On June 19, 2018, Ontario’s new premier Doug Ford announced the termination of the the Green Ontario Fund rebate program for energy efficient windows and doors. On June 21, 2018, an extension of the installation deadline to October 31, 2018. This change has the industry and homeowners scrambling to complete their home renovations under the program before the cut off date in order to qualify for the refund.
What is the Green Ontario Fund Rebate Program?
The Green Ontario Fund Rebate Program was launched by the Province of Ontario in December of 2017 and was introduced as an effort to support Ontario families make small and big changes in their homes. The program was to help homeowners save money while reducing their carbon footprint through various home upgrades specified under the program. Ontario homeowners could take advantage of these programs and rebates to make the home renovations they need to improve their homes comfort, energy-efficiency, and to do their part in helping to fight climate change.
The GreenON Rebates covered:
- Up to $7,200 off new insulation and a $100 rebate for air sealing
- Up to $20,000 to install ENERGY STAR certified ground source heat pumps (home geothermal) or up to $4,500 to repair existing heat pump systems
- Up to $5,800 off air source heat pumps that are ENERGY STAR certified or meet program requirements
- Up to $5,000 for replacement windows that meet program requirements
Windows are an important element in passive solar home design, which uses solar energy at the site to provide heating, cooling, and lighting for a house. Replacing your old windows with ENERGYSTAR qualified windows are one of the leading ways to lower energy use and save you money. This program was so attractive to homeowners that were looking to improve their homes energy-efficiency and security with new home windows knowing that the rebate just what they needed to make the renovation project affordable for them. Needless to say, the termination of the program has got them in a tough spot.
The new Progressive Conservative government has set a deadline of August 31, 2018 for the installation of replacement windows in order to qualify for the rebates, but this also means that some consumers will be left in the lurch.
Important deadlines to know
In addition to this, it is important for consumers to meet the deadline for rebate application submissions. The government will honour rebate applications that have already been submitted and those filed by September 30, 2018 on work done no later than August 31, 2018 according to the Green Ontario Fund website.
The following programs are now closed:
- For residential services:
- GreenON Installations
- GreenON Solar Rebates
- GreenON Modern Wood Heating Pilots
- GreenON Rebates:
- Air Source Heat Pumps
- Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Insulation
- Window installations
- Solar
- $100 Smart Thermostat
- GreenON Social Housing
What does the new changes mean for homeowners that have already signed a work agreement with a participating contractor?
Here’s what you need to know If you’re already signed up for a rebate. It will continue to be honoured if you had a signed work agreement with a participating contractor on or before June 19, 2018 for work that will be completed by October 31, 2018.
After which, your rebate application is submitted by November 30, 2018. In terms of the rebate program and how to receive your rebate, your contractor will submit your rebate application on your behalf. Once you have validated that the work has been installed, you will submit your proof of purchase and you will receive your rebate cheque in the mail from the Green Ontario Fund in approximately 8-12 weeks.
When all is said and done, the question is, will all these efforts actually save consumers money? Some have their speculations about the program however, the government of Ontario is predicting an average of 15% savings on energy bills per year. Nonetheless, Canadian have always been conscious about climate change and the environmental effects of over-consumption.
For more information on the Green Ontario Fund program, contact GreenON Support at 1-888-728-8444 or email info@GreenON.ca to get impartial answers to your insulation or window questions from our energy experts.
If you’re still in need of replacement windows or doors for your home after the program is terminated, Clera Windows and Doors can still offer you competitive prices on high-quality energy efficient replacement windows for your home. Replacement windows can be installed during anytime of the year however, ideally it is best to install your new windows before the first frost. That way you can take full advantage of your energy savings to heat your home throughout the winter. If you’d like more information on replacement windows for your home, contact Clera Windows for a free consultation today.
