HVAC Rebates Ontario 2026: Every Grant, Incentive, and Program Explained

Ontario's HVAC Rebate Landscape in 2026

Ontario homeowners have access to a complex but generous set of HVAC rebates, grants, and incentive programs in 2026. The right combination of programs can reduce the cost of a heat pump installation by $2,000-$25,000, cover smart thermostat upgrades, finance insulation improvements, and provide ongoing monthly electricity bill credits. But the landscape has shifted dramatically since 2024 — major federal programs have closed, provincial programs have launched or expanded, and the incentive structure now heavily favours heat pump adoption over gas equipment replacement.

What changed from 2024 to 2026

The transformation has been substantial. The Canada Greener Homes Grant, which offered up to $5,000 for energy retrofits, closed to new applicants in February 2024 and processed final reimbursements through December 2025. The Canada Greener Homes Loan ($40,000 at 0% interest) closed to new applications on October 1, 2025. The Enbridge Gas Home Efficiency Rebate (HER+) program closed on January 27, 2025. In their place, Ontario launched the Home Renovation Savings Program on January 28, 2025, offering more generous heat pump rebates through a simpler application process. The Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program expanded with provincial co-delivery, increasing maximum grants from $10,000 to $25,000 for qualifying Ontario households. The net result: more money available, but concentrated on heat pump and electrification projects rather than gas equipment.

Current program summary

The active programs available to Ontario homeowners in 2026 include the Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) for heat pumps, insulation, smart thermostats, and appliances; the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program (OHPA) for oil-to-heat-pump conversion; the Ontario Electricity Rebate (23.5% off electricity bills); the Ontario Electricity Support Program (monthly credits for low-income households); the Energy Affordability Program (free upgrades for income-eligible homeowners); Enbridge Gas rebates for gas equipment and efficiency upgrades; Toronto's Home Energy Loan Program (HELP); and various municipal utility programs. Each program has different eligibility requirements, rebate amounts, and application processes — the sections below break down every detail so you can identify exactly which programs apply to your situation and maximize your total savings.

Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP)

The HRSP is Ontario's flagship energy efficiency incentive, launched January 28, 2025, and delivered through a partnership between Enbridge Gas, the IESO (Independent Electricity System Operator) under the Save on Energy brand, and the Ontario government. It replaced the closed HER+ program with broader coverage and more generous heat pump rebates.

Two program streams

The HRSP operates through two distinct paths. The Single Upgrade stream requires no home energy audit and allows homeowners to claim rebates for individual improvements: heat pumps (up to $12,000), solar panels and battery storage (up to $10,000), attic insulation (up to $1,250), and smart thermostats ($100). This is the fastest and simplest path — install the qualifying equipment, submit your invoice and proof of purchase, and receive the rebate within 30-60 days. The Bundled Assessment stream requires a home energy assessment (cost rebated at $600), completion of at least two energy-saving upgrades, and a follow-up assessment. The bundled stream provides access to a wider range of rebates including windows and doors ($100 per rough opening), air sealing (up to $250), various insulation types, and bonus payments of $500 for completing three or more upgrades. Through the bundled stream, gas-heated homes can access up to $5,000 in total rebates, while electrically heated homes can access up to $10,000.

Equipment requirements

All heat pump equipment must be listed on Natural Resources Canada's qualified products list. Cold climate air source heat pumps must meet minimum performance requirements: HSPF2 Region V rating of at least 6.6 and SEER2 rating of at least 15.2. These requirements ensure that only heat pumps designed for Canadian winter conditions qualify — standard warm-climate heat pumps do not meet the HSPF2 threshold. Your heat pump installer should verify product eligibility before equipment selection. Furnaces must be rated 96% AFUE or higher to qualify for the gas equipment rebate through the Enbridge Gas stream.

Appliance rebates (added summer 2025)

The HRSP expanded in summer 2025 to include rebates for energy-efficient appliances: heat pump clothes dryers ($200), washing machines ($75), induction cooktops and ranges ($150), dishwashers ($25), refrigerators ($50), and freezers ($50). Appliances must be ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2025 models. Applications must be submitted within 60 days of purchase with receipt documentation. These appliance rebates are modest individually but add up when combined with HVAC equipment rebates — a homeowner installing a heat pump and purchasing a new dryer and cooktop could claim an additional $350 on top of their heat pump rebate.

Who qualifies

The HRSP is available to Ontario homeowners (not renters) who own a single detached, semi-detached, townhome, row house, or mobile home on a permanent foundation. The home must have been occupied for at least six months. Multi-unit residential buildings (duplexes, triplexes, apartment buildings) are not eligible through the residential stream. There are no income restrictions for the standard rebate streams — any qualifying homeowner can apply regardless of income. Homes with existing heat pumps are not eligible for heat pump rebates; the program targets homes transitioning to heat pump heating for the first time. New construction is excluded.

Heat Pump Rebates: The Largest HVAC Incentives

Heat pumps receive the most generous rebates of any HVAC equipment in Ontario, reflecting government policy to accelerate electrification of home heating. The rebate amount depends on your current heating fuel, the type of heat pump, and the program you apply through.

Rebates by heating fuel type

If your home is currently heated with natural gas (Enbridge Gas customer), cold climate air source heat pumps qualify for $500 per ton up to $2,000 through the HRSP. Ground source (geothermal) heat pumps qualify for a flat $3,000. If your home is currently heated with electricity, oil, propane, or wood, rebates are significantly more generous: cold climate air source heat pumps qualify for $1,250 per ton up to $7,500. Ground source heat pumps qualify for $2,000 per ton up to $12,000. The logic behind the difference is that switching from gas to electric heating produces moderate carbon reduction (Ontario's grid is already 94% clean), while switching from oil, propane, or electric resistance heating produces dramatic energy savings and emission reductions.

What the rebate covers in practice

For a typical Ontario home installing a 3-ton cold climate air source heat pump, the rebate amounts to $1,500 for a gas-heated home or $3,750 for an electrically heated home. A 4-ton system receives $2,000 (gas) or $5,000 (electric). A 3-ton ground source heat pump receives $3,000 (gas) or $6,000 (electric). These rebates apply to the installed cost of the heat pump system, including equipment and labour. Combined with the energy savings from heat pump operation (50-70% reduction in heating costs compared to electric resistance or oil), the rebate accelerates payback to 3-5 years for most installations. The rebate is paid directly to the homeowner after installation and application approval, not deducted from the contractor's invoice. This means homeowners must have financing or funds available to cover the full installation cost upfront, then receive the rebate as a reimbursement payment typically within 30-60 days of application approval.

Ductless mini-split heat pumps

Ductless mini-split heat pumps qualify for the same per-ton rebates as central heat pump systems, provided they meet the cold climate performance requirements (HSPF2 6.6+, SEER2 15.2+). A single-zone ductless mini-split (typically 1-1.5 tons) receives $500-$750 for gas-heated homes or $1,250-$1,875 for electrically heated homes. Multi-zone systems with multiple indoor heads receive proportionally higher rebates based on total system capacity. Ductless systems are particularly attractive for homes without existing ductwork, where the alternative — installing ductwork plus a central heat pump — would cost $10,000-$25,000 more.

Furnace and Gas Equipment Rebates

Gas furnace rebates are more limited than heat pump incentives, reflecting Ontario's policy direction toward electrification. However, several programs still provide meaningful savings for homeowners replacing gas equipment.

Enbridge Gas furnace rebate

The Enbridge Gas Home Efficiency Rebate provides $500 for upgrading from a furnace rated 94% AFUE or lower to one rated 96% AFUE or higher. However, the furnace rebate alone is not sufficient — you must also complete two additional qualifying home energy upgrades to access the furnace rebate. The rebate was reduced from $750 to $500 in the latest program update, signalling continued policy emphasis on heat pump adoption over gas equipment replacement. Qualifying additional upgrades include attic insulation to R-60 ($500 rebate), exterior wall insulation, basement insulation, air sealing, smart thermostat installation, window and door replacement, or tankless water heater installation.

Bundled upgrade bonuses

Completing multiple upgrades through the Enbridge Gas program triggers bonus payments: $250 for three total upgrades, $500 for four upgrades, and $750 for five upgrades. A homeowner who replaces their furnace ($500 rebate), adds attic insulation ($500 rebate), and installs a smart thermostat ($75 rebate) receives $500 + $500 + $75 + $250 (3-upgrade bonus) = $1,325 in total rebates. Adding a fourth upgrade (air sealing at $250 or window replacement) increases the bonus to $500, bringing total potential rebates to $1,575-$1,825. The message is clear: Ontario wants homeowners to do comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades, not just swap one piece of equipment.

Water heater and other gas equipment

Tankless (on-demand) water heaters qualify for rebates through the bundled upgrade stream. Heat pump water heaters receive $500 through the HRSP. Smart thermostats receive $75-$100 depending on the program stream. These individual rebates are modest, but when combined with furnace or heat pump rebates through the bundled approach, they contribute meaningfully to total savings and help trigger the multi-upgrade bonus payments that add $250-$750.

Why furnace rebates are shrinking

The reduction of furnace rebates from $750 to $500 and the added requirement for two complementary upgrades reflects a deliberate policy shift. Government incentives are designed to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuel heating, not to subsidize continued gas consumption. Furnace rebates will likely continue shrinking or be eliminated entirely in coming years. Homeowners who delay furnace replacement hoping for better rebates in the future will likely find fewer incentives, not more. The current $500 rebate combined with bundle bonuses represents the best available gas furnace incentive — if a gas furnace is your preferred choice, acting now captures more rebate value than waiting. However, comparing the $500 furnace rebate against $2,000-$7,500 in heat pump rebates illustrates why many homeowners are choosing hybrid dual-fuel systems that maximize available incentives while maintaining gas backup for extreme cold.

Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program (OHPA)

The OHPA is the most generous HVAC incentive available to Ontario homeowners, offering up to $25,000 for qualifying households that convert from oil heating to heat pump systems. The program targets low-to-median-income homeowners and provides funding that can cover most or all of the conversion cost.

Program funding amounts

In Ontario, the OHPA operates through a co-delivery model with the IESO, providing access to the highest funding tier. Eligible Ontario households can receive up to $15,000 in federal funding plus $10,000 in provincial funding plus a one-time $250 payment upon pre-approval — totalling $25,250. Provinces without co-delivery arrangements receive only $10,000 in federal funding, making Ontario's program substantially more generous. The funding covers heat pump purchase and installation, necessary electrical and mechanical upgrades, backup electric heating installation, oil tank safe removal and disposal, conversion of other oil-using appliances (like water heaters), and outdoor piping loops for ground source heat pump systems.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify, you must be a Canadian homeowner (not renter), currently heat your home with oil, and have household after-tax income at or below the median income threshold for Ontario and your household size. The income threshold varies by household size and is updated periodically — verify the current threshold directly with IESO before applying. The program is not available to homeowners in remote areas not connected to an integrated electricity grid. You must apply personally — contractors and service organizations cannot apply on your behalf.

How the money works

Unlike most rebate programs where you pay first and get reimbursed later, OHPA can provide upfront payment in many cases, meaning funds are received before you pay for the installation. This removes the financial barrier that prevents many low-income homeowners from accessing expensive heat pump equipment. The upfront payment model means qualifying households can convert from oil to heat pump heating with little or no out-of-pocket expense, then benefit from 50-70% reductions in annual heating costs going forward. For a household spending $3,000-$4,000 annually on heating oil, the ongoing savings of $1,500-$2,800 per year represent life-changing financial relief on top of the grant-funded conversion.

OHPA and rural Ontario

The OHPA program is particularly relevant for rural Ontario homeowners who rely on oil heating because natural gas infrastructure does not reach their communities. Many homes in Eastern Ontario, Northern Ontario, and rural areas of Southern Ontario have been heating with oil for decades, facing volatile fuel prices and limited alternatives. The OHPA program directly addresses this by funding not just the heat pump equipment but also the electrical upgrades that rural homes often need (older homes may require panel upgrades to 200-amp service) and safe oil tank removal. For rural homeowners concerned about heat pump performance in extreme cold, the program covers cold climate air source heat pumps rated to minus 25 to minus 35 degrees Celsius, and the backup electric heating funded by the program provides security during the coldest nights. Contact IESO directly to verify your rural property's eligibility — some remote areas not connected to the integrated electricity grid are excluded, but most rural Ontario communities qualify.

Canada Greener Homes Programs: Status Update

Both major federal Greener Homes programs have closed to new applicants, but understanding their status helps homeowners with pending applications and clarifies the current incentive landscape.

Canada Greener Homes Grant: closed

The Greener Homes Grant, which offered up to $5,000 for energy efficiency retrofits plus $600 for energy evaluations, closed to new applications in February 2024 after exhausting its $700 million funding allocation across more than 500,000 applications. Final reimbursements for existing applicants were processed through December 31, 2025. If you applied before the deadline and completed your retrofits, all documentation should have been submitted by December 31, 2025. No further processing is occurring in 2026.

Canada Greener Homes Loan: closed

The Greener Homes Loan program, which provided interest-free financing up to $40,000 over 10 years, closed to new applications on October 1, 2025. Existing approved loans continue to be serviced — if you received a loan approval before the closure, your loan terms remain valid and repayment continues as agreed. The program required pre-retrofit and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations. No equivalent federal interest-free loan program has been announced to replace it, though Ontario's HRSP and Toronto's HELP program provide alternative financing paths.

What replaced the federal programs

At the provincial level, Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program provides more generous heat pump rebates than the Greener Homes Grant offered ($7,500 maximum vs. $5,000 maximum), with a significantly simpler application process that does not require an energy audit for the single upgrade stream. The OHPA program continues to provide the most generous federal funding for oil-heated homes. The net effect for Ontario homeowners in 2026 is that more rebate money is available through provincial programs than was available under the federal programs — but it is heavily concentrated on heat pump and electrification projects rather than the broad range of retrofits the Greener Homes Grant supported.

Impact on homeowner planning

The closure of federal programs does not mean fewer rebates are available — it means the available rebates are structured differently. Homeowners planning gas furnace replacements now have fewer incentive options than those planning heat pump installations. This policy signal is worth considering: if you are replacing HVAC equipment in the next 1-3 years, heat pump technology receives $2,000-$25,000 in government support while gas furnace replacement receives $500 with strings attached. Even if your short-term plan was a gas furnace replacement, the rebate structure may make a heat pump or dual-fuel hybrid system more cost-effective after factoring in government incentives. Run the numbers both ways before committing to equipment selection.

Low-Income and Affordability Programs

Ontario offers several programs specifically designed to help low-income households with energy costs and HVAC upgrades, including free equipment installation programs that eliminate upfront costs entirely.

Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

The OESP provides ongoing monthly credits on electricity bills for low-income households. A single-person household with after-tax income of $38,000 or less receives $45 monthly. A four-person household with income up to $71,000 receives $40 monthly. Enhanced credits of $52-$113 monthly are available for Indigenous customers, customers using electric heating, and customers using electricity-intensive medical devices. Credits are applied directly to your electricity bill for two years before reapplication is required (five years for seniors and CPP disability recipients). Ontario Works and ODSP recipients automatically qualify — contact your caseworker to apply. Other applicants can apply online at OESP.ca, by mail, or through intake agencies at no cost. OESP is particularly valuable for homeowners who have installed heat pumps, as it reduces the ongoing cost of electric heating.

Energy Affordability Program: free upgrades

The Energy Affordability Program, delivered by Save on Energy, provides completely free energy-saving upgrades to income-eligible Ontario homeowners, including free cold climate air source heat pump installation for qualifying households with oil or electric heating. Other free upgrades include LED lighting, energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers, smart thermostats, insulation, draft proofing, and high-efficiency showerheads. Income limits vary by household size — a single-person household must have income below $71,437, while a six-person household must be below $174,983. The free heat pump installation component is funded through the federal OHPA program and administered by IESO. To enroll, call 1-844-770-3148 or complete an online form.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

LEAP provides one-time emergency grants of up to $650 for electricity bills or up to $780 for electrically heated homes. This is emergency assistance for households facing disconnection or accumulating arrears, not a regular benefit. A four-person household with after-tax income of $65,000 or less qualifies. LEAP can be accessed through your local utility company or community agency. While not an HVAC rebate, LEAP can bridge gaps while waiting for heat pump rebate processing or during the transition period between heating systems.

Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER)

The OER provides all eligible residential electricity customers with a 23.5% reduction on their electricity bills, applied automatically without application. This is not income-tested — every residential customer receives the credit. The OER effectively reduces the cost of running any electric HVAC equipment (heat pump, AC, electric water heater) by 23.5%, accelerating the payback period on efficiency upgrades and making heat pump operating costs more competitive with natural gas. For a household spending $200 per month on electricity, the OER saves $47 monthly or $564 annually.

Toronto Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)

Toronto homeowners have access to HELP, a municipal loan program that provides up to $125,000 in financing for energy-efficient home improvements with repayment tied to property tax bills over up to 15-20 years.

How HELP works

HELP loans finance the costs not covered by rebates — after claiming all applicable HRSP, OHPA, and utility rebates, the remaining balance can be covered by a HELP loan at competitive interest rates. Monthly payments for a $10,000 loan range from $45 over 20 years to $181 over 5 years. The loan appears on your property tax bill, making payments automatic and simplifying budgeting. Projects including solar, windows, geothermal, or heat pumps qualify for extended 20-year terms. HELP loans can be combined with all federal, provincial, and utility rebates — stacking a $7,500 heat pump rebate with a HELP loan covering the remaining $7,000-$12,000 of a $15,000-$20,000 ground source heat pump project is explicitly permitted.

Eligibility and application

You must own a detached, semi-detached, row house, duplex, triplex, or low-rise residential building (maximum 3 storeys, 6 units) in Toronto (postal code starting with M). All property owners on title must consent to participation. The property must not have more than three instances of property tax or utility payments being 60 days past due in the previous three years. If the property has a mortgage, written consent from the mortgage lender is required. Application is completed through an online form on the City of Toronto website, and upon approval, the City provides a funding offer stating the maximum loan amount your property qualifies for.

HELP vs contractor financing

For Toronto homeowners, HELP often provides better terms than contractor financing for large HVAC projects. Contractor financing typically charges 5.9-9.9% interest after a promotional 0% period, with 5-10 year terms. HELP offers competitive rates over 15-20 years, resulting in lower monthly payments and manageable budget impact. The property-tax-bill payment mechanism is automatic, eliminating missed-payment risk. The trade-off is a longer application process (mortgage lender consent, City approval) compared to contractor financing's rapid approval. For a $15,000 heat pump project after rebates, HELP's 20-year term produces monthly payments around $68-$85 versus $180-$250 for a typical 7-year contractor financing plan. If your HVAC upgrade can wait 4-6 weeks for HELP approval, the payment savings are substantial.

How to Stack Multiple Rebates for Maximum Savings

Strategic layering of multiple programs can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs for HVAC upgrades. Here are practical stacking scenarios for different homeowner situations.

Gas-heated home installing a heat pump

Start with the HRSP single upgrade stream: claim $500/ton up to $2,000 for a cold climate air source heat pump (no audit required). Add a smart thermostat through the single upgrade stream ($100). If doing additional work (insulation, windows), use the bundled assessment stream for those items to access the $600 audit rebate and $500 three-upgrade bonus. For Toronto homeowners, finance remaining costs through HELP at extended terms. Layer OESP monthly credits if income-eligible. Example: 3-ton heat pump ($15,000 installed) with smart thermostat ($400 installed) and attic insulation ($3,000) — rebates of $1,500 (heat pump) + $100 (thermostat) + $1,250 (insulation) + $600 (audit) + $500 (3-upgrade bonus) = $3,950 in rebates, reducing net cost from $18,400 to $14,450.

Oil-heated home converting to heat pump

This scenario offers the largest rebates. Apply for the OHPA program through IESO — if income-eligible, receive up to $25,000 (federal $15,000 + provincial $10,000 + $250 bonus). For most oil-heated homes, this covers the entire heat pump conversion cost including oil tank removal and electrical upgrades. If OHPA covers the full conversion, no additional HRSP claim is needed. If OHPA does not fully cover costs, the remaining balance may be financed through Toronto HELP (if in Toronto) or contractor financing. Layer OESP for ongoing monthly electricity credits. A household spending $3,500 annually on heating oil could convert to heat pump heating at zero out-of-pocket cost through OHPA and reduce annual heating costs to $1,000-$1,500.

Electrically heated home

Electric resistance heating (baseboard heaters, electric furnace) qualifies for the most generous HRSP rebates. Claim $1,250/ton up to $7,500 for a cold climate air source heat pump through the single upgrade stream. A 3-ton system receives $3,750 in rebates. For geothermal, claim $2,000/ton up to $12,000. Add smart thermostat ($100), insulation, and other upgrades through the bundled stream. Finance remaining balance through HELP if in Toronto. Layer OESP credits if income-eligible. The heat pump reduces electricity consumption by 60-70% compared to electric resistance heating, meaning the OESP monthly credit (23.5% OER) applies to a smaller total bill — but the combined effect of reduced consumption plus bill credits produces dramatic total savings.

Stacking rules and restrictions

Key restrictions to understand: you cannot combine HRSP with previous HER+ rebates for the same equipment. Homes with existing heat pumps cannot claim heat pump rebates through HRSP — the program is for first-time heat pump installations only. OHPA is income-restricted and oil-heating-only. HRSP has no income restrictions for standard rebate streams. Toronto HELP is Toronto-only (postal code M). OESP is income-restricted. The OER is universal for all residential customers. When in doubt, contact each program administrator directly to confirm current stacking rules before committing to a project — rules change periodically and program agents can provide definitive guidance for your specific situation.

How to Apply for Ontario HVAC Rebates

Each program has its own application process. Here is a step-by-step guide for the major programs.

HRSP single upgrade stream

Select a program-qualified contractor. Have the heat pump, insulation, or smart thermostat installed. Gather your invoice, proof of purchase, and equipment model numbers. Submit your application through the Save on Energy website (for electrically heated homes) or Enbridge Gas website (for gas-heated homes). Include photos of installed equipment as required. Receive rebate payment within 30-60 days of application approval. No energy audit is required for this stream.

HRSP bundled assessment stream

Book an initial home energy assessment through the Save on Energy website. An energy advisor visits your home and provides a report recommending upgrades (cost rebated at $600). Select a program-qualified contractor and complete at least two recommended upgrades. Schedule a follow-up assessment with the same energy advisor to verify work completion. Submit application with all required documentation. Receive rebate payment within 60+ days of follow-up assessment completion. This stream takes longer but provides access to a wider range of rebates and bonus payments.

OHPA application process

Apply directly through the IESO Energy Affordability Program portal — you must apply yourself, contractors cannot apply on your behalf. Provide income verification through tax returns and attestation forms. Receive pre-approval and the $250 bonus payment. Select a contractor and complete the heat pump installation and oil tank removal. Submit completion documentation for remaining funding. The process is designed to provide upfront payment in most cases, reducing financial barriers for low-income households.

Tips for successful applications

Keep all original invoices, receipts, and contractor documentation — programs typically require itemized invoices showing equipment model numbers, contractor licence information, installation date, and total costs broken down by equipment and labour. Photograph installed equipment (model plates, outdoor units, indoor components) before and after installation. Verify equipment model numbers against the NRCan qualified products list before purchasing — installing a non-qualifying model means no rebate regardless of efficiency claims. File applications promptly after installation — most programs have submission deadlines (e.g., 60 days for HRSP appliance rebates). Apply for multiple programs simultaneously when stacking — do not wait for one rebate before applying for another, as processing times overlap and program funding can be exhausted. If your application is denied, request a specific reason in writing and verify whether resubmission with corrected documentation is accepted. Many initial rejections are due to paperwork errors (wrong model number format, missing contractor details) rather than actual ineligibility, and can be resolved with a corrected resubmission.

Program Deadlines, Changes, and What is Coming

The rebate landscape changes frequently. Here is the current status as of May 2026 and what to watch for.

Programs that have closed

Canada Greener Homes Grant: closed February 2024, final processing completed December 2025. Canada Greener Homes Loan: closed October 1, 2025, existing loans continue servicing. Home Efficiency Rebate (HER+): closed January 27, 2025. These programs are not accepting new applications and will not reopen.

Active programs and anticipated changes

The Home Renovation Savings Program has no stated expiration date and is expected to continue through 2026 and beyond. However, rebate amounts and program terms are subject to change — the furnace rebate was already reduced from $750 to $500 in a recent update. Heat pump rebate amounts could increase or decrease depending on government policy decisions and program funding levels. The OHPA program continues to expand through IESO co-delivery. The OER rate of 23.5% is subject to periodic adjustment. Toronto HELP rates and terms are updated periodically — current terms are valid through at least June 30, 2026. Appliance rebates through HRSP were expanded in 2025 and may continue expanding to cover additional product categories.

Strategic timing advice

Do not wait to apply. Program funding can be exhausted without warning — the Greener Homes Grant closed suddenly when its $700 million allocation ran out. Rebate amounts trend downward over time as programs mature (the furnace rebate reduction from $750 to $500 is the pattern). If you are planning an HVAC upgrade, research and apply for rebates now rather than assuming current programs and amounts will be available next year. The spring-to-fall window is ideal because it aligns with optimal HVAC installation timing (best pricing from contractors) and gives you the full cooling and heating season to verify system performance before the following winter.

Monitoring for new programs

New municipal and utility programs launch periodically throughout Ontario. Some local distribution companies (LDCs) offer conservation incentives separate from provincial programs. Your local hydro utility may offer additional rebates for smart thermostats, air quality equipment, or efficiency upgrades that are not widely advertised. Check your utility company's website quarterly for new programs. Sign up for email alerts from Save on Energy, Enbridge Gas, and your local LDC. Your HVAC contractor should also be aware of current programs — ask specifically about rebates during the quoting process. A well-connected contractor often identifies incentives that homeowners searching independently would miss.

Frequently Asked Questions