Eligible Renovations and Retrofits

The main purpose of the Better Homes Hamilton (BHH) program is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve the energy efficiency of the building. To support these objectives the eligible retrofits that the potential $20,000 loan can support are broken into these categories:

Assessment and Permits - The majority of required energy assessments, including pre-assessment and post-assessment and the costs associated with those will be an eligible expense. Also any building permits, if applicable, and the associated permit fees are eligible.

Building Envelope - Renovations and retrofits that improve the performance of the building envelope are important for energy efficiency. Insulation for walls, attic and basement will be eligible. Further any air-sealing and/or draft proofing expenses that reduce leaks from the house are considered eligible.

Mechanical Systems - It is expected the majority of the $20,000 will be used to cover the expenses related to upgrading old furnaces and boilers to high-efficiency Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP). This includes both cold-climate (ccASHP) and hybrid ASHP. These high efficiency ASHP can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission while also reducing total energy costs in combination with insulation and air sealing work. For more information on Air Source Heat Pumps and list of eligible brands in Canada, visit Natural Resources Canada Air-Source Heat Pump Website

Supporting Infrastructure - Infrastructure required to install an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) such as ductwork and breaker/electrical panel upgrades are eligible under the Better Homes Hamilton program. However it is only the ductwork that is required to support the installation of the ASHP that will be eligible. The City of Hamilton wants to support “Future-proofing“ homes and therefore if a licensed electrician states the breaker/electrical panel needs to be upgraded to support an ASHP and a future Electric Vehicle, this upgrade would also be eligible under the program.