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Saving Money While You Save The Planet!
By Alan Carson, November 27, 2007 Saving energy now makes a lot more financial sense, because several levels of government and several utilities are participating.
Government & utility goals 1. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to help minimize climate change
2. Conserve energy and water Consumers’ goals 1. Minimize capital spending, as well as fuel and utility costs
2. Maximize home comfort
3. Do the right thing for the planet. The goals are more closely aligned than ever before. The cornerstone is the ecoEnergy program, a Natural Resources Canada initiative. Significant cost savings are now available to Ontario homeowners. While there are many programs and incentives, this partial list includes the highlights that we believe provide the greatest return on investment.
Heating and cooling
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$1,350: 92% AFUE gas furnace with DC variable speed motor: $500 (Federal) plus $500 (Provincial) plus $100 from Enbridge plus $250 from Ontario Power Authority (Cool Savings Rebate)
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$1,200: 85% AFUE gas or oil boiler: $600 plus $600 plus $100 from Enbridge if gas
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$1,000: 85% AFUE oil furnace with DC variable speed motor: $500 plus $500
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$900: Replace conventional air conditioner with high-efficiency air-conditioner: $200 plus $200 plus $500 from Ontario Power Authority (Cool Savings Rebate)
Note: Some equipment manufacturers also offer rebates.
Insulation - $2,000: Insulate all your basement walls up to R-23: $1000 plus $1000
- $1,600: Insulate all your crawlspace walls up to R- 23: $800 plus $800
- $200: Insulate the joist header space at the top of foundation walls
- $1,200: Upgrade attic insulation from R-12 or less to R-50: $600 plus $600
- $1,200: Upgrade flat or cathedral roof insulation from R-12 to R-28: $600 plus $600
Note: Smaller grants are available if existing insulation levels are higher, if you add less insulation or if you can only insulate in some areas.
Conserving water - $160: Replace toilet with low flush toilet: $50 plus $50 plus $60 from City of Toronto
- $175: Replace toilet with dual flush toilet: $50 plus $50 plus $75 from City of Toronto (Dual flush toilets use different amounts of water for different types of waste.
No PST! 1. There is a PST rebate until January 2010 for renewable energy installations.
2. Energy Star appliances are subject to a retail sales tax exemption in Ontario from July 19, 2007 to July 20, 2008. This includes refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, freezers, dehumidifiers, room air conditioners, and qualifying ENERGY STAR light bulbs and decorative light strings. Three step process: Step 1: Get an energy audit. The cost is ~ $300. You get $150 rebate from the government. The report will tell you where you can save energy in your home. (Many suppliers are paying the cost of the audits.) Step 2: Make your improvements. Step 3: Get a second (verification) audit done. The cost is typically $150 and the auditor will help complete the grant application.
The fine print - Maximum grants levels:
- $5,000 - Ontario Ministry of Energy
- $5,000 - Natural Resources Canada
- The Cool Savings Rebate program from Ontario Power Authority is scheduled to end December 31, 2007.
- These numbers are for single-family homes. There are different numbers for multiple unit residential buildings.
- Equipment and appliances must meet certain energy standards. Lower grants are available for lesser equipment in some cases.
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