Energy Efficiency Rebates in Ontario 2026: Save on Your Renovation

# Energy Efficiency Rebates in Ontario 2026: Save on Your Renovation

If you are planning a renovation in Toronto or anywhere in Ontario, energy efficiency upgrades should be part of the conversation. Not only do they reduce your utility bills and improve comfort, but a significant number of federal, provincial, and utility-sponsored rebate programs can offset the upfront cost by thousands of dollars. In many cases, homeowners can stack multiple programs to dramatically reduce the net cost of insulation, heat pumps, windows, and other efficiency improvements.

This guide covers every major rebate program available to Ontario homeowners in 2026, explains how to qualify, and provides practical advice on maximizing your savings.

## Canada Greener Homes Grant

The federal Canada Greener Homes program continues to be one of the most significant rebate opportunities for homeowners across the country. Administered through Natural Resources Canada, this program offers grants of up to $5,000 for eligible home energy retrofits.

### How It Works

1. **Register** with the program online through the Natural Resources Canada portal

2. **Book a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation** with a registered energy advisor

3. **Complete eligible upgrades** using qualified contractors

4. **Book a post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation** to measure improvement

5. **Submit your claim** with receipts and evaluation reports

6. **Receive your grant** via direct deposit (processing times vary from 8 to 16 weeks)

### Eligible Upgrades and Rebate Amounts

| Upgrade | Maximum Rebate |

|---------|---------------|

| Attic insulation | Up to $1,600 |

| Exterior wall insulation | Up to $5,000 |

| Basement insulation | Up to $5,000 |

| Air sealing | Up to $1,000 |

| Windows | Up to $250 per window (varies) |

| Doors | Up to $125 per door (varies) |

| Air source heat pump | Up to $5,000 |

| Ground source heat pump | Up to $5,000 |

| Drain water heat recovery | Up to $1,000 |

| Smart thermostat | Up to $50 |

| Solar panels (photovoltaic) | Up to $1,000 |

The maximum total grant per household is $5,000 (excluding the $600 reimbursement available for the EnerGuide evaluations). The program also offers an additional $600 toward the cost of your two required EnerGuide evaluations ($300 each for pre- and post-retrofit).

### Important Notes

- The pre-retrofit evaluation must be completed before you begin any work

- All upgrades must meet or exceed the program's minimum performance thresholds

- Contractor invoices must clearly describe the work performed, materials used, and their specifications

- The program is first-come, first-served and funding allocations can change

## Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Program

For homeowners in the GTA who heat with natural gas, the Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate program offers additional rebates of up to $5,000 for qualifying energy efficiency improvements. This program is funded through the Ontario Energy Board's conservation budget and administered by Enbridge Gas.

### Eligible Upgrades

- **Attic insulation** — Up to $1,600 (must achieve minimum R-value improvement)

- **Basement wall insulation** — Up to $5,000

- **Air sealing** — Up to $550

- **Windows** — Custom rebate based on Energy Star rating and number replaced

- **Smart thermostats** — Up to $75 for qualifying models

### Requirements

- You must be an Enbridge Gas customer with an active residential account

- A pre-retrofit and post-retrofit home energy assessment by a registered energy advisor is required

- Upgrades must be completed by qualified contractors

- The home must be your primary residence

### Stacking With Federal Programs

The Enbridge program is explicitly designed to stack with the Canada Greener Homes Grant. This means a homeowner who insulates their attic could potentially receive up to $1,600 from the federal program and up to $1,600 from Enbridge for the same project — a combined rebate of $3,200 on a single upgrade.

## Toronto Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)

The City of Toronto offers the Home Energy Loan Program, which provides low-interest financing for energy efficiency improvements through a local improvement charge on your property tax. This is not a rebate in the traditional sense but rather a financing mechanism that makes large efficiency upgrades more accessible.

### How HELP Works

- **Loan amounts** range from $10,000 to $75,000

- **Repayment** is added to your property tax bill over a term of 5 to 20 years

- **Interest rate** is competitive and fixed for the term

- **Transferable** — if you sell the home, the remaining balance transfers to the new owner via the property tax

- The loan is tied to the property, not to the individual homeowner

### Eligible Projects

- Insulation (attic, wall, basement, crawlspace)

- Windows and doors

- Heat pumps (air source and ground source)

- High-efficiency furnaces and boilers

- Solar photovoltaic systems

- Green roofs

- Water efficiency improvements

- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure

### Advantages

The HELP program allows homeowners to undertake significant efficiency upgrades without a large upfront payment. Because the loan is repaid through property taxes, it does not affect your personal borrowing capacity in the same way a traditional loan does. For homeowners planning to stay in their home long-term, the energy savings often exceed the annual loan payment, resulting in net-positive cash flow from day one.

## What Qualifies: Detailed Upgrade Guide

### Insulation Upgrades

Insulation is consistently the highest-return energy efficiency investment for Toronto homes. Many homes in the GTA, particularly those built before 1980, are significantly under-insulated by current standards.

**Attic Insulation**

- Current code minimum: R-60 (approximately 16 inches of blown cellulose)

- Many older Toronto homes have R-12 to R-20 in the attic

- Typical cost: $2,000 to $5,000 for a standard home

- Combined rebates: Up to $3,200 (federal + Enbridge)

- Payback period: 3 to 5 years through reduced heating costs

**Basement Wall Insulation**

- Uninsulated basement walls account for up to 20 percent of a home's heat loss

- Spray foam insulation (2 inches closed-cell) is the most effective option for basement walls

- Typical cost: $5,000 to $12,000

- Combined rebates: Up to $5,000

**Exterior Wall Insulation**

- Most effective when done in conjunction with re-siding or re-cladding

- Blown-in dense-pack cellulose or adding rigid foam board under new siding

- Typical cost: $8,000 to $25,000 depending on home size

- Combined rebates: Up to $5,000

### Windows and Doors

Replacing single-pane or original double-pane windows with modern Energy Star-rated triple-pane units significantly reduces heat loss and improves comfort. In Toronto, where winter temperatures regularly drop below minus 15 degrees Celsius, high-performance windows make a noticeable difference.

- **Triple-pane windows** with low-E coatings and argon or krypton gas fill are recommended for the Ontario climate

- Typical cost: $800 to $1,500 per window installed

- Rebates vary based on the number and size of windows replaced

- Energy Star certification is required for rebate eligibility

### Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are one of the most significant efficiency upgrades available. They provide both heating and cooling using a fraction of the energy consumed by conventional furnaces and air conditioners.

**Air Source Heat Pumps**

- Modern cold-climate air source heat pumps operate efficiently down to minus 25 degrees Celsius, making them viable for Toronto's winters

- Can reduce heating costs by 40 to 60 percent compared to natural gas furnaces

- Typical cost: $10,000 to $18,000 installed

- Federal rebate: Up to $5,000

- Often paired with an existing gas furnace as a hybrid system for the coldest days

**Ground Source (Geothermal) Heat Pumps**

- The most efficient heating and cooling system available

- Use the stable underground temperature (approximately 10 degrees Celsius year-round in Southern Ontario) as a heat source

- Typical cost: $25,000 to $45,000 including ground loop installation

- Federal rebate: Up to $5,000

- Higher upfront cost but lowest operating cost over the system's 25+ year lifespan

### Smart Thermostats

A relatively small investment that qualifies for modest rebates and delivers immediate energy savings.

- Models like the Ecobee (a Canadian company based in Toronto) and Google Nest qualify

- Typical cost: $200 to $350

- Rebate: Up to $75 (Enbridge) plus $50 (federal)

- Estimated annual savings: $100 to $200 depending on usage patterns

### Drain Water Heat Recovery

A drain water heat recovery (DWHR) system captures heat from hot water going down the drain and uses it to preheat incoming cold water. These units are simple, have no moving parts, and can reduce water heating costs by 20 to 40 percent.

- Typical cost: $800 to $1,500 installed

- Federal rebate: Up to $1,000

- Best suited for homes where showers are used frequently (families with multiple members)

### Solar Panels

Ontario's net metering program allows homeowners with solar photovoltaic systems to feed excess electricity back to the grid and receive credits on their electricity bill.

- Typical cost for a 5 to 10 kW residential system: $15,000 to $30,000

- Federal rebate: Up to $1,000 (modest relative to system cost)

- Net metering credits offset electricity costs year-round

- Ontario's relatively generous net metering framework makes residential solar financially viable, though payback periods are longer than insulation or heat pump investments (typically 10 to 15 years)

## The EnerGuide Home Evaluation Process

Most rebate programs require an EnerGuide home energy evaluation before and after your upgrades. Understanding this process is essential for accessing your rebates.

### Pre-Retrofit Evaluation

A registered energy advisor visits your home and conducts a thorough assessment:

- **Blower door test** — Measures air leakage by depressurizing the home and measuring air flow

- **Thermal imaging** — Identifies areas of heat loss in walls, attic, and around windows

- **Insulation assessment** — Measures existing insulation levels in accessible areas

- **Mechanical system review** — Documents your current furnace, air conditioner, water heater, and ventilation system

- **Window and door inventory** — Records the type, size, and condition of all windows and doors

- **EnerGuide rating** — Your home receives a score on a 0 to 100 scale

The evaluation takes approximately two to three hours and costs $300 to $600. This cost is eligible for reimbursement through the Canada Greener Homes Grant (up to $300 per evaluation).

### Post-Retrofit Evaluation

After your upgrades are complete, the energy advisor returns to verify the improvements:

- Another blower door test to measure the improvement in air leakage

- Verification that upgrades meet the minimum performance thresholds for rebate programs

- Updated EnerGuide rating showing the improvement

The difference between your pre- and post-retrofit scores determines your rebate amounts for some programs.

## How to Stack Rebates for Maximum Savings

The most financially savvy approach is to combine multiple programs for the same upgrade. Here is an example of how stacking works for a common project:

### Example: Attic Insulation + Air Source Heat Pump

| Item | Cost | Federal Rebate | Enbridge Rebate | Net Cost |

|------|------|---------------|-----------------|----------|

| Attic insulation (R-60) | $4,000 | $1,600 | $1,600 | $800 |

| Air source heat pump | $14,000 | $5,000 | — | $9,000 |

| EnerGuide evaluations (x2) | $600 | $600 | — | $0 |

| **Total** | **$18,600** | **$7,200** | **$1,600** | **$9,800** |

In this scenario, the homeowner saves $8,800 in rebates — nearly 50 percent of the total project cost. The remaining $9,800 is further offset by reduced energy bills of $1,500 to $2,500 per year, resulting in a payback period of four to seven years.

### Tips for Maximizing Stacked Rebates

- Register for all applicable programs before starting work

- Complete your pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation first (this is mandatory)

- Keep detailed receipts and contractor invoices with specifications clearly noted

- Confirm that your contractor is aware of the technical requirements for rebate eligibility

- Submit claims to each program separately — each has its own application process

- Be patient with processing times, which can range from 8 to 16 weeks per program

## Timeline for Applications and Reimbursement

| Step | Typical Timeline |

|------|-----------------|

| Program registration | 1 to 2 weeks |

| Pre-retrofit evaluation booking | 2 to 6 weeks (high demand periods) |

| Pre-retrofit evaluation | 1 day |

| Complete upgrades | Varies by project |

| Post-retrofit evaluation booking | 2 to 4 weeks |

| Post-retrofit evaluation | 1 day |

| Submit rebate claims | 1 to 2 weeks (gathering documents) |

| Federal grant processing | 8 to 16 weeks |

| Enbridge rebate processing | 6 to 12 weeks |

Plan for a total timeline of four to eight months from registration to receiving your rebate funds. This does not affect when you can complete the work — it simply means you should not depend on rebate funds to pay for the upgrades upfront.

## Eligible vs. Ineligible Upgrades

Understanding what does not qualify helps avoid disappointment.

**Typically Ineligible:**

- Cosmetic renovations (new countertops, flooring, paint)

- Standard appliance replacements (unless switching to heat pump technology)

- Landscaping and grading

- Structural repairs (foundation, roof framing)

- Additions or extensions (new heated space is not an efficiency improvement)

- Work completed before program registration or before the pre-retrofit evaluation

- DIY installations (most programs require work by licensed professionals)

**Eligible:**

- Any upgrade that measurably reduces energy consumption as verified by the EnerGuide evaluation

- Work must meet minimum performance thresholds specified by each program

- Materials and equipment must meet or exceed specified efficiency ratings

## Finding Certified Contractors and Energy Advisors

### Energy Advisors

- Search the Natural Resources Canada database for registered energy advisors in the GTA

- Look for advisors certified under the EnerGuide Rating System

- Book early — demand for evaluations peaks in spring and fall

### Contractors

- For insulation: Look for contractors certified by insulation manufacturers (e.g., Icynene, Owens Corning)

- For heat pumps: Choose contractors who hold HRAI (Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada) certification

- For windows: Select installers experienced with Energy Star products and familiar with rebate documentation requirements

- Always verify WSIB coverage and liability insurance

## Toronto's Climate: Why Efficiency Matters Here

Toronto sits in a heating-dominant climate zone with over 4,000 heating degree days annually. This means that for most of the year, your home is actively losing heat to the outdoors. Energy efficiency improvements deliver their strongest returns in climates like ours where heating is the dominant energy expense.

Consider these local factors:

- **Long heating season** — October through April requires active heating in most Toronto homes

- **Extreme cold snaps** — Temperatures below minus 20 degrees Celsius occur multiple times each winter, putting maximum stress on poorly insulated homes

- **Rising energy costs** — Natural gas and electricity rates in Ontario have increased steadily. Reducing consumption insulates you (literally and financially) from future rate increases.

- **Summer cooling** — Toronto's increasingly hot and humid summers (regularly above 30 degrees Celsius with humidex above 40) mean that insulation and heat pumps also reduce cooling costs

- **Older housing stock** — A significant portion of Toronto's housing was built between 1920 and 1970, before modern energy codes existed. These homes offer the largest improvement potential.

## ROI Calculations for Common Upgrades

| Upgrade | Typical Cost | Annual Savings | Simple Payback (Before Rebates) | Simple Payback (After Rebates) |

|---------|-------------|----------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------|

| Attic insulation (R-60) | $4,000 | $400 - $800 | 5 - 10 years | 1 - 3 years |

| Basement insulation | $8,000 | $500 - $900 | 9 - 16 years | 5 - 10 years |

| Air source heat pump | $14,000 | $1,200 - $2,000 | 7 - 12 years | 5 - 8 years |

| Triple-pane windows (10) | $12,000 | $300 - $600 | 20 - 40 years | 15 - 30 years |

| Smart thermostat | $250 | $100 - $200 | 1 - 3 years | Less than 1 year |

| Drain water heat recovery | $1,200 | $150 - $300 | 4 - 8 years | 1 - 3 years |

These figures demonstrate why insulation and heat pumps are considered the highest-priority upgrades. Windows, while important for comfort and aesthetics, have a longer financial payback and are better justified by comfort, noise reduction, and resale value rather than energy savings alone.

## Getting Started

Taking advantage of Ontario's energy efficiency rebate programs requires some upfront planning, but the financial and comfort benefits are substantial. Here is a practical starting sequence:

1. **Register** for the Canada Greener Homes Grant and any applicable utility programs

2. **Book your pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation** as soon as possible (wait times can be significant)

3. **Review the evaluation report** with your energy advisor to identify the highest-impact upgrades for your specific home

4. **Get quotes** from qualified contractors for the recommended upgrades

5. **Confirm rebate eligibility** for your planned upgrades before signing contracts

6. **Complete the work** and keep all receipts, invoices, and specification sheets

7. **Book your post-retrofit evaluation** promptly after work is complete

8. **Submit all rebate claims** with complete documentation

The combination of federal grants, utility rebates, and municipal financing programs makes 2026 an excellent year for Toronto homeowners to invest in energy efficiency. The improvements reduce your monthly costs, increase your home's comfort and value, and contribute to Ontario's emissions reduction goals. With proper planning, the rebates available can cover 30 to 50 percent of your upgrade costs, making this an opportunity well worth pursuing.