How It Works
Clean Energy Retrofits can be complicated — Energy Neighbour makes it easier!
From start to finish, you’ll have access to our experts to answer your questions, help you manage the details, and keep your project on track.
Clean energy for your home – made easier
Step 1: Assess your needs
Once you contact us, we schedule a one-on-one discussion to assess your needs. We’ll ask you about your home, current heating/cooling equipment, and clean energy objectives.
Step 2: Develop and review your options
Once we know your clean energy objectives, we’ll review with you your options for transitioning off gas, electrifying your home and reducing emissions.
For added peace of mind, we can also connect you with a homeowner who has done a similar project with us and can share their experience.
Step 3: Review costs, audits, rebates and loan programs
We’ll also discuss the typical costs of each retrofit. Together, we’ll review the rebates and loans available to you. We’ll also go over the application process, timelines and requirements.
Step 4: Connecting you with qualified contractors
When you’ve determined what retrofits you’re interested in, we’ll connect you with experienced, qualified, and carefully vetted contractors who match your goals.
Step 5: Install and Implement
We are your advocates before, during and after the installation. We’ll be with you every step of the way to answer any questions and help you deal with any challenges.
Step 6: Post-Installation Details
Once your installation is complete, we’ll support you as you submit the final paperwork for loans and rebates with the required documentation — everything you need to make your project successful.
FAQs
How much do solar panels and heat pumps cost?
The average solar project costs about $25,000, while heat pumps range from $8,500 to $20,000+. That’s not cheap — but a heat pump’s life cycle cost is lower than a gas furnace, and solar will offset your home’s energy use. Solar panels and heat pumps are great ways to protect against future energy price inflation. And financing is available for both.
Do heat pumps require a gas furnace backup in Toronto?
No, they don’t. The new cold climate heat pumps operate to -20°C and some to -30°C, making a gas furnace backup unnecessary. ProTip: Many homeowners opt to include an electric resistance backup coil for the few days of very cold weather each winter.
Do heat pumps cost more to operate than a gas furnace?
No, they don’t. Compared with the current gas and electric rates in Toronto, a heat pump costs less to operate than a gas furnace for heating and cooling.
Can I use a different contractor than the one Energy Neighbour recommends?
Of course! There are no added costs to working with our recommended contractors, and you’re never obligated to use them; it’s a service we offer to save you time researching qualified contractors. Whichever option you choose, we advise you to find an experienced contractor who will give you high-quality service for a fair price. Learn about how we vet contractors.
Can you help me get financing to pay for the project?
Absolutely! We can help you understand the financing options that are available to you. We’ll discuss the details of each option, like their requirements, timelines, and rates. And we’ll walk through your project’s simple payback and return on investment with each option.
Is Energy Neighbour a not-for-profit? What is its business model?
Energy Neighbour is a Sustainable Enterprise, meaning our business model balances economic growth with social and environmental well-being.
We advocate for our homeowner clients from start to finish. We’re able to do that through the fee structure with our vetted installers. They pay us a referral fee but are also contractually bound to provide our clients with the best prices.
This fee structure allows us to be less affected than a not-for-profit by the fluctuations of government programs and grants.