Big savings on Energy Efficient Heat Pump upgrades with the new Ontario Heat Pump Rebates Program!

The Ontario government, in collaboration with Enbridge Gas and Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), have introduced a new program to help homeowners save big on energy efficient heat pump upgrades through the Home Renovation Savings Program (HRS). Starting January 28, 2025, Ontario heat pump rebates can save you up to $7,500 when upgrading to a cold climate air source heat pump or up to $12,000 when upgrading to a ground source heat pump.

How much can I save with HRS rebates on a new heat pump?

There’s a few factors that need to be considered when determining your Ontario heat pump rebates savings with the HRS program:

1. The type of heat pump that’s installed – ground source or air source.
2. Whether your home is currently heated by Enbridge Gas or electrically from the Ontario power grid.
3. The size of the equipment – determined by NRCan’s heat pump sizing tool.

Heat Pump Rebates for Homes Heated by Enbridge Gas

If your home is currently heated by a furnace or boiler with natural gas from Enbridge Gas:

• When installing a cold climate air source heat pump, you’re qualified for a rebate of $500/ton, up to a maximum of $2,000.
• When installing a ground source heat pump, the rebate amount is a flat $3,000.

Heat Pump Rebates for Electrically Heated Homes

If your home is heated electrically through the Ontario power grid:

• When installing a cold climate air source heat pump, you’re qualified for a rebate of $1,250/ton up to a maximum of $7,500.
• When installing a ground source heat pump, you’re qualified for a rebate of $2,000/ton up to a maximum of $12,000.

What is the Eligibility Criteria for the HRS Program?

1. The HRS program applies only to Ontario homes which are either on the Ontario electric grid (this excludes Cornwall electric customers) or are heated by natural gas supplied by Enbridge Gas. Home’s using public utilities like those in Kitchener and Kingston are also excluded from the program.
2. Only homes heated by natural gas or electricity are eligible for the HRS program. Currently, homes heated by propane or oil are excluded from the program, but there are talks of an expansion plan coming soon that will include a rebate program for homes heated by propane and oil as well.
3. The program applies only to existing homes with at least 6 months of occupancy. New build homes are excluded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to the HRS Ontario Heat Pump Rebates Program?

This HRS program is open to all Ontario homeowners who have not previously received or expect to receive a rebate from past programs by Enbridge Gas or the IESO’s Save on Energy. Tenants who rent cannot apply for the rebate directly, but the homeowner can apply themselves for their tenant-occupied property. The homeowner must be the one to pay for the heat pump installation and sign the HRS participation agreement.

Are all types of homes eligible for the rebate program?

Not all types of homes are eligible. This program is only for single detached, semi-detached, townhome, row house, or mobile homes on a permanent foundation. New build homes are also not permitted, as homes must have prior occupancy for at least 6 months to be eligible for this program.

Can I combine this rebate with the HER or HER+ rebate program I applied to previously?

No, rebate stacking is not allowed with this program.

Can I replace my home’s existing heat pump with the HRS program?

No, homes with existing heat pumps are not eligible for the HRS Ontario heat pump rebates program. This program is for homeowners primarily heating their homes by natural gas (boiler or furnace) or electricity (electric furnaces or baseboard heaters).

Can any brand of heat pump be installed?

No, not all brands and models of heat pump are permitted. The heat pump must be a cold climate rated heat pump listed on the Natural Resource Canada’s (NRCan) eligible products list. The heat pump must be capable of heating the entire conditioned area of the home. The heat pump can be a central unit that uses your ductwork, or a multi-head ductless unit for homes without air ducts.

NRCan eligible products list for cold climate air source heat pumps

NRCan eligible products list for ground source heat pumps

Can the new heat pump be installed by any contractor/technician?

No, only HVAC contractors that are approved for the HRS rebate program are eligible to install heat pumps under the program. Contractors must complete necessary manufacturer heat pump training and apply for the HRS program to be considered. This is done to ensure all heat pump installations are completed up to standard and to protect Ontario customers from less than competent or poorly-trained technicians. DeMark Home Ontario is partnered with the HRS program to install high efficiency heat pumps for the 2025 Ontario heat pump rebates program.

Do I need to pay for the heat pump upfront or are financing and rental options available?

At the moment, upfront payments and financing options are acceptable payment options under the HRS Ontario heat pump rebates program. Rental, leasing, and rent-to-own options may be included in the program in the future.

Can I install a new heat pump and use it with my gas furnace?

Yes, this is known as a hybrid system. The heat pump acts as the primary heat source to efficiently heat the home, and in cases of extremely cold weather, the furnace becomes a secondary heat source to work alongside your heat pump to bring your home to a comfortable temperature. If you are replacing your furnace and adding a heat pump simultanously, both units must be qualified to work together and must both be listed on the NRCan website.

I want a new heat pump under the HRS rebate program, how do I get started?

First, contact DeMark Home Ontario and get connected with one of our HVAC specialists. We will ask you about your current heating and cooling system and decide the ideal heat pump for your home using NRCan’s heat pump sizing tool. After receiving some photos of your current HVAC system, we can submit the photos and the price quote for approval along with your signed HRS Participation Agreement. Once approval from HRS is received, we can proceed with the heat pump installation. After the installation you will receive a cheque for the rebate amount directly from the program administrators.

How long is the wait time for approval?

According to the program administrators, the expected wait time for approval is 2-3 business days.

Are there any additional steps after the installation is complete?

Once the installation is complete, your contractor needs to submit photos of the new system and thermostat, and a copy of the paid invoice to the program administrators for final approval before the rebate cheque can be issued to the customer.

How long should I expect to wait before receiving the rebate cheque in the mail?

The rebate cheque should arrive in your mailbox within several weeks of the necessary documentation being submitted to the program administrator by your contractor.

Want to take advantage of the 2025 HRS Ontario heat pump rebates program? Look no further! Elevating your home comfort has never been easier. Get a new high-efficiency heat pump installed with DeMark Home Ontario and save big! If you’re interested in learning more about the HRS heat pump rebates or want to upgrade to a new HVAC system in your home, don’t hesitate to contact our team of trained HVAC experts today!. Our HVAC specialists can walk you through the entire heat pump rebates process from start to finish! We have great purchase and financing options available and a selection of the top heat pump brands and models on the market.

Give us a call at 1 (855) 998-2998 or fill out our online request form and we will be happy to assist you with your request.