Every month, one in five Canadians spends so much on energy bills they have to cut back on food and essentials. That money is often flying out old windows and doors, especially if you live in an aging Ottawa home with poor insulation or inefficient fixtures.
The good news? The City of Ottawa now offers fixed-rate, 20-year loans up to $125,000 to help property owners like you undertake energy efficiency retrofits and other home improvements. With the Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program (BHOLP), you can switch to energy-efficient windows and doors now, start saving on energy bills right away, and pay for the improvements over time.
In this guide, we'll walk through everything you need to know about accessing this program and choosing the right energy-efficient upgrades for your home. Let’s get started!
Better Homes Loan Program Overview
The City of Ottawa helps residents reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by providing low-interest loans to cover the cost of home energy improvements. Here's what you need to know about the Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program:
Note: Property owners offering affordable rental units (below Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s average market rate) are also eligible for zero-interest loans. This is a great opportunity to improve tenant comfort while boosting your property's value!
Eligible Home Renovations
Wondering which energy-saving renovations qualify? These are some of the best home energy improvements you can finance through the program:
Energy-Efficient Windows
Your home’s windows significantly impact energy consumption, especially around heated spaces. Inefficient windows leak up to 30% of your heating and cooling dollars outside. That’s why switching to energy-efficient windows is one of the most impactful upgrades covered by Better Homes Ottawa.
Look for:
- Energy Star certification
- Low-E glass coating + low U-value
- Double or triple-glazed windows certified for installation in Canada
- Insulated frames and sashes
Learn more: Everything You Need to Know About Energy-Efficient Windows
Image Source: Shutterstock
Exterior Energy Star Door Replacements
Like windows, doors are major sources of heat loss. The Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program offers financing for energy-efficient exterior door replacements around heated spaces. Here’s what to look for:
- Energy Star certification
- Materials with good insulation (fibreglass, vinyl, or steel are great options)
- Low air leakage rates
- Thermal break technology to prevent heat transfer
- Double glazing with minimum 12 mm air space
- Maintenance-free frames
Pro tip: Opt for professional installation to ensure proper sealing and prevent air leaks.
Seal Windows and Cracks
What makes energy-efficient homes? Ottawa summers and winters will tell you that proper sealing is key. Cracks around windows and other openings are terrible for temperature control and thus energy bills.
Here’s the good news: you can save up to 30% of energy costs by sealing windows and other leaky areas. Better Homes Ottawa supports air-sealing improvements like weatherstripping and gap and crack repairs.
They also cover remediation costs for mould or asbestos removal related to deep retrofits (especially for older homes). Just be sure to get an energy audit first—it'll show exactly where your home is losing heat and help prioritize sealing work.
Pro tip: Maximize energy savings by adding exterior window shadings or films. These upgrades work alongside your sealing efforts by providing extra insulation in winter and reducing heat gain in summer.
Learn more: How to Repair a Broken Seal on a Window
Image Source: Shutterstock
Install a Heat Pump
Space heating, cooling, and ventilation cover a major chunk of a household’s energy costs and carbon footprint. Heat pumps help reduce both by moving heat instead of generating it—pulling warmth from outside air in winter and removing indoor heat in summer.
Installing heat pumps is also great for home energy rebates! Ottawa offers substantial incentives for both ground and cold climate air source heat pumps. You may also qualify for additional rebates through Ontario’s Expanded Energy Efficiency Programs.
Who Can Apply to BHOLP?
The Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program is available for Ottawa residential property owners who:
- Own a detached, semi-detached, or townhouse (three stories or less)
- Have a City of Ottawa property tax account
- Have a good property payment history (five years) or credit score above 600
- Aren't enrolled in CHMC’s Mortgage Deferral Program or the City’s Tax Deferral Program
Pro tip: Low-income households may be able to qualify for 0% interest loans with waived fees and access to a retrofit project manager. Not sure if you qualify? Start with the pre-application assessment on the Better Homes Ottawa website.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
Smart homeowners know that energy-efficient windows and doors pay for themselves. Even smarter ones understand that quality and professional installation make all the difference.
Looking to make the most of your Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program? Trust Ottawa's window experts. For over 45 years, Clera Windows + Doors has helped homeowners like you get more value from their investment.
Our factory-direct prices help your loan go further while our local installation teams ensure your windows and doors perform at peak efficiency. Even better, we offer a lifetime warranty to help protect your investment for years to come.
Let's make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient. Contact us today to get a free quote and start saving!
