How to make the most out of government rebates before the year ends

It's that time of year again! As we approach the end of the calendar year, many of us are thinking about resolutions to decrease our footprint. For some, that may mean making energy-efficiency upgrades around our home. And there's no better time to start than now, because there are plenty of rebates and grants available to help offset the cost.

The end of the year is the perfect time to start planning your home energy upgrade. By taking advantage of available rebates, you can save money on the cost of upgrading your home's energy efficiency. And by planning at the end of the year, you can benefit from: 

1. Contractor availability: As the year-end approaches, contractors tend to have more time for appointments than in the summer months. In the peak season, wait times can be more than a month, but by planning during the off-season, same week appointments may be possible.
2. Time to plan: As you make your resolutions for the next year, it’s a great time to start thinking about how upgrades to your home fit into this plan. As you slow down for the season, you will have more opportunities to explore rebate opportunities, select contractors, and shop for hardware and products for upgrades to ensure you’re making the best decision for your home and wallet. If your goal is to sell your home in 2025, you’ll have time to plan and implement upgrades that can help improve your home’s value. 
3. Discounts on products: In addition to Black Friday and Boxing Day sales, stores will be trying to get rid of 2024 products in order to make room for new models. This makes it the perfect time to shop for products like low-flow shower heads, smart thermostats, new appliances and other products that can make your home more energy efficient. 
4. Lower energy prices: With geopolitical events heightening risks and increased demand for energy, experts are predicted that energy prices will rise in 2025. This makes it the perfect opportunity to lower your energy consumption through home upgrades to reduce the impact of these higher costs. 
5. Avoid the rush: Many people start to think about upgrades in the spring and summer, when the weather is more favourable for home renovation projects. But this makes it a busy time for professionals, as well as processing any rebate applications. By planning and starting your projects now, you can ensure your updates are completed without the pressure of competing for resources. 

Looking to make your home more energy efficient in the New Year but don't know where to start? We’ve got you covered.

1. Research your rebates: Canada offers a variety of government grants and rebates to help homeowners reduce energy consumption and lower their energy bills. To get started on your energy efficiency journey, it's important to first understand which programs are available in your province and the eligibility requirements for each. If you're unsure where to begin, we have guides available for Canada-wide programs, as well as what’s available in the Maritimes, Ontario and Saskatchewan. 
2. Understand timelines and deadlines: Rebate programs have specific timelines for when you can apply and when work can begin. For example, the Canada Greener Home will only fund projects that are started through the grant, not any ongoing renovations. Before starting any work, make sure you’re aware of the deadlines and eligibility requirements for the rebates you're applying for. 
3. Plan your upgrades: As things slow down, and energy advisor availability opens up, now is a great time to start planning what upgrades your home needs. Schedule your appointments for initial home energy assessments or use our homeowner assessment to get an idea of what upgrades your home would benefit from, such as a heat pump or improved ventilation. 
4. Decide on your priorities: Once you’ve identified what your home needs, you’ll need to decide which upgrades to prioritize and when to implement them. While it might be tempting to start with larger rebates, such as those for a heat pump, it’s recommended to first focus on the building envelope. This means prioritizing window and door upgrades, insulation, and air sealing before tackling interior projects.
5. Shop smarter: Energy advisor availability won’t be the only thing that increases — contractors will also have more availability to provide quotes on work. To make sure you’re getting the best deal, it’s a good idea to get quotes from multiple contractors. When comparing contractors, consider their experience with energy-efficient installations and whether they are familiar with rebate processes. Now is the time to shop around and ensure that you’re getting the right professionals and evaluations. For example, mechanical upgrades require a room-by-room heat load calculation. Ensure that the professionals you’re hiring understand what is needed.

As the weather gets colder, it’s a great time to start thinking about New Year’s Resolutions that can keep you comfortable throughout the year. Upgrading a single system, or multiple systems in a deep energy retrofit, can make your home more comfortable to live in. It also helps you reduce your energy consumption, helping you to do your part to reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions. It can even help increase your home’s resale value! 

No matter the reason for energy efficient upgrades, now is a great time to start planning your projects and learning about rebates for the new year.