Canada Greener Homes Loan

Overview of the Canada Greener Homes Loan program:

The Canada Greener Homes Loan, offered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), is a federal initiative that complements the Canada Greener Homes Grant. It provides interest-free loans of $5,000 to $40,000 to support Canadian homeowners in making major energy-efficient home retrofits. This loan is meant to bridge the gap between the upfront cost of upgrades and the receipt of grant funding or personal savings, helping homeowners complete projects that reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint. To access the loan, homeowners must first complete a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation through the Canada Greener Homes Grant program and submit a retrofit plan outlining eligible upgrades. Only retrofits recommended in the EnerGuide report and aligned with program eligibility are approved for loan coverage. Common upgrades include insulation, windows and doors, heat pumps, renewable energy systems (e.g., solar panels), and air sealing. The loan is interest-free and repayable over 10 years, with no penalties for early repayment. It is disbursed in two parts: an initial portion may be advanced for upfront costs, and the balance is released upon project completion and final evaluation. Homeowners must provide receipts and proof of completed work to receive full disbursement.

Benefits of the Canada Greener Homes Loan program:

• Enables homeowners to complete costly retrofits without upfront capital
• Interest-free borrowing lowers financial barriers to energy efficiency
• Supports a wide range of upgrades:
• Insulation (walls, attic, basement)
• Windows and doors
• Heat pumps and air source systems
• Solar panels and battery storage
• Air sealing and ventilation
• Increases home comfort and property value
• Reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions
• Paired with grant funding for maximum benefit
• Encourages participation in Canadas clean energy transition

Eligibility criteria of the Canada Greener Homes Loan program:

• To be eligible, applicants must:
• Own a home in Canada
• Be eligible for and enrolled in the Canada Greener Homes Grant
• Have completed a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation
• Apply through the Greener Homes portal or a co-delivery partner (Quebec, Nova Scotia)
• Submit a retrofit plan and budget that meets program criteria
• Only retrofits recommended in the EnerGuide report are eligible
• Have sufficient creditworthiness, as assessed by the loan provider
• The home must be:
• A primary residence
• At least six months old
• Owned and occupied by the applicant