Heat Pump Rebates in Ontario (2026): Every Program Explained
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.
This guide covers every heat pump rebate available to Ontario homeowners in 2026, whether you are in Toronto, Barrie, Orillia, or anywhere in between. We keep it updated as programs change.
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.
Heat Pump Rebates by Region
The programs above are available province-wide, but some municipalities and utilities offer additional incentives. If you live in any of these areas, ask your installer about local top-ups:
- Toronto and GTA: Enbridge coverage area — eligible for Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate on top of federal and provincial programs
- Barrie and Collingwood: Cold-climate heat pumps are especially common here and tend to qualify for the highest rebate tiers due to their efficiency ratings
- Orillia, Midland, and Gravenhurst: Homes in Simcoe County and Muskoka that still use oil heating may qualify for both the Oil to Heat Pump program and the general affordability program
- Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill: York Region homes with gas heating can stack the Enbridge rebate with federal programs
Heat Pump vs Furnace: Where Rebates Tip the Scale
Without rebates, a heat pump costs more upfront than a gas furnace. With rebates, the gap narrows or disappears entirely. A mid-range heat pump installation at $12,000 with $7,500 in rebates nets out to $4,500 — comparable to a new furnace installation at $4,500 to $7,000. The difference is the heat pump also replaces your air conditioner. For a detailed cost comparison, see our guide on heat pump vs gas furnace in Ontario.
Common Mistakes That Cost You the Rebate
These are the errors we see most often:
- Installing before applying: The federal affordability program requires approval before work begins. If you install first, you are not eligible.
- Skipping the EnerGuide evaluation: The provincial program requires a pre-retrofit evaluation. No evaluation, no rebate. Book it weeks before your planned installation date.
- Choosing a non-qualifying system: Not every heat pump meets the HSPF2 and EER2 thresholds. Confirm the model qualifies before committing.
- Missing the documentation window: Most programs require you to submit receipts and evaluation reports within a fixed period after installation. Set a reminder.
- Not checking income eligibility: The federal program has income thresholds. If you are over the limit, focus on the provincial and Enbridge programs instead — they have no income cap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a heat pump rebate if I already have a furnace?
Yes. You do not need to be replacing a broken system. If you are adding a heat pump to supplement or replace a working furnace, you still qualify for rebates. Many homeowners install a heat pump alongside their existing furnace in a dual-fuel configuration.
Do ductless mini-splits qualify for rebates?
Yes. Ductless mini-split heat pumps qualify for most programs, though the rebate amounts may differ from ducted systems. The federal program offers up to $2,500 per outdoor unit for qualifying ductless systems.
How long does the rebate application process take?
The federal affordability program typically takes 2-4 weeks for initial approval. After installation and document submission, payout is usually within 4-8 weeks. The provincial program can take longer due to the EnerGuide evaluation scheduling. Plan for 3-6 months from start to final rebate cheque.
Can I apply for rebates on a rental property?
The federal Canada Heat Pump Affordability Program requires the home to be your primary residence. Landlords are not eligible. The provincial Home Renovation Savings Program has the same restriction. Some utility programs (like Enbridge) may have different rules — check directly.
What if I already started installation — can I still get rebates?
It depends on the program. The federal affordability program requires pre-approval, so if you did not apply first, you are likely ineligible. The provincial program requires a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation before work begins. If you skipped that step, you cannot retroactively qualify. Always apply and get evaluations done before any work starts.
Get Your Rebate Assessment
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 customers across Toronto, Barrie, Orillia, and all our service areas 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 heat pump installation.
