The City of Toronto has just launched Home Energy Assistance Toronto (HEAT), a new incentive program offering homeowners up to $1,000 when they upgrade the insulation in their ceiling, walls or foundation.

HEAT is open to residents of low-rise residential properties, such as detached, semi-detached and townhomes, and is designed to encourage Torontonians to undertake more substantive measures to increase their home’s energy efficiency and reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Funds from HEAT are available to residents who fulfill the eligibility criteria and complete their home renovations between August 6, 2009 and March 31, 2012.

The City of Toronto is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada to provide this important program. Residents looking to acquire HEAT funds must follow the steps outlined by Federal ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes. This includes the need to hire a Certified Energy Advisor to conduct a Home Energy Assessment, both prior to and following renovation.

HEAT, when combined with ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes and the Ontario Home Energy Savings program, means that residents can now access up to $8,750 in insulation grants alone. Those residents who upgrade their home insulation, as well as undertake other important energy efficient upgrades (i.e. improving toilets, doors, windows or heating and cooling systems) can leverage even more funds – up to a combined $11,000!

Additional information regarding this important program can be found at: www.toronto.ca/livegreen/home_energy_heat.html