Ontario Heat Pump Rebates 2026: How to Get Up to $7,500 Back

Heat pump rebates in Ontario are the most generous they have ever been. Between federal, provincial, and utility company programs, homeowners can recover $5,000 to $7,500 of the installation cost — sometimes more. But the programs have different rules, different timelines, and specific requirements you need to meet before the work begins. Miss a step and you lose the money. Here is exactly how each program works and how to stack them.

Program 1: Canada Heat Pump Affordability Program (Up to $5,000)

This federal program specifically targets heat pump adoption and offers the largest single rebate available.

Eligibility

• Must be a Canadian homeowner (not a landlord or rental property)
• Household income must be below the program threshold (currently $120,000 combined gross income for a household of up to four, adjusted for larger households)
• The home must be your primary residence
• The heat pump must be installed by a licensed contractor
• The system must meet minimum efficiency requirements (HSPF2 of 7.1+ for ducted, 9.0+ for ductless)

What You Get

• Up to $5,000 for a ducted air-source heat pump
• Up to $5,000 for a ground-source (geothermal) heat pump
• Up to $2,500 for a ductless mini-split heat pump (per outdoor unit)

How to Apply

Apply online through the Natural Resources Canada portal before installation. You will need proof of income (previous year's Notice of Assessment from CRA), proof of home ownership, and the heat pump specifications. Approval typically takes 2-4 weeks. Once approved, you have 12 months to complete the installation and submit your receipts.

Program 2: Home Renovation Savings Program (Ontario) (Up to $4,000)

This is the provincial program, run through the Ontario government. It covers a broader range of home energy upgrades, but heat pumps are the biggest ticket item.

Eligibility

• Must own and live in the home (primary residence)
• Home must be in Ontario
• No income restriction for this program
• Must have a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation done before work begins
• Must have a post-retrofit evaluation after work is complete

What You Get

• $3,000 to $4,000 for a qualifying air-source heat pump (amount depends on system efficiency and whether you bundle other improvements)
• Higher amounts for ground-source heat pumps
• Additional rebates if you bundle insulation, windows, or air sealing with the heat pump

The EnerGuide Evaluation

This is the step most people miss. You must book a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation before any work begins. An NRCan-certified energy advisor visits your home, assesses its current energy performance, and provides a report with recommended upgrades. After the heat pump is installed, they come back for a post-retrofit evaluation to verify the improvement.

The evaluation costs about $250-$350 per visit ($500-$700 total for both). Some programs offset part of this cost, but plan on paying it upfront. It is worth it — without both evaluations, you get zero rebate.

Program 3: Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate ($500 - $2,000)

If you are an Enbridge gas customer, you can access rebates through their home efficiency program. Yes, Enbridge offers rebates for heat pumps even though heat pumps reduce gas consumption — the program is designed to meet their regulatory obligation to reduce overall energy use.

Eligibility

• Must be an Enbridge residential gas customer
• Must complete a home energy assessment (can use the same EnerGuide evaluation)
• System must meet Enbridge's efficiency specifications

What You Get

• $500 to $2,000 for heat pump installation, depending on system type and efficiency
• Higher rebates when you bundle with other measures (insulation, air sealing, smart thermostat)

Program 4: Oil to Heat Pump (Up to $5,000)

If your home currently uses an oil furnace, you can access the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program. This is one of the most generous programs available.

Eligibility

• Home must currently use oil as the primary heating source
• Must switch to a qualifying heat pump
• Primary residence requirement applies

What You Get

Up to $5,000 for the heat pump installation, plus potential additional support for oil tank removal. This program has its own income thresholds and application process separate from the general heat pump affordability program. If you currently heat with oil, talk to your installer about this one first — it is often the most straightforward path to maximum rebate.

How to Stack Rebates

The programs above are designed to be stackable, with some restrictions. Here is a realistic stacking scenario:

• Canada Heat Pump Affordability Program: $5,000
• Home Renovation Savings Program: $2,500 (reduced when stacked with federal)
• Total: $7,500

Another scenario for Enbridge customers who do not qualify for the income-based federal program:

• Home Renovation Savings Program: $3,500
• Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate: $1,500
• Total: $5,000

The exact amounts depend on the system you install, your current heating source, and whether you bundle other improvements. Your installer should be able to model this for you before you commit.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your Rebates

Follow this order to make sure you qualify for everything:

• Step 1: Decide which programs you want to apply for and check their current eligibility requirements. Programs change — verify the details on the official websites before proceeding.
• Step 2: Book your pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation. This must happen before any work begins. Wait for the evaluation report before scheduling installation.
• Step 3: Apply to the federal and/or provincial programs. For the Canada Heat Pump Affordability Program, get your approval letter before proceeding.
• Step 4: Get quotes from licensed contractors. Make sure the heat pump they are proposing meets the efficiency requirements for the programs you are using. At Relica Comforts, we handle this part — we know which models qualify and we will confirm before ordering.
• Step 5: Have the heat pump installed. Keep all invoices, permits, and warranty documentation.
• Step 6: Book your post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation.
• Step 7: Submit your rebate claims with the required documentation (invoices, evaluation reports, permits). Federal programs typically pay out within 4-8 weeks of approved submission.

Which Heat Pump Systems Qualify?

Not every heat pump on the market qualifies for rebates. The key specifications to look for:

• Ducted air-source heat pumps: Must have HSPF2 of 7.1 or higher and EER2 of 10.0 or higher
• Ductless mini-split heat pumps: Must have HSPF2 of 9.0 or higher
• Cold-climate rated: Must maintain heating capacity at -15C or lower (most programs require this for Ontario installations)
• ENERGY STAR certified: Most programs require ENERGY STAR certification

Brands like Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Bosch, Daikin, and Carrier all have qualifying models. Your installer should specify the exact model number and confirm it meets program requirements before you commit.

Both ducted heat pumps and ductless mini-split systems can qualify, though the rebate amounts differ. Ductless systems are a strong option for homes without existing ductwork or for adding climate control to specific rooms.

Do Not Leave Money on the Table

The biggest mistake homeowners make is not applying before installation, or not getting the EnerGuide evaluation done first. These programs have strict timelines and you cannot retroactively qualify. Do the paperwork upfront and you could cut your heat pump cost nearly in half.

Relica Comforts helps our customers navigate the rebate process from start to finish. We know which systems qualify, we coordinate with EnerGuide advisors, and we provide all the documentation you need for your claims. Call (647) 491-6009 or request a free quote — we will show you exactly how much rebate you can expect on your specific installation.