How to Qualify for Home Heating Rebates in Ontario: Complete 2025 Guide for Hamilton Homeowners
- Heat and Cool Hamilton
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Ontario homeowners have access to thousands of dollars in rebates for home heating upgrades in 2025, but navigating the eligibility requirements can feel overwhelming. The good news? If you own your home and heat with natural gas, electricity, propane, oil, or wood, you likely qualify for significant savings.
The Home Renovation Savings (HRS) program, launched January 28, 2025, offers rebates up to $7,500 for heat pumps, $3,600 for insulation, and $600 for energy assessments. Combined with other provincial programs, Hamilton homeowners can access up to $10,000 in total rebates.
This comprehensive guide walks you through exactly how to qualify, what upgrades are eligible, and the step-by-step application process to maximize your savings.
Quick Eligibility Checklist
✓ Own your home (primary residence or rental property you own)✓ Home has been occupied for 6+ months (new construction excluded)✓ Located in Ontario on the Ontario electric grid OR Enbridge Gas customer✓ Heat with eligible fuel: Natural gas, electricity, propane, oil, or wood✓ Haven't received rebates from previous Enbridge or IESO programs✓ Eligible housing type: Single/semi-detached, row/townhomes, mobile homes on permanent foundation
Understanding Ontario's Home Heating Rebate Programs in 2025
1. Home Renovation Savings (HRS) Program
Launched January 28, 2025, this is Ontario's primary rebate program for home energy upgrades. The HRS offers two streams:
Without Assessment Stream (Simple Upgrades):
No energy assessment required
Instant rebates for qualifying appliances
Heat pump water heaters: $500
Quick application process
With Assessment Stream (Major Upgrades):
Requires initial and follow-up home energy assessments
Complete at least 2 eligible upgrades to qualify
Larger rebate amounts for bundled projects
$600 rebate for energy assessments
2. Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+)
Important Update: The HER+ program is winding down with a December 1, 2025 deadline for all post-retrofit assessments. New applications are no longer being accepted, but if you started before February 5, 2024, you can still complete your project.
This program previously offered combined Enbridge Gas and Canada Greener Homes Grant funding totaling up to $10,000.
3. Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) Program
For homeowners switching from oil heating to heat pumps, this federal program offers up to $25,000 for low- to median-income households.
Detailed Eligibility Requirements
Home Eligibility
Your property must meet these criteria:
Qualifying Housing Types:
Single-detached homes
Semi-detached homes
Row housing and townhomes (excluding stacked townhomes)
Mobile homes on permanent foundations
Owner-occupied or rental properties you own
Excluded Housing Types:
Buildings under 6 months old (new construction)
Multi-unit buildings over 3 storeys
Buildings larger than 600 m²
Mixed-use buildings less than 50% residential
Cooperative housing
Stacked townhomes
Geographic Restrictions:
Must be on the Ontario electric grid OR Enbridge Gas customer
Excluded: Cornwall Electric customers (connected to Hydro-Québec grid) unless converting to/from Enbridge natural gas
Excluded: Municipal utilities in Kingston, Kitchener
Check if your Hamilton home qualifies by confirming your utility provider.
Heating System Eligibility
Qualifying Current Heating Systems:
Important Note: Homes currently heated by propane or oil may have limited eligibility in some streams, but expansion plans are in development. The Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program specifically targets these homes.
Homeowner Eligibility
Who Can Apply:
Property owners who live in the home as primary residence
Property owners with tenant-occupied homes (owner must apply)
Must not have received rebates from previous Enbridge Gas or IESO Save on Energy programs
Who Cannot Apply:
Tenants (must have landlord apply on their behalf)
Homeowners who previously received HER+ or similar rebates
Properties under 6 months occupancy
Eligible Upgrades and Rebate Amounts
Heat Pump Rebates
Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP):
Up to $7,500 ($500 per ton of capacity)
Must be cold-climate rated for Ontario winters
Eligible for both heating-only and ductless mini-split systems
Ground-Source Heat Pumps:
Up to $12,000 for complete system installation
Higher efficiency than air-source systems
Ideal for larger homes with adequate property
Heat Pump Water Heaters:
$500 rebate
No energy assessment required
Significant long-term energy savings
Learn more about heat pump options for Canadian homes and whether they're right for your property.
Insulation and Air Sealing Rebates
Complete these upgrades to improve home energy efficiency:
Attic insulation: Up to $1,500
Exterior wall insulation: Up to $3,600
Foundation insulation: Up to $2,300
Exposed floor insulation: $300
Air sealing: Up to $250 (must meet specific air tightness targets)
Pro Tip: Choose air sealing as your third or later upgrade since results can vary, helping maintain program eligibility.
Windows and Doors Rebates
$100 per rough opening for energy-efficient window and door replacements
Must meet minimum energy performance standards
Combines well with insulation upgrades
Energy Assessment Rebate
$600 total to offset initial and follow-up assessment costs
Received after successful program completion
Required for bundled upgrade stream
Step-by-Step Application Process
For Assessment-Required Upgrades (Heat Pumps, Insulation, Etc.)
Step 1: Schedule Initial Energy Assessment
Before beginning any work, contact a Service Organization to arrange your initial home energy assessment. Find certified providers through the Home Renovation Savings website.
A Registered Energy Advisor will:
Inspect your home's current energy performance
Test for air leakage using specialized equipment
Assess insulation levels, HVAC systems, and building envelope
Generate a detailed report with recommended upgrades
Cost: Typically $300-$600 (fully reimbursed upon program completion)
Step 2: Review Your Custom Report
Your energy advisor provides a report identifying:
Which upgrades are recommended for your specific home
Expected energy savings from each upgrade
Priority improvements for maximum impact
Choose at least 2 eligible upgrades from the recommendations.
Step 3: Get Quotes and Complete Upgrades
Contact licensed contractors like Dynamic Heating & Cooling to:
Obtain detailed quotes for recommended work
Verify contractor qualifications and insurance
Schedule installation of your chosen upgrades
Ensure work meets program specifications
Important: Don't begin work before completing your initial assessment or you'll be ineligible.
Read our guide on how to find a professional HVAC contractor and what to look for when hiring.
Step 4: Schedule Follow-Up Assessment
After installation completion, schedule your post-retrofit assessment with the same Registered Energy Advisor. They will:
Verify upgrades were installed correctly
Measure improved energy performance
Complete final documentation for rebate submission
Step 5: Receive Your Rebate
After your advisor submits all required documentation:
Rebate cheques arrive by mail within 60 days
HER+ applications (if eligible): Within 16 weeks
Ensure your advisor has your correct mailing address
For Non-Assessment Upgrades (Heat Pump Water Heaters)
The process is simpler for equipment not requiring assessments:
Purchase and install qualifying heat pump water heater
Submit rebate application with proof of purchase
Receive $500 rebate
Maximizing Your Rebate Savings
Bundle Multiple Upgrades
Completing multiple projects simultaneously maximizes savings:
Example Scenario:
Cold climate heat pump: $7,500
Attic insulation: $1,500
Windows (10 openings): $1,000
Energy assessments: $600
Total rebates: $10,600
This bundled approach also improves overall home comfort and efficiency.
Combine with Other Incentives
Stack provincial rebates with:
Municipal programs (some cities offer additional incentives)
Utility company conservation programs
Federal tax credits
Manufacturer rebates on equipment
Check our rebates page for current Hamilton-area incentives and our guide to top HVAC rebates in Ontario.
Plan Upgrades Strategically
Best Practices:
Complete air sealing as third or later upgrade (results can vary)
Address ductwork issues before installing new HVAC equipment
Consider insulation before heat pump installation for optimal sizing
Bundle related upgrades to minimize contractor visits
Learn about proper HVAC sizing and avoiding common sizing errors.
Common Disqualifications to Avoid
Starting Work Before Initial Assessment
The most common mistake is beginning renovations before your initial energy assessment. No exceptions are made—work started early becomes ineligible for rebates.
Missing Deadlines
Current Deadlines:
HER+ Program: Post-retrofit assessments must be completed by December 1, 2025
Final documentation submission: December 31, 2025
HRS Program: Check program website for current deadlines
Book assessments well in advance as energy advisors have limited capacity.
Ineligible Housing Types
Verify your property type qualifies before investing time:
New homes under 6 months occupancy
Buildings over 3 storeys
Properties on excluded utility grids
Geographic Exclusions
Confirm you're not in an excluded service area:
Cornwall Electric customers (Hydro-Québec grid)
Kingston, Kitchener municipal utilities
Off-grid properties (unless meeting specific criteria)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I rent out my property?
Yes. Property owners can apply for rebates on rental properties they own. However, tenants cannot apply directly—the owner must submit the application and pay for upgrades.
What if I previously received Enbridge rebates?
Homeowners who received rebates from previous Enbridge Gas or IESO Save on Energy programs are not eligible for HRS. However, each program has different rules, so verify specific eligibility with program administrators.
Do I need to use specific contractors?
No. You can hire any licensed contractor, but they must meet program specifications. Choose contractors experienced with rebate programs who can verify their work meets requirements. Contact Dynamic Heating & Cooling for rebate-qualified installations in Hamilton.
How long does the rebate process take?
HRS Program: Rebates arrive within 60 days after final documentation submission
HER+ Program: Within 16 weeks after advisor submits application
Can I complete upgrades myself?
Most programs require licensed contractors for safety and quality assurance. DIY work typically doesn't qualify. Some exceptions exist for owner-installed insulation if inspected and verified by energy advisors—check specific program rules.
What happens if my assessment shows I don't need certain upgrades?
Choose from the upgrades your advisor recommends. If recommended upgrades don't interest you, you may not be a good candidate for assessment-required rebate streams. Consider non-assessment upgrades like heat pump water heaters instead.
Are there income requirements?
Standard HRS and HER+ programs have no income restrictions. However, specific programs like the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program and Energy Affordability Program target low- to median-income households with enhanced benefits.
What if I want to install a new furnace instead of a heat pump?
High-efficiency furnace installations may qualify depending on the program stream and your current heating system. Heat pumps generally receive higher rebates due to their superior efficiency. Compare options in our heat pump vs. furnace guide.
Get Expert Help with Your Rebate Application
Navigating Ontario's home heating rebate programs doesn't have to be complicated. At Dynamic Heating & Cooling, we've helped hundreds of Hamilton, Burlington, and Oakville homeowners maximize their rebate savings while upgrading to more efficient heating systems.
Our HRAI-certified technicians:
Understand program requirements and specifications
Ensure installations meet rebate eligibility standards
Provide documentation required for successful applications
Help you choose upgrades that maximize both rebates and comfort
Whether you're considering a heat pump installation, furnace upgrade, or comprehensive home energy improvements, we'll guide you through every step—from initial assessment to final rebate receipt.
Ready to claim your rebates?
Contact us today to discuss your eligibility and schedule a consultation. We serve Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas, Waterdown, and the Greater Toronto Area.
Explore our rebate resources:
Don't leave thousands of dollars on the table. Let us help you access every rebate you're entitled to while improving your home's comfort, efficiency, and value.
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