As a Realtor who has worked in the Fort Erie and Niagara real estate market for many years, I’m always interested in programs that can help local homeowners reduce their monthly expenses while improving the comfort and efficiency of their homes.
One program that Fort Erie residents should be aware of is Ontario’s Energy Affordability Program, offered through Save on Energy.
The program is designed to help income-eligible Ontario residents lower their electricity costs by providing energy-saving products, home improvements and, in some cases, replacement appliances — at no cost to the homeowner or renter.
There are currently two levels of assistance available: Comprehensive Support and Energy Saving Kits.
For households that qualify for Comprehensive Support, an energy-efficiency professional can complete a free assessment of the home and determine which improvements may be available. Depending on the home, its existing equipment and eligibility, upgrades can include:
Some of the larger improvements, including insulation, draft proofing, thermostats and heat pumps, have additional heating-system eligibility requirements.
That can be particularly important in our area, where we have a wide variety of homes ranging from older character properties to cottages, bungalows and homes that have been renovated or added onto over the years.
Households that don't qualify for the Comprehensive Support level may still qualify for a free Energy Saving Kit.
Depending on eligibility, a kit can include items such as LED bulbs, weather-stripping, an efficient handheld showerhead, faucet aerators, a retractable clothesline, an LED night light and a block-heater timer. There are no shipping charges, and Save on Energy says kits are generally mailed within three to six weeks after applying.
Eligibility is based primarily on household income, household size and participation in certain government or energy-assistance programs.
For Comprehensive Support, the current maximum annual before-tax household income ranges from $48,220 for a one-person household to $127,576 for households of seven or more people. Residents of eligible social housing may also qualify, as can people who have recently received assistance through programs such as GIS, Ontario Works, ODSP, OESP or LEAP.
The Energy Saving Kit has higher income thresholds. For example, the current limit is $71,437 for a one-person household, $101,027 for two people and $142,873 for four people.
Both homeowners and renters may qualify as long as they meet the program requirements and are listed as a primary or secondary electricity account holder.
I think this program is especially worth looking into for seniors living on fixed incomes.
Fort Erie has many longtime homeowners who purchased their properties decades ago. The home may be mortgage-free, but the costs of maintaining it — utilities, property taxes, insurance and repairs — continue to rise.
Improvements such as insulation, draft proofing, a more efficient refrigerator or an upgraded heating system could potentially make an older home more comfortable while reducing ongoing energy consumption.
For someone hoping to remain in their home for many more years, those improvements may make a meaningful difference.
One of the most significant components of the program is the availability of cold-climate air-source heat pumps for some qualifying households.
Save on Energy has expanded heat-pump eligibility, including certain income-qualified homeowners whose homes are heated with electricity or oil. The program states that switching from electric resistance heating or an oil furnace to a cold-climate heat pump could reduce the heating portion of energy costs by as much as 50%, depending on the circumstances.
For qualifying Fort Erie homeowners with an older heating system, this is certainly something worth investigating.
Energy efficiency is becoming an increasingly important consideration for homebuyers.
When buyers look at a property today, they aren't simply considering the purchase price. They're also asking:
What will this house cost me every month?
Heating costs, cooling costs, insulation, windows, appliances and the age and efficiency of the home's mechanical systems can all influence how buyers perceive a property.
A home that is comfortable, well insulated and equipped with efficient systems may be more appealing than a comparable property requiring significant energy-related improvements.
I wouldn't suggest completing an upgrade solely because you expect it to dramatically increase the sale price of your home. However, if you qualify for improvements at no cost that also reduce operating expenses and improve comfort, it certainly makes sense to investigate the opportunity.
One important warning: Save on Energy states that it does not endorse door-to-door sales. Authorized Energy Affordability Program representatives will not simply arrive at your home unannounced asking for personal information.
If someone approaches you claiming to represent the program, verify their credentials before providing any information.
Fort Erie residents interested in the program can contact the Energy Affordability Program at 1-844-770-3148 or apply through the Save on Energy website.
You can learn more here:
Save on Energy – Energy Affordability Program
Whether you're planning on staying in your Fort Erie home for the next 20 years or considering selling sometime in the future, keeping your home comfortable, efficient and affordable to operate is always worth considering.
As a local Realtor, I think programs like this are worth sharing because there may be Fort Erie homeowners who qualify for thousands of dollars' worth of energy-efficiency improvements and simply don't realize the assistance is available.
Ray Rosettani
RE/MAX Niagara Realty
Rosettani Real Estate Group
📞 905-651-3279
📧 sellingforterie@gmail.com
🌐 sellingforterie.com
