Incentive programs provide homeowners the opportunity to make energy efficient insulation upgrades.
A number of home renovation incentives are available to Saskatchewan residents in the form of loans and rebate opportunities. Many of these incentives are intended to improve the energy efficiency of the home. Others are intended to address important renovation issues that would otherwise render the home unfit for living. Does this Spark an idea?
Heating and Cooling Units
Homeowners can receive a rebate of up to $520 from the government of Saskatchewan when a furnace is replaced by a furnace with an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of 94 percent. Furthermore, when an individual replaces a central air-conditioning unit with one that has a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating of at least 14.5, rebates of up to $200 are available. (See References 1)
Hot Water Units and Insulation
Rebates of up to $300 are available for the replacement of a hot water unit with one that has a 0.90 energy factor (EF) or better. Individuals who increase the thermal resistance value (R-value) of the insulation in their homes are entitled to a rebate proportionate to the increase in R-value. Rebates for ceiling insulation range from $100 to $600, while rebates for basement wall insulation range from $100 to $1,000, depending on how much insulation is added. When insulation is added to the exterior walls, a rebate ranging from $180 to $1,500 is available. For individuals with a crawlspace, a rebate of up to $800 is available for increasing its insulation. (See References 1)
Air sealing, Door/Window Replacement and HVI Units
Rebates of up to $190 are available to individuals who increase the air tightness in the home. For each door or window that is replaced with an Energy-Star- qualified equivalent, homeowners are entitled to a rebate of $30 per unit. Individuals who install a Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) unit can receive rebates of up to $300. (See References 1)
The Homeowner Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program
The Homeowner Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) is intended for individual homeowners who need assistance in making mandatory repairs to their home. A limited number of repairs are eligible for financial assistance and include necessary heating, structural and electrical and plumbing repairs. Homeowners must be able to demonstrate that the repairs paid for by this program will make the home liveable for at least an additional 15 years. The funding assistance is conferred as a loan of up to $24,000, depending on the location of the home. Once the renovations are completed, homeowners may have the loan forgiven upon agreement to maintain occupancy for a period of no less than five years. (See References 2)
Tags: Assistance Program, available individuals, energy efficiency, entitled rebate, Homeowner Residential, Homeowner Residential Rehabilitation, insulation added