How to apply
To qualify
All Vancouver homeowners with no outstanding tax bills or liens on their property and who intend to make select energy efficiency upgrades to their single family homes and duplexes can apply for the Home Energy Loan Program. Loans are subject to approval by Vancity. Call 3-1-1 for more information.
To apply:
-
Download and print a copy of the Home Energy Loan Program Participation Agreement
(147 kb) or pick it up from Revenue Services at City Hall. - Schedule an ecoENERGY audit (An evaluation of your home's energy efficiency by a qualified Natural Resources Canada energy advisor including suggestions on the best upgrades to make to improve your home's energy efficiency. Audits cost on average $150.)
- Together with your auditor fill out the Participation Agreement (147 kb) and indicate which upgrades you plan to do.
- Decide on the Direct Install option or the Self Serve option (see below)
- For the loan, visit vancity.com
or call local 604.648.5195 or toll-free 1.866.648.5195, or drop in at any Vancity branch. Have your Participation Agreement with you, and the documents detailed in the checklist called 'personal lending checklist: home energy loan program'. (115 kb) - Vancity will notify you shortly of your loan approval status. Approved applicants who select the Direct Install program will be required to fill out the completion letter (98kb) following completion of the work
How it works
This chart shows the steps involved in the Home Energy Loan Program. The process starts with a visit from a Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) energy advisor who will conduct an audit to evaluate the energy efficiency of your home and help you to determine which upgrades will make the biggest impact on your energy bills.
Selecting your option
Once you decide which upgrades you plan to do, you then have to decide how you are going to get this work done. You can choose either the Direct Install or Self Serve options described below.
Direct Install option – this option connects you through a single phone call to a Better Business Bureau accredited contractor with a minimum 10-year track record of conducting home energy efficiency upgrades*. Upon loan approval, the contractor will do all of the required upgrade work to your home and, once you have signed your loan documentation, Vancity will pay the contractor directly on your behalf. You simply approve the work and payment to the contractor, and begin to repay the loan**.
*Note: The City of Vancouver is not responsible for the workmanship of the upgrades.
**Note: With the Direct Install option, once your loan is approved, you must complete the upgrade work and your post-upgrade ecoENERGY audit within 90 days.
OR
Self Serve option If you prefer to select a different contractor, or if you have the ability to do some of the work yourself, the program offers a Self Serve option. The process follows many of the same steps as the Direct Install option for pre and post-upgrade energy audits and application to Vancity for loan funding. The major differences with the Self Serve option include:
1) the loan is paid directly to you before the upgrades are done,
2) you need to research and hire your own contractor(s), and
3) upon receiving loan funding, you pay the contractor directly.
Note: With the Self Serve option, you will begin repaying the loan quarterly as soon as you receive the funds from Vancity. It's important to get your upgrades done as soon as possible so you can start saving money on your energy bills.
The Home Energy Loan Program has resources to provide you with guidance and support at every step along the way. If you have questions, please call 3-1-1.
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