Here’s How You Can Make Your Home Greener & Get $5K Back From The Government

The has officially launched, which means eligible Canadian homeowners can get thousands of dollars back from the government for making energy-efficient upgrades to their homes.

If your property could become greener with the help of solar panels, upgraded heaters or new windows and doors, you could qualify for up to $5,000.

With that in mind, here's everything you need to know about qualifying, applying and claiming the cash:

What is the Greener Homes Grant?

Launched on May 27, the Canada Greener Homes Grant aims to make Canadian properties more energy-efficient.

"This means homes will be more comfortable and more affordable to maintain while also supporting our environmental objectives," says the federal government.

In addition to helping homeowners make their homes greener, grow "domestic green supply chains" and fight the effects of climate change.

Who is eligible?

All homeowners in Canada are eligible for the grant, regardless of where in the country they live.

Only one person per household can participate in the initiative though, and they will be required to provide proof of ownership and demonstrate that the property is their primary residence.

Qualifying property types include single and semi-detached houses, row housing, townhomes, all-season cottages, mobile homes on a permanent foundation, permanently-moored floating homes and some mixed use buildings.

It's worth noting that new buildings (six months old or less) do not qualify.

How much can you get?

Eligible claimants can get up to $5,000 reimbursed in total for completed retrofits.

It's also possible to get up to $600 back for the cost of your pre- and post-retrofit evaluations, although this isn't refundable if you don't complete the grant process.

Qualifying retrofits include things like improving home insulation, air-sealing the property, replacing windows and doors, adding smart thermostats, switching to more energy-efficient heating and installing solar panels.

How do you apply for it?

To get involved with the program, homeowners must register online via the Greener Homes Grant portal.

From here, applicants can book a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation, during which an expert will help to measure the property's energy efficiency.

This evaluation is necessary before any work is carried out and will be performed by an NRCan registered energy advisor.

Residents of Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are asked to apply directly through their provincial programs to book their EnerGuide evaluation and register.