As the 28th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) came to a close in December 2023, I began to think of ways – that we as individuals – could make a difference.
One question many clients have asked me is whether any expenses incurred to make their home greener, would be considered tax deductible. While these expenses are not currently tax deductible, there are government programs that would provide grants or rebates to cover several costs.
A recent article from Realtor.ca sheds light on some ways we can make our homes greener. One of these ways is having an energy audit of your home. An energy audit can pinpoint areas that can be improved within your home which will make it more efficient. It will also help you ascertain if you qualify for certain rebates.
The article highlights the steps that occur during an energy audit:
Step 1: The pre-project assessment
- A thorough inspection is performed by a licensed assessor. The process takes about 2 hours and is regulated through Natural Resources Canada.
- The homeowner then receives:
- an information sheet which outlines how their home currently uses energy;
- an upgrade report with recommendations for improvements; and
- an efficiency score for the home.
Step 2: The post-project assessment (following any upgrades performed by the homeowner)
- The assessor will attend once again to verify the work and perform another inspecti
- The homeowner will receive:
- a revised homeowner information sheet;
- a new efficiency score; and
- a rebate verification
- The homeowner can then apply for rebates.
The rebates available are federal, provincial, municipal and/or utility-based:
- Federal: Canada Greener Homes Program
- Canada Greener Home Grants
- Ontario: Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+)
Reference: Energy Audits Making Your Home More Efficient
For further information on energy audits, read: Conducting Energy Audit