(NC)—Will you renovate your home this year? Up to 74 % of Canadian home owners claimed they would renovate if it meant that it would increase energy efficiency and save them money in the long run (RBC survey). However, rising energy costs during the cold winter months can leave many homeowners worrying about paying the heating bills instead of renovating. Well, the government grants available mean you can renovate and it won’t cost you a fortune!

The ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program is offering a grant of up to $5000 from the Government of Canada for energy efficiency renovations which have not yet started. Some energy utilities and provincial governments offer additional funding. For more information on ecoEnergy grants and incentives, visit www.ecoaction.gc.ca/homes.

With over 7 million underinsulated attics in Canada, this is a great place to start your home renovation project that will help you save on your heating costs and improve your home’s energy efficiency. Insulating your attic, you can help save up to 28 per cent* on your monthly heating bills right away – so you don’t have to wait for the long run to reap the benefits.

“Maintaining areas in your home, such as windows, doors and replenishing your attic insulation will help reduce the energy consumption in your home and help you save on heating bills,” says David Flood, insulation expert at Owens Corning. “These areas are vulnerable to drafts, and a simple project like reinsulating your attic will stop hot air escaping and prevent cold air from coming in.”

How do you take advantage of this opportunity?

• Check out your attic – if your attic does not meet the recommended standard of R-50, it is time to reinsulate.

• Install batt insulation or Blown-in insulation to meet the recommended standard of R-50.

• Cash in on government savings!

These grants are more reason to take advantage of savings and renovate your home this year!

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