessments. This expense can be included in the project cost and paid back under the loan terms. Please note that Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program will also pay a rebate of up to $600 for home energy assessments if you qualify.
Eligible upgrades
What types of improvements are eligible?
Building envelope:
- Installation or upgrading of thermal insulation (insulation areas include basement walls or foundation, exposed floor, crawl space, exterior walls,
attic, ceiling or roof) - Air-sealing (e.g., caulking, sealing, repair of windows and doors)
- Fenestration (e.g., windows, doors, sliding glass doors) replacement
Mechanical systems:
- Air source heat pumps and cold climate air source heat pumps
- Heat pump water heaters
- Heat recovery systems
Control systems:
- Smart or programable thermostats (eligible if only combined with any other eligible home improvements)
Renewable energy systems:
- Solar photovoltaic systems
- Solar hot water systems
Are battery for EV installation an eligible upgrade?
Unfortunately, this upgrade is not eligible under the current program.
Is there a minimum amount of loan?
No, there is not a minimum loan threshold.
Are there are any grants available under the Guelph Greener Homes program?
The Guelph Greener Homes Program offers a grant (up to $15,000) to low-income applicants for air-source heat pumps. These grants are for property owners who are primary residents of their owned property, and whose household income fits within levels as defined in the table below and the current value assessment (CVA) of the property is equal to or less than $350,000. The CVA can be found on your City of Guelph property tax bill. The Guelph Greener Homes program Low-income grants is subject to availability.
Are lumpsum payments allowed?
Yes, you may choose to make one lumpsum payment per year. The is no limit to the amount of the lumpsum payment.
Other loan or grant programs
Can I apply for other energy grant and loan programs?
Yes, the Guelph Greener Homes program is designed to work with other programs to increase supports available for homeowners in Guelph. We encourage you explore the other grant programs such as: