You’ve likely got a lengthy to-do list of home renovations, and a probably a similarly long list of excuses and reasons not to get them done.
At the top of those lists, many deterrents may be related to costs. In today’s economy, who can blame you if those jobs get put off?
But now, many home improvement projects, like installing new windows, actually come with some financial relief, thanks to a healthy number of window rebates and loans available to Canadian homeowners.
Ecoline Windows an help you navigate your way to helping defray some of those expenses that can put the new window to-do item in the “done” column, while at the same time adding significantly to the value of your home.
Window rebate programs in Alberta
“With a high ROI (return on investment), better resale value, and significant support from local government to finance the replacement project, it makes sense to consider replacing your home’s windows with the help of a rebate program,” says Matan Korin, vice president of sales at Ecoline Windows.
For example, Canadian Greener Homes Loan provides a $40,000, zero interest loan for homeowners to do window or door replacements.
It is the only offer on the market which basically allows you to pay back for new windows over 10 years, with no interest, and in small payments.
“With Ecoline, homeowners also can enjoy zero down payments and bridge financing (up to a 12 month deferral), so basically you install windows and pay for them later with no interest,” Korin says.
In addition, new windows can significantly lower your energy bills when upgrading to Energy Star-certified efficient windows. They could save you up to $240 per year, which, over the life of the loan repayment period, translates into $2,400 in energy savings.
Homeowners just need to ensure their new windows meet the required energy efficiency standards and provide the necessary documentation to benefit from these rebates and loans.
So, what window rebate programs are out there for Alberta residents, and how much can they help save you?
- Senior Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP): Senior homeowners (age 65 of older) get up to $1,200 for energy-efficient exterior door replacements.
- Senior Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP) Loan: Senior homeowners (age 65 of older) get up to $40,000 for energy-efficient exterior door replacements.
- HAT Smart Program Rebate: Medicine Hat residents get up to $2500 to upgrade windows and doors
Those are certainly pretty healthy numbers. But you still have to spend money to save money, right?
Yes, but easing that is the boost in value to your home, which can provide a return on investment of around 70 per cent.
According to figures from RBC’s Home Value Estimator, home window replacement is one of the top-rated home renovation projects. In fact, they come in second place only to renovations to a home’s kitchen.
Window rebate qualifications
So, who qualifies for the rebates?
First off, you need to be a Canadian resident, and have a primary residence.
Next, you are required to upgrade only to Energy Star windows (minimum energy rating is 34), and deal with a licensed contractor. Plus, you have to keep the Energy Star labels on your windows and doors until after your post-retrofit evaluation.
Ecoline Windows operates in six provinces and more than 20 cities across Canada, making it your local and reliable brand to supply and install the best variety of vinyl windows and steel/fibreglass exterior doors and patio doors (vinyl) that ensure maximum energy efficiency, noise reduction, and draft prevention.
For more about what they can do for you, visit their website at www.ecolinewindows.ca.
Working directly with homeowners, Ecoline Windows specializes in replacement windows, doors, and patio doors for the residential markets across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. Their mission is to improve your home!
