Reduce Home Heating Costs With Energiesprong
Published on 29 August 2022, 07:22:56 AM
Those heating and cooling bills sure add up, and that makes any time the right time for
Energiesprong Canada.
Energy poverty is what you have when the cost of staying comfy in winter and cool in Ontario’s hot, humid summers gets out of control. Energiesprong, or ‘energy jump’, stops cold air from getting in, and warm air from getting out. That reduces home heating costs for participants.
Energiesprong: The Green Home Retrofit Revolution
Energiesprong brings older homes up to net zero standards. It adds insulated exterior wall panels, solar panels, smart heating, and ventilation and cooling systems to existing housing to upgrade how energy efficient they are.
Multi-unit homeowners, like condo corporations or neighbourhood associations, can finance the cost through energy service plans. The plans replace regular utility bills, and give participants upfront funding for Energiesprong renovations.
Get flat rate legal services for home purchases in Ontario.
Why Energiesprong, Why Now?
Like other United Nations signatories, Canada is committed to creating a net zero emissions economy by 2050. The Netherlands, where Energiesprong comes from, will renovate 4% to 6% of its buildings annually to reach its 2050 targets.
Energiesprong is already active in the U.S., Germany, France and U.K. Canada will pilot it in six neighbourhoods starting in 2022-23. The 2022 federal budget lights a fire under green building retrofits. Government aims to limit carbon footprints by revving up the number of net zero homes for sale by 2030, and now retrofitting existing buildings by 2050.
Why Net Zero Homes, Green Retrofits Are Popular
Why? Because net zero homes produce their own renewable energy for heating, hot water, and appliances. They’re 80% more efficient than traditional homes, with more even heating and cooling, better air filtration, and lower energy bills. Here’s the buzz on net zero homes in Ontario.
Adding retrofits recognizes that not every home is new. It extends the life of Canada’s existing residential and rental homes. Starting in 2022-23, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy will:
- reform building codes
- ramp up performance-based national building codes
- encourage lower carbon construction materials
- and make existing buildings more “climate resilient”.
The five-year, over $1 billion plan gives large housing projects, including low-income affordable housing operators, money to audit and improve energy use, and flows more loans and grant money.
Bring older homes to life with a heritage home renovation.
How Homeowners in Ontario Benefit
What to do if Energiesprong is not in your neighbourhood or condo corporation’s future?
Homeowners can still get up to $5,600 for energy evaluations and retrofits through Canada’s Greener Homes Grant. See what retrofits are eligible.
The grants aren’t new, but ongoing support gives Ontario homeowners relief from the cost of:
- adding insulation to cold-exposed spaces like attics or crawl spaces
- sealing air leaks and buying smart thermostats
- installing new ENERGY STAR® glass doors and windows
- energy-efficient space and water heaters
- adopting solar panels
- or making climate-change ready.
How to adapt your home for climate change.
Home Retrofit Funding for Ontarians
Ontarians are buying in seriously to clean, green energy. Better Homes Kingston‘s deep energy retrofits hopes to upgrade up to 50% of pre-1991 homes by 2040.
The two-decade-old Green Municipal Fund cuts greenhouse gas emissions through housing retrofits all over Ontario. Toronto’s Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) demonstrates how. Low-interest, long-term loans fund energy and water efficiency upgrades for single family home owners. HELP loans attach to property taxes, so repayment transfers to the new owner if a property is sold.
#Tarionmyhome: read this before you ask your municipality for an energy retrofit loan.
Why You Need a Real Estate Lawyer
Net zero homes for sale are newer in Ontario. Before or after you sign that offer to purchase, call Axess Law. Our real estate lawyers (Ontario) review your new home sales contract when you plan to build a net zero home, or go over the agreement of purchase and sale when you buy a resale home.
We look for clauses that protect your buyer’s right to cancel, or protect sellers from purchasers walking away after they make a legally binding offer. Axess Law’s affordable flat fee legal services make it easy to close real estate transactions, without the expense you could incur at a traditional lawyer service.
Purchasing income property? You’ll need a healthy downpayment, and a real estate lawyer.
Your virtual real estate lawyer searches property titles for construction liens or financial encumbrances. We transfer title to your new property to your name, and show you how to add someone to house title in Canada if you have a joint tenancy agreement.
How liens on construction can stop a home purchase.
Professional home inspections of resale property can turn up defects you overlooked, or major repair issues that need dealing with before you take vacant possession of your new home. Axess Law negotiates with the seller’s lawyer if your home needs minor repairs, or when property issues are so significant you’d rather retract your offer.
Affordable Real Estate Lawyers, Anywhere You Are
Access lawyers for less in Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, or anywhere in Ontario when you buy, sell, or transfer property. Axess Law’s flat fee real estate lawyers are affordable, and our rates are all inclusive (excluding taxes, disbursements, and third-party charges). Axess Law offers you only the legal services you absolutely need. Your final invoice includes no surprises or hidden charges. Your itemized statement of adjustments is explained when we deliver it, and we answer any questions you have about it.
Access Lawyers Near You, By Phone or Online
Ask us about day or evening appointments at our Greater Toronto Area or Ottawa law offices that are convenient for you. Book appointments online, or dial our 647-479-0118 lawyer line (toll free to 1-877-402-4207) for assistance working real estate closing appointments into your schedule. Axess Law has parking onsite, or take the transit. We’re near major transit stops.
Just can’t get away from your home or office? Video conference with our remote real estate lawyers. Your personal information is secure and confidential with Axess Law. We witness your signature online, and email you a final copy for your records.
