Who qualifies for Ontario’s $7500 heat pump rebate?

Did you know you can get up to $7,500 back for installing an energy-efficient heat pump?

If you live in Ontario and want to upgrade to a more efficient heating and cooling system, the province is offering a rebate of up to $7,500 for installing a cold-climate heat pump.

This rebate is part of the Home Renovation Savings Program, launched in 2025 by Save on Energy in partnership with the Ontario government. It’s designed to help homeowners cut their energy bills, reduce emissions, and make their homes more comfortable year-round.

In this guide, we’ll explain how the heat pump rebate in Ontario works, who qualifies, and how to apply. We’ll also cover other available incentives at the end to help you stack your savings.

What is the Home Energy Savings Program?

The Home Renovation Savings Program is the most widely available heat pump rebate in Ontario. It covers a range of efficiency upgrades, but one of the largest single rebates is for the installation of an eligible heat pump, including up to $7,500 for a cold-climate air source heat pump.

What’s included

• $7,500 rebate for a cold-climate air source heat pump
• Up to $12,000 for a ground-source (geothermal) heat pump
• $600 toward a home energy audit
• $500 bonus for installing a heat pump water heater
• Additional rebates for insulation and window upgrades

These upgrades are designed to work together. Many homeowners combine them to boost comfort, reduce overall energy use, and maximize their rebate.

Who’s eligible for Ontario’s heat pump rebates?

Basic requirements

• You own and live in the home (it must be your primary residence)
• The home must be at least 6 months old
• Eligible home types include detached, semi-detached, row housing, and some mobile homes
• Your home must be currently heated by electricity, oil, propane, or wood
  • Homes using natural gas still qualify, but receive a smaller rebate

Project requirements

• The heat pump must be the first one installed in the home
• You must use a program-verified contractor listed by Save on Energy
• The equipment must be eligible according to Natural Resources Canada:
  • Eligible Air Source Heat Pumps and Cold Climate Heat Pumps
  • Eligible Ground Source Heat Pumps
• A pre-retrofit energy audit is required before any work begins
• A post-retrofit audit may also be needed to confirm installation

Not eligible if

• You are replacing an existing heat pump with another
• The system is installed before you receive pre-approval
• You live in a new build or plan to install it yourself

Additional support

• Low- to mid-income households may qualify for free upgrades under the Energy Affordability Program.
• Oil-heated homes may receive up to $10,000–$15,000 through federal programs, if income-qualified.

How to apply for the $7,500 heat pump rebate in Ontario

1. Book a home energy audit with a licensed advisor (required before you start any work)
2. Choose a qualified contractor from Save on Energy’s approved list
3. Select a heat pump model that meets the program’s cold-climate standards
4. Apply for pre-approval through the Home Renovation Savings Program by filling out the Heat Pump Interest Form
5. Install the system and any additional upgrades (e.g. insulation or windows)
6. Submit the post-installation form (completed by your contractor) and include all required documents and receipts

This process ensures your heat pump rebate in Ontario is locked in before installation begins.

How long does it take to receive the heat pump rebate?

Once your installation is complete and you’ve submitted all the required paperwork, you can expect to receive your rebate in about 60 days. Your cheque will arrive by mail.

A few things can affect the timeline:

• Pre-approval must be in place before you begin work. Starting early helps keep things moving.
• All receipts and documents must be submitted correctly. Incomplete or missing files can delay processing.
• Post-retrofit audits, if required, must be completed and reviewed before the rebate is finalized.

If you’re working with a qualified contractor and certified energy advisor, they’ll often help manage the paperwork and make sure everything is submitted properly. This can significantly reduce wait times.

Keeping your files organized and responding quickly to any additional requests can help you get your heat pump rebate sooner.

Other rebates and incentives for heat pumps in Ontario

In addition to the Home Renovation Savings Program, several other incentives can help you save even more, especially if you heat with oil or have a lower income.

1. Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program (Federal)

• Up to $10,000 for switching from oil to a cold-climate heat pump
• One-time $250 bonus for removing oil equipment
• May stack with provincial programs for a total of up to $15,000
• For low- to middle-income households using oil heat

2. Canada Greener Homes Loan (Federal)

• $5,000–$40,000 interest-free loan for energy-efficient upgrades
• Must complete a pre-retrofit audit to qualify
• Repayable over 10 years

3. Energy Affordability Program (Ontario)

• Free heat pump installation and other upgrades for low-income households
• Applies to homes primarily heated by electricity

4. Local add-ons in specific cities (e.g. Ottawa)

• Additional heat pump rebates through city-led programs
• Up to $300/ton for ducted systems
• Up to $500/ton for geothermal systems
• Must apply through your municipality (e.g., Ottawa’s Better Homes Loan Program)

How Jotson helps you track results

After your new heat pump is installed, it’s important to understand how much it’s actually saving you. Jotson helps by giving you the tools to:

• Track your energy usage, month-over-month and year-over-year
• Compare your energy bills before and after your upgrade
• Measure your return on investment
• Plan future energy improvements

Many homeowners qualify for Ontario’s heat pump rebate, but not everyone makes the most of it. Jotson helps you confirm that your investment is paying off.