Ontario Heat Pump Rebate Guide — Rates, Eligibility & How to Apply (2026)
Last reviewed: April 17, 2026 · Rates verified against homerenovationsavings.ca
Quick summary: Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program offers heat pump rebates from $500 to $12,000 depending on your current heating source and the type of heat pump you install. No energy assessment is required. The program is confirmed through November 2026 but can close at any time. Check your exact amount →
Ontario Heat Pump Rebate Rates in 2026
The Ontario heat pump rebate amount depends on two factors: your home's primary heating source and whether you choose an air-source or ground-source heat pump. Here are the exact rates as of April 2026, verified directly from the official Home Renovation Savings Program website.
Air-Source Heat Pump Rebate (Cold Climate)
| Heating Source | Rate | Maximum | 3-Ton Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Gas (Enbridge) | $500/ton | $2,000 | $1,500 |
| Electric | $1,250/ton | $7,500 | $3,750 |
| Oil | $1,250/ton | $7,500 | $3,750 + OHPA |
| Propane | $1,250/ton | $7,500 | $3,750 |
| Wood | $1,250/ton | $7,500 | $3,750 |
Incentives are calculated based on the minimum rated heating capacity at 8.3°C (47°F). Most Ontario homes use 2.5 to 3.5 ton systems. Your registered HVAC contractor will determine the correct size for your home.
Ground-Source Heat Pump Rebate (Geothermal)
| Heating Source | Rate | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Gas (Enbridge) | Flat rate | $3,000 |
| Electric / Oil / Propane / Wood | $2,000/ton | $12,000 |
Ground-source (geothermal) heat pump incentives for non-gas homes are calculated based on closed loop capacity. Ground-source systems are more expensive to install ($20,000–$45,000) but offer the highest rebates and the best long-term energy savings.
Heat Pump Rental Rebate
If you prefer to rent rather than buy, the program offers rebates for rented heat pumps as well. Rental rebates are available for all heating types: $500/ton (max $2,000) for air-source and $3,000 flat for ground-source. This option is available regardless of your current heating source.
Why Non-Gas Homes Get Higher Rebates
If your home runs on electricity, oil, propane, or wood, you qualify for 2.5x higher rebates than gas homes. The reason is straightforward: switching from these heating sources to a heat pump produces greater energy savings and emissions reductions. The government incentivizes the biggest impact first.
For oil-heated homes specifically, the federal Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program stacks on top of the Ontario rebate, adding $5,000 to $15,000 in additional funding. This means an oil home switching to a heat pump could receive up to $22,500 in combined rebates — often covering the entire cost of installation. Read our full OHPA guide →
Eligibility Requirements for the Ontario Heat Pump Rebate
To qualify for a heat pump rebate through the Home Renovation Savings Program in 2026, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Own the home where the heat pump will be installed. If you have tenants, you (the owner) must apply.
- Heating source: Be an Enbridge Gas customer heating with natural gas, OR be connected to the Ontario electricity grid and heat with electricity, oil, propane, or wood.
- Home type: Single detached, semi-detached, row house, townhome, or mobile home on a permanent foundation. Condos, apartments, and stacked townhomes are not eligible.
- Not a new build: Your home must have been occupied for more than 6 months.
- Not Cornwall Electric: Cornwall Electric customers are on the Hydro-Québec grid and are not eligible unless their home is primarily heated by Enbridge natural gas.
Enbridge Gas requirement: If you heat with natural gas, you must specifically be an Enbridge Gas customer. Some Ontario communities — including Kitchener (Kitchener Utilities), Kingston (Utilities Kingston), and others — use different gas providers. These customers are unfortunately not eligible for the gas-rate heat pump rebate through this program.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
The heat pump rebate does not require an energy assessment. Here is the exact process:
Confirm your eligibility
Complete the eligibility form on homerenovationsavings.ca to confirm you qualify and receive a list of participating HVAC contractors in your area.
Choose a registered contractor
Select a contractor from the official list of participating HVAC contractors. They will help you choose the right heat pump and submit your pre-installation application.
Wait for pre-approval
Your contractor submits the application. You MUST wait for approval before any installation begins. This is the #1 reason rebates are rejected — starting work before approval.
Install the heat pump
Once approved, your contractor installs the heat pump. The unit must be on Natural Resources Canada's qualified products list.
Receive your rebate
Your contractor completes a post-installation application. Once approved, your rebate cheque arrives by mail within 60 days.
Critical warning: Pre-approval is mandatory. Installations done before approval are not eligible for rebates. Do not let any contractor begin work until you have written confirmation that your application has been approved.
Which Heat Pumps Qualify?
Not every heat pump qualifies for the Ontario rebate. The requirements are specific:
- Cold climate air-source heat pumps must be an active model listed on Natural Resources Canada's qualified products list for cold climate air-source heat pumps. Standard air-source heat pumps that are not rated for cold climates do not qualify.
- Water-to-air ground-source heat pumps must be listed on NRCan's qualified products list for ground-source heat pumps.
- Water-to-water ground-source heat pumps must be on the ENERGY STAR Geothermal Heat Pump List and available in Canada.
Your registered HVAC contractor will verify which models qualify before you purchase. Popular qualifying brands in Ontario include Mitsubishi, Daikin, Bosch, Lennox, Carrier, and Fujitsu.
Stacking Rebates: Getting the Maximum Amount
The heat pump rebate through HRS can be combined with other programs for even larger savings:
- OHPA (Oil homes only): The federal Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program adds $5,000–$15,000 on top of HRS rebates. Only for homes currently heated by oil.
- HRS bundled upgrades: If you also add insulation, windows, or air sealing, you can qualify for additional rebates through the assessment path — up to $7,700 for insulation, $100/window, and $250 for air sealing.
- Municipal programs: Some Ontario municipalities offer additional incentives. Toronto's BetterHomesTO program and the Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) offer low-interest financing up to $125,000 for energy improvements.
Program Deadline and Availability
The Home Renovation Savings Program is confirmed through November 2026. However, the official terms state that the program can be modified or discontinued at any time without notice.
This is not theoretical. Ontario's previous rebate programs were both closed earlier than expected: the GreenON program was cancelled in 2018 when the government changed, and the Canada Greener Homes Grant stopped accepting new applications in 2024. If you're considering a heat pump, applying sooner rather than later reduces the risk of missing the window.
Note: New contractor registration for the heat pump rebate stream is currently open, with a registration deadline of May 31, 2026. The participating contractor list continues to grow. You can request the current list by filling out the short form at homerenovationsavings.ca.
Check Your Heat Pump Rebate
Answer 5 questions to see your exact rebate amount based on verified 2026 program rates. Free, no signup required.
Calculate my rebate →Already planning your heat pump upgrade?
Heat Pump Rebate Action Pack — $29
The exact next steps to avoid mistakes, compare contractor quotes, and protect your rebate before you sign anything. 5 files: step-by-step roadmap, contractor questions checklist, quote comparison template, document tracker, and 7 mistakes that kill rebates.
See what's inside →7-day refund · Instant download · Not affiliated with the Government of Ontario
Specific topics — dive deeper
The above is the full overview. Below are detailed guides on specific parts of the process — read the ones relevant to your situation.
How to Apply — 5 Steps →
The exact application process from eligibility to cheque
Pre-Approval Explained →
Why timing matters and the #1 rebate-killer mistake
Compare Contractor Quotes →
Spot red flags and hidden exclusions in quotes
Verify Participating Contractors →
How to check your contractor can actually submit
Enbridge vs Non-Enbridge →
Which gas utility qualifies you for the rebate
Program Deadline 2026 →
When the rebate window actually closes
OHPA for Oil Homes →
Up to $15,000 federal — stacks with HRS
Cornwall Electric Eligibility →
Why Cornwall customers are mostly excluded
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ontario Heat Pump Rebate
How much is the heat pump rebate in Ontario in 2026?
Rebates range from $500 to $12,000. Gas homes (Enbridge) get $500/ton for air-source (max $2,000) and $3,000 flat for ground-source. Electric, oil, propane, and wood homes get $1,250/ton for air-source (max $7,500) and $2,000/ton for ground-source (max $12,000).
Do I need an energy assessment for a heat pump rebate?
No. Heat pumps qualify as a single-measure upgrade, which means no home energy assessment is required. You work directly with a registered HVAC contractor.
Do I need to be an Enbridge Gas customer?
Only if your home is heated by natural gas. Gas customers must have an active Enbridge Gas account. If you heat with electricity, oil, propane, or wood, you need to be connected to the Ontario electricity grid — Enbridge is not required.
Can I get a rebate if I already received Greener Homes or HER+ rebates?
Yes, but only for different upgrades. If your previous rebate was for insulation, you can still apply for a heat pump rebate through HRS.
What is the deadline for the Ontario heat pump rebate?
The program is confirmed through November 2026, but the terms state it can close at any time. Previous Ontario programs closed without warning.
How long does it take to receive the rebate cheque?
After your post-installation application is approved, expect your cheque by mail within 60 days. The full process from application to cheque typically takes 3-6 months.
Can I rent a heat pump and still get a rebate?
Yes. Rental rebates are $500/ton (max $2,000) for air-source and $3,000 flat for ground-source, available for all heating types.
What heat pumps qualify for the rebate?
The heat pump must be a cold climate air-source model listed on NRCan's qualified products list, or a ground-source model on the NRCan or ENERGY STAR list. Your contractor will verify eligibility.
All rebate amounts verified against homerenovationsavings.ca as of April 7, 2026. This page is not affiliated with the Government of Ontario, Enbridge Gas, or the IESO. ClaimRebate.ca provides information only — always verify eligibility through the official program website before making decisions.