FAQs
- Moves heat from one space to another: In the winter it warms by transferring heat inside and in the summer it cools by sending heat outside
- Can be used for space conditioning and domestic hot water
- Increases value of home
- Reduces costs for electric heating, natural gas, and water heating
- Requires less maintenance than combustion heating systems
- Provides both heating and cooling
- Safer than combustion-based heating systems
- Can last up to 15 years
- Slows the flow of air into or out of your home
- Insulation slows the rate of heat loss
- Air sealing prevents air leakage from places such as windows and doors
- Fewer drafts during the winter
- Less noise from outside
- Improves air quality as a result of less humidity, pollen, dust and pests
- Better humidity control
- Reduces heating and cooling costs
- Divides your home into multiple zones, which allows you to set different temperatures for each space
- Eliminates wasteful heating
- Creates more comfortable temperatures
- Reduces heating and cooling costs
- Results in less heating going to waste
- High efficiency furnaces have over 90 per cent efficiency while older models typically have around 65 per cent
- Uses less energy than other models
- Longer lifespan than older models
- Lower energy bills
- Saves even more energy when paired with a smart thermostat
- Converts sunlight energy into electricity
- Source of renewable energy
- Solar generated can be stored by battery (for power outages)
- Excess power can be sent into grid (get credit on bill with Net Metering)
- An EnerGuide rating and label
- A Homeowner Information Sheet
- A Renovation Upgrade Report
- Contact a registered energy advisor from Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) or Enbridge Gas Inc. Utility to arrange an EnerGuide home evaluation.
Registered energy advisors will conduct a detailed audit of your house and identify areas that can save you energy and money.
- Once your home evaluation is complete, your energy advisor will share the following documents with you:
- An EnerGuide rating and label
- A Homeowner Information Sheet
- A Renovation Upgrade Report
- Using this information, you will be able to select the appropriate retrofits for your home.
For more information on how to interpret your results, please visit Natural Resources Canada.
- Work with a CHBA Qualified Net Zero or RenoMark contractor.
- Certain upgrades are only eligible for reimbursement if they are installed by a licensed professional. Contractors may also be able to manage rebates and incentives on your behalf.
- Find a licensed and experienced contractor by visiting the following links:
- Consider supporting the local economy and hire a Markham-based contractor. The following directories can help you find green companies in your area:
- Disclaimer: The City of Markham does not endorse any of the contractors included in the list above, and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee and assumes no responsibility or liability for any work performed by such contractors. This list is meant strictly as a resource to aid home owners in narrowing their search when looking for a contractor, and not as a warranted referral service.
- In order to finalize your reimbursement, you may need to book a post-retrofit evaluation. Check the eligibility requirements of each grant and incentive.
You may also need to upload documents online to request reimbursement. Submit all relevant documents (invoices, receipts, etc.) using the indicated method and within the given timeframe.
- A number of tools and resources are available online to help you plan your retrofits.
Download a copy of our Project Tracker by visiting our "Documents" section on the homepage.
- Once all upgrades have been installed, you can book your post-retrofit evaluation and request reimbursement.
- The post-retrofit evaluation will include:
- a new EnerGuide rating and label
- follow-up information indicating improvements to your home energy efficiency and your EnerGuide rating
Your energy advisor has up to 30 days to submit documents to Natural Resources Canada.
- Collect your reimbursement and enjoy the benefits of an energy efficient home.
- Heat pump water heaters
- Windows and doors
- Insulation (attic, wall, foundation, exposed floor)
- Air sealing
- Heat pumps
- Solar panels and battery storage
- Smart thermostats
- Insulation
- Air sealing
- Windows and doors
- Thermostat
- Space and water heating
- Renewable energy
- Resiliency measures
- Low rise multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs)
- Flexible Payment Arrangements
- Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
- Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
- Equal Payment Plan
- Free home energy assessment
- Free energy-efficient upgrades, including insulation, draft proofing and a smart thermostat
- Free installation by qualified contractors
- LED light bulbs
- Energy-efficient refrigerators
- Energy-efficient freezers
- Energy-efficient dehumidifiers
- Energy-efficient window air conditioner
- Drying rack for clothes
- Smart power strip
- High-efficiency showerheads (standard and handheld)
- Faucet aerators (kitchen and bathroom)
- Additional attic or basement insulation
- Weatherstripping around doors and windows
- Smart thermostat(s)
- Cold climate air source heat pump
- LED light bulbs
- Weather-stripping
- High-efficiency handheld showerhead
- Faucet aerators (kitchen and bathroom)
- Retractable clothesline
- LED night light
- Block heater timer
- Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI)
- Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA)
How can I be sure that the product you are recommending meets the applicable federal and provincial or territorial legislation?
Can I see the Material Safety Data Sheet for this product (if applicable)?
Will the product be installed according to manufacturer’s guidelines?
Are the workers trained in these procedures?
Will the retrofit work comply with municipal by-laws as well as any provincial, territorial and/or federal legislation and utility requirements?
What steps will you take to protect my family and me during and after the renovation?
What challenges as a contractor have you had working with this product?
Do you foresee any problems installing this in our home?
May I contact your references?
- Air Leakage Control in Your Home (Natural Resources Canada)
- Calculate Your Energy Costs and Consumption (Natural Resources Canada)
- Energy Star Appliances (Energy Star)
- Energy Efficiency for Homes (Natural Resources Canada)
- EnerGuide Energy Efficiency Home Evaluations (Natural Resources Canada)
- Energy Journey for Homeowners (Save on Energy)
- Make Your Home More Energy Efficient (Natural Resources Canada)
Why should I retrofit my home?
Residents who invest in home energy upgrades can lower their energy bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect against energy price increases and improve the comfort in their homes.
Below are some examples of the benefits of common deep retrofits:
| Deep Retrofit | How it Works | Benefits |
| Heat pumps | ||
| Insulation and air sealing (building envelope, ducts, windows, doors) | ||
| Smart thermostats with Zone Control | ||
| High Efficiency Furnace (Energy Star) | ||
| Solar PV options with battery storage |
What is the EnerGuide home evaluation?
Conducting an EnerGuide home evaluation can help you understand your home's energy use and identify areas for improvement.
The audit is carried out by a registered energy advisor. Your energy advisor will examine the exterior and interior of your home to look for air leaks, indoor air quality, insulation levels, HVAC equipment, and much more.
Once the assessment is complete, you will receive customized recommendations in the form of the following documents:
For more information on how to interpret your results, please visit Natural Resources Canada.
How much does an energy audit cost?
The EnerGuide home evaluation typically costs between $400-600. Homeowners pay up-front for evaluations. However, a number of grants are available to cover the costs of the evaluation.
For programs such as the Home Efficiency Retrofit Plus program, you must complete the process in order to receive reimbursement for the pre-retrofit evaluation.
How do I complete a home energy retrofit?
The following steps summarize what to expect when undertaking a home energy retrofit:
1. Arrange an EnerGuide home evaluation
2. Review results
3. Select and hire contractors
4. Apply for incentives and financing
5. Track and manage your retrofits
6. Complete a post-retrofit EnerGuide rating
7. Enjoy upgrades and collect incentives
What are the rebates and incentives?
The following rebates and incentives are available to Markham residents:
Program name | About the program | Available upgrades and support | Is eligibility based on household income? | Is an energy audit required? | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Renovation Savings | Choose single or bundled upgrades for greater savings. | No | Yes, a pre- and post-retrofit energy audit is required for certain upgrades. Please see website for more information. | Phone: 1-866-449-8510 Email: info@homerenovationsavings.ca | |
| Canada Greener Homes Loan | Receive interest-free loans up to $40,000 with a repayment term of 10 years. | No | Yes, a pre- and post-retrofit energy audit is required. Please see website for more information. | Phone: 1-866-292-9517 Email: Questions@cghli.ca | |
| Payment Assistance Programs | Learn more about support programs or flexible payment programs for individuals or families who need help paying their electricity bills. | Payment support programs include: | Yes, eligibility is based on household income and how many people live in your home. For more information, please visit the Alectra Utilities website. | No | Phone: 1-844-547-1542 |
| Home Winterproofing Program | Free energy upgrades for insulation, draft proofing, and smart thermostats to income qualifying homes. | Yes, eligibility is based on household income and how many people live in your home. For more information, please visit the Home Winterproofing Program website. | Yes | Phone: 1-844-777-3149 | |
| Energy Affordability Program | Provides support to income-eligible electricity consumers by helping them to better manage their monthly electricity costs. | Comprehensive support includes: Energy saving kits include: | Yes, eligibility is based on household income and how many people live in your home. For more information, please visit the Energy Affordability Program website. | Yes | Phone: 1-844-770-3148 Online: Contact form to receive a call back from the program service provider within three business days. |
If you notice information that is out of date, please notify us at sustainability@markham.ca.
Can I stack rebates?
Yes, homeowners can apply for multiple rebates and incentives. Please review the details of each rebate to determine which ones work best for you.
Where can I find a qualified contractor?
Find a registered energy advisor through Enbridge Gas Utilities Inc.
Homeowners are strongly encouraged to hire an expert for deep retrofits. Find a licensed and experienced contractor by visiting the following links:
Consider supporting the local economy and hire a Markham-based contractor. The following directories can help you find green companies in your area:
Disclaimer: The City of Markham does not endorse any of the contractors included in the list above, and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee and assumes no responsibility or liability for any work performed by such contractors. This list is meant strictly as a resource to aid home owners in narrowing their search when looking for a contractor, and not as a warranted referral service.
What should I ask when hiring a contractor?
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) recommends asking the following questions when hiring a contractor:
For more information, see NRCan's publication Keeping the Heat In and How to Recognize Energy Scams.
Where can I find more information?
For additional resources and further learning, please visit the following websites:
For more information on the City of Markham's sustainability initiatives, please visit: