Many Canadians believe that climate change is a reality, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. To address growing concerns about energy conservation and global warming, the Government of Canada has introduced the ecoENERGY Retrofit program. Effective April 1, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is offering a new residential energy efficiency assessment service to owners of single family homes. Canadian homeowners are encouraged to upgrade their homes and make a difference – for the sake of the planet and their pocketbooks!

How it works

NRCan-licensed energy advisors conduct a detailed on-site assessment of a home’s energy use from the attic down to the basement. Then they provide the homeowner with a personalized written report, including a checklist of recommended retrofits to improve the energy efficiency of the home and, in some cases, to reduce water consumption.

Once homeowners complete their required energy evaluation and make some or all of the recommended improvements, they can expect grants of up to $5,000, based on individual retrofit initiatives.

The reality is that 17 percent of all energy used in Canada goes toward running our homes, and every time we use energy from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas, greenhouse gas emissions are produced. By air-sealing to consume less energy, homeowners can help reduce the production of the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and harm our environment.

One product that is helping homeowners save the planet – one shrunken energy bill at a time – is The Icynene Insulation System. Ideal for new and existing homes, Icynene is a soft spray foam insulation and air barrier system that protects against the harmful effects of air leakage. 100% water-blown and environmentally-friendly, Icynene can deliver:

• Up to 50% monthly energy savings

• Improved indoor air quality

• Effective moisture management

• Enhanced sound control

• Higher resale value

By improving a home’s air-tightness through air-sealing, homeowners can qualify for up to $300 in grant dollars through the ecoENERGY Retrofit program. Upgrading the home’s insulation also qualifies homeowners for additional grants such as:

• Attic insulation – up to $600

• Exterior wall insulation – up to $1,500

• Basement insulation – up to $1,000

• Crawlspace insulation – up to $800

This article was provided by Icynene. For more information about the Retrofit program, visit NRCan’s Office of Energy Efficiency website, oee.nrcan.gc.ca . For more about the benefits of air-sealing, visit www.insulationsmart.com.