1) Home Energy Conservation (HEC) Program:
This program helps Ontario homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their home through $1600 worth of incentives. The program is run by Enbridge and includes a variety of eligible appliance, HVAC and home energy updates.
If you are thinking of updating your furnace, doing a basement renovation or wanting to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, this program can help offset the costs.
Visit https://enbridgesmartsavings.com/ and enter your postal code. After answering three questions Enbridge will tell you if you are eligible. If you are, Enbridge will direct you to contact a Registered Energy Advisor to schedule a phone call and discuss the HEC Program.
2) Save-on Energy Rebates
Similar to the HEC program, the Save on Energy conservation program supports homeowners with rebates on the purchase of ENERGY STAR certified appliances.
This is a perfect program for homeowners thinking of doing a new kitchen or basement renovation and replacing old inefficient appliances.
The rebate program includes a range of incentives with different rebate amounts for each appliance. For example, refrigerators, washers and freezers are eligible for $75, while larger HVAC upgrades like furnaces and heat pumps can provide up to $4,000 in rebates.
Visit https://enbridgesmartsavings.com/
3) HST New Housing Rebate
If you are planning a major renovation, home addition or converting a non-residential property into a home, you may be eligible for up to $30,000 HST rebate.
But of course, with a rebate this large, there are strict conditions and processes to follow in order to qualify for the full rebate. Read below to see if this program is right for you:
Who qualifies for the HST new housing rebate?
The Canada.ca website has full program eligibility details on the HST new house program. If you are planning on doing any of the following in Ontario, you may qualify:
• Build a house
• Contract someone to build a house
• Substantially renovate a house or condominium
• Contract someone to extensively renovate a home or condo
• Add a major addition to a home
• Rebuild a home that was destroyed by fire
• Convert a non-residential property into a home
How to calculate new housing HST rebate for home renovations?
The best way to calculate your HST rebate amount is to visit the Canada.ca FAQ section on claiming your HST rebate. On it they provide a range of a variety of calculation worksheets depending on your specific situation.
For example, if you hired a renovation contractor to build a new home addition that doubled the living area in your house you would qualify for the rebate and use the calculation worksheet on line - which itemizes all expenditures—to calculate the total amount.
How to apply for the HST housing rebate?
If individual homeowners are comfortable filing their own taxes and navigating CRA forms, they can apply for the HST housing rebate themselves. But you can only apply for this program once.
If you are planning on doing a major home renovation, such as adding an addition or gutting an old home to do a full renovation—the HST housing program may be right for you.
4) Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC):
The HATC is a non-refundable tax credit that helps support seniors and individuals with a disability with a rebate on mobility renovations for their home for up to $10,000 in qualifying expense. These can include grab bars, new ramps, bathroom renovations, elevators, stair lifts and more.
Are you eligible for the home accessibility tax credit?
If you are 65 years or older, or claim the disability tax credit then you qualify for the HATC program for eligible renovations on your principal residence.
What is the qualifying home renovation for the HATC?
If you plan on making a permanent change to your home, like removing a staircase in place of a ramp or installing an accessible bathroom on the main floor you qualify for the HATC.
You can read more information on the HATC program and how to apply here.
