Participating HVAC Contractors: What Homeowners Need to Check
Rates last verified: July 30, 2026 · against homerenovationsavings.ca. Programs can change or close at any time — confirm before signing a contract.
Status update — registration paused
New contractor registration for the heat pump stream is currently paused — no new applications are being accepted (attic stream: closed). If your contractor isn't already registered, they cannot join now and cannot file your rebate. Choose from contractors who are already participating.
The basic rule
Only HRS-participating HVAC contractors can submit rebate applications. If your contractor isn't on the participating list, they cannot get you the rebate — no matter how good their work is.
What “participating” actually means
A participating HVAC contractor is a company that has:
- ✓ Completed the HRS contractor registration process
- ✓ Met the program's eligibility requirements (insurance, licensing, etc.)
- ✓ Agreed to the program rules and code of conduct
- ✓ Received access to the HRS portal to submit applications on your behalf
The program explicitly does not endorse specific contractors — being participating just means they're authorized to submit. You still need to vet them on quality, pricing, and warranty.
How to get the participating contractor list
The list is not publicly searchable. You have to request it:
Save the list PDF somewhere accessible. You'll reference it whenever you contact or evaluate a contractor.
What the list includes
- • Company names
- • Contact information (phone, email)
- • Areas they serve
- • Type of heat pumps they install (air-source, ground-source, both)
How to verify someone is still participating
The list is updated periodically. A contractor could be added, removed, or reclassified. Before signing a contract:
Ask directly
"Can you confirm in writing that you're currently a participating HVAC contractor in the HRS heat pump program?"
Request their registration confirmation
Participating contractors receive confirmation from HRS. Ask to see it (screenshot is fine).
Check the latest list
If your eligibility form submission was more than 2-3 months ago, submit it again to get the current list.
Call the program if uncertain
You can reach the program at 1-866-449-8510 (Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm) to confirm participation status.
What if my contractor isn't on the list?
You have 3 options:
Option 1 — Switch contractors
Choose a contractor who is already on the list. With registration paused, this is effectively the only path that protects your rebate.
Option 2 — Ask your contractor to register (currently NOT possible)
New contractor registration for the heat pump stream is PAUSED — the program is not accepting new applications (verified against homerenovationsavings.ca). A contractor who promises to "register quickly" cannot: choose from those already registered.
Option 3 — Proceed without rebate
Install anyway, accept no rebate. Only makes sense if the non-participating contractor is dramatically cheaper — but usually the rebate amount is bigger than any price difference.
Warning signs
⚠ "I work with HRS" — but can't name the program
If they don't know the program's actual name (Home Renovation Savings Program), they're probably not participating.
⚠ "I'll register if you sign the contract"
They can't: new contractor registration is currently PAUSED — the program is not accepting applications. Anyone promising to "register later" cannot deliver your rebate. Walk away.
⚠ "Don't worry about the paperwork, I handle everything"
Honest contractors handle paperwork too — but they give you copies of submissions, confirmations, and the pre-approval letter. Secrecy is a red flag.
⚠ Unsolicited call claiming they're from Save on Energy
Official program operators don't cold-call. This is a scam. Report to saveonenergy@ieso.ca.
Find your rebate
Start with your rebate amount
Know what you qualify for before shopping contractors — it changes your negotiating position.
Calculate my rebate →Independent homeowner tool. Not affiliated with the Government of Ontario.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find participating HVAC contractors in Ontario?
Submit the short eligibility form at homerenovationsavings.ca/without-assessment/heat-pumps. You'll receive the participating contractor list by email. The list isn't publicly searchable — it's sent after you submit the form.
Can any HVAC contractor submit a rebate application?
No. Only HRS-participating HVAC contractors can submit rebate applications. Non-participating contractors have no access to the program portal — even if you chose the best installer in the world, no rebate without participation.
What if my preferred contractor isn't on the participating list?
Switch to a contractor who is already participating. New contractor registration for the heat pump stream is currently PAUSED — no new applications are being accepted (verified against the official program site). A contractor who is not already registered cannot file your rebate, and cannot join now.