Much like a multi-use tool that can be used across virtually any project, this is a program that helps homeowners navigate substantial rebate offers, retrofit their homes and help move the Capital Regional District towards an energy-efficient future.
Introduced in November 2022, the Home Energy Navigator program is a one-stop shop steeped in savings, advice and efficiencies for those living in single-family homes, duplexes or small townhome developments.
The push behind this free program is to transition from fossil fuels – natural gas, heating oil or propane – to electric heating/cooling systems such as heat pumps, or other measures like air sealing, added insulation, solar panels or more efficient window types, among others.
“Typically, we estimate people are spending around $2,000 on heating oil each year and you’d see about half of that with a heat pump – it’s hundreds of percent more efficient than your standard heating systems,” says Nikki Elliott, manager of climate action programs at the CRD.
The beauty of this free program is its holistic and complete approach – through one phone call or click, participants can get started on accessing a myriad of services, rebates and tips offered by provincial, federal and municipal governments, along with those from utility providers:
- Advice on home upgrades that can meet a resident’s goals and budget
- Guidance without pressure to proceed with upgrades
- Recommendations if other upgrades should be completed in conjunction with a heat pump
- Assistance in reviewing and comparing contractor quotes to help residents make informed choices
- Advice as to which rebates and other financial programs are available for the proposed upgrades
- Guidance on required documents and rebate application deadlines
On the savings front alone, homeowners can realize roughly $11,000 in rebates through a heat pump install – that number increases when adding better insulation, air sealing and other retrofits. Options also abound for low-income households.
“There’s tons of money available and on top of that, we’re talking about an extra $40,000 that the federal government is willing to put in a homeowner’s pocket in the form of the Greener Homes zero-interest loan for 10 years,” Elliott says.
The Home Energy Navigator program meets homeowners precisely where they’re at: some go through the program entirely, some need advice on contractors and others still simply want info around rebates.
A recently released report from the CRD shows that commercial, institutional and residential buildings account for about 35% of the region’s greenhouse gas emissions – mostly a result of the use of natural gas, heating oil and propane for space and water heating, and the low-level of efficiency of homes. Through programs like the Home Energy Navigator, the push is on to lower those levels by 60% by 2030.
“We recognize that this is a huge challenge, but we are doing what we can to help people make those reductions,” Elliott says.
About 600 people have used the Home Energy Navigator program in its first year alone. For more info, visit www.homeenergynav.ca or call 1-866-381-9995 to get started.
