Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is your role in this and what can you offer me?

As an insulation and air sealing Subcontractor, we offer services to improve your building's energy efficiency and overall comfort. Our team of professionals provides tailored solutions using sustainable materials and techniques to reduce energy consumption and save you money on energy bills. With our expertise in insulation and air sealing, we can help create a more comfortable and energy-efficient space for you.

We work with Registered Energy Advisors (REAs) licensed with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) in different Service Organizations (SOs), depending on your region, to help you access the rebates that make all of this all the more possible and affordable.

What separates us is that we provide a free initial visit to provide you a quote for the work that you are interested in, as well as guide you through the process while fast-tracking both the energy assessment portion and of course the installation itself. You can expect a quick turnaround for any planned renovations, urgent concerns, and new builds/constructions!

What kind of services do you provide and materials do you use?

We perform attic insulation, exterior wall insulation, foundation insulation (both basement and crawlspace), as well as comprehensive air sealing techniques. Algoma Ecohome Inc. (AEI) uses a scientific approach to improve building energy efficiency, offering specialized products with lower embodied carbon for sustainable installation.

One such product is cellulose insulation, made of 85% or more locally recycled paper material, which can be installed as a dense-pack product in wall cavities or ceilings, or blown into an attic space for high performance insulation.

Fiberglass blanket-wrap is one example of insulation material we use for unfinished basements/open crawlspaces, which also includes an air and vapour barrier. It is a more cost-effective option that still provides good thermal resistance, while being relatively easy to install as well as safer for its occupants.

Lastly, depending on the severity of the air leakage of your home, we use silicon caulking around windows and doors; install weatherstripping on windows, doors, and attic hatches; and utilize low-pressure, one-component, polyurethane foam sealant for larger penetrations in the building envelope. Air sealing helps to ensure your home stays draft-free and comfortable.

Can I work with multiple Subcontractors?

You most certainly can--in fact, we encourage it. For starters, it is always good to compare quotes and pick the Subcontractor that makes the most sense for your pocketbook, the services your looking for, as well as from the impressions they leave you with.

While the rebate program covers different retrofits and upgrades, you can work with an insulation and air sealing Subcontractor while working with a windows/door Subcontractor, etc.

Where does Algoma Ecohome Inc. (AEI) service?

We provide our service to all of Ontario!

Is the rebate program the best option for me?

These programs offer you the best rebates out there, with the exception of low-interest loan programs. While we primarily work with insulation and air sealing, as a Homeowner potentially going through this program, there are other things that you can also tap into (such as new windows and doors, heat pumps, renewable systems such as solar panels, etc.). If nothing comes out of it as far as insulation or air sealing, either based on your interest or if your home is already well-insulated, at least there are other options to help you further upgrade your home!

You are ultimately saving money upgrading your home, while lowering your bills, improving comfort, and taking a step towards the future of home energy efficiency.

What are the differences between the two rebate programs?

In the years prior, what used to be two separate programs and two different rebates that a person be able to access/stack on top of each other, you're actually applying at a great time. Effective January 1st, 2023, the Canada Greener Homes Grant Program (CGHG) and the Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Program (HER), have merged into the new Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate PLUS (HER+) Program. In doing so, the potential rebates have been enhanced to a maximum of up to $10,000 for eligible measures.

How do I ensure that I can get my rebates?

In order to access the rebate an energy assessment with a Registered Energy Advisor is required before any upgrades are implemented. The cost of the assessment varies based on the Service Organization (SO), but you will get a rebate of up to $600 towards the costs of the pre and post assessments ($400 and $200, respectively.)

Where can I find a list of licensed Service Organization (SO) in my area?

You can find such information here: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/find-service-provider/15807

Why do I need to go through an energy assessment or use a Registered Energy Advisor?

As part of the program, homeowners are required to use an Enbridge-approved Registered Energy Advisors (REA) working for a license Service Organization (SO) of their choice to conduct the pre- and post-assessment. We work with trusted Service Organizations across Ontario to deliver this program. Their representatives are professionally trained to work with you to complete the home energy assessments and are available every step of the way to answer any questions. You can find these people (and the organization they are affiliated with) on the NRCan website itself, the link of which is found under the previous question.

The Registered Energy Advisor (REA) can help you to:

Prioritize your upgrades to get the maximum incentive available,
Help you understand the payback period for the upgrades being considered,
Reduce air leaks and identify why your house is cold in the winter and hot in the summer,
Understand your home’s envelope and determine if additional “controlled” air flow is required,
Determine if energy upgrades were installed as per recommendations (in the post-assessment).

What is the process going to look like for me once I go through the program?

Typically, an assessment takes approximately 2-3 hours, though the exact duration may vary depending on the size of the property. During this time, an energy advisor will evaluate the building envelope of your house, including the insulation levels in the walls, attic, and foundation. The advisor will also measure your windows and doors and document the types, as well as take note of your mechanical systems. In addition, a blower door test will be conducted to determine the amount of air leakage in the property. Upon completion of the assessment, you will receive a report that contains a list of recommendations. To be eligible for a rebate, you must implement at least one upgrade based on the recommendations. Once the upgrades have been completed, the advisor will return to your property to conduct another blower door test and evaluate the effectiveness of the upgrades. At this time, your rebates will be applied for. If you have any questions or concerns about the energy assessment process, please do not hesitate to contact us.

How long after my pre-retrofit evaluation will I get me eligible measures report?

You will receive your report from your advisor within 14 calendar days after your pre-retrofit evaluation.

Can I start my renovations before the pre-retrofit evaluation?

No, the home needs to be in its present state to evaluate where it currently stands. This is so we can measure the difference the retrofits made when the Energy Advisor returns to complete the post-retrofit evaluation. You can start your retrofit as soon as the initial assessment has been completed, however!

Can I have an evaluation done if my home is undergoing renovations?

No, if there are renovations going on in the home, it could impact the accuracy of some of the tests required for the evaluation and program (especially if it includes renovation done to the building envelope).

I already ordered my windows and/or doors, but they haven’t been installed yet. Can I still go through with an assessment?

Yes! As long as the installation date is after the pre-retrofit evaluation, you will be eligible.

How do I know if my home and I are eligible for the programs?

To be eligible for the rebate programs you must own the home, it must be your primary residence, you will be asked to provide proof of ownership by showing the property tax bill during the evaluation, and the home must be an eligible building and home type.

Can I go through the rebate program at the same time as other government programs/loans?

Yes! The program stackable with other programs/loans.

What upgrades are eligible under the rebate programs?

Please visit the respective websites at the bottom to see all other upgrades that you may qualify for under the rebate programs.

Why do these programs only offer reimbursements for Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) and not furnaces?

The programs provide rebates for ASHP because they are more energy efficient than furnaces. ASHP is more eco-friendly than burning Natural Gas; they will reduce carbon emissions. With the carbon tax going up, ASHP will become less expensive to run than a natural gas furnace.

How much can I get reimbursed through the programs?

The maximum reimbursement is $10,000 for measures found on the eligible measures report from the pre-retrofit evaluation. Not all retrofits are reimbursed at 100%, and some out-of-pocket spending is a possibility for the participant. Each measure has a different reimbursement amount based on the current energy efficiency level of the home. Please note that reimbursement applies to specific equipment that are approved by the grant programs. Always double-check with your Energy Advisor that the upgrade qualifies for the rebate!

I would like to learn more about the program, or how to transfer to this new program. Where can I go to learn more?

Of course, you can find all such information here: https://www.enbridgegas.com/residential/rebates-energy-conservation/home-efficiency-rebate-plus/faq

If I have questions about the programs, eligibility criteria, or other concerns, who should I reach out to?

Please contact either Enbridge Gas Energy Conservation Line at 1-844-777-3149 or NRCan (Natural Resources Canada) at 1-833-674-8282.

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What separates us from other Subcontractors is that our staff are Registered Energy Advisors (REAs), with years of building science experience, and a keen eye for what your home may need, while keeping your priorities and budget in mind.

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