The homeowner's guide to energy rebates in Canada

Most Canadian homeowners can get some money back for upgrades that cut energy use, such as heat pumps, insulation, windows and efficient appliances. Rebates come from three layers: your electricity or gas utility, your province, and federal programs aimed at lower-income households. The amounts, rules and order of steps differ by program, so the safest approach is to check the program page before you buy anything.

This guide explains what's usually covered, how the layers fit together and the steps that protect your rebate. If you only want the short version, read our checklist of what to check before you upgrade.

What upgrades can get a rebate?

Each program has its own list, but these are the most common:

• Heat pumps. Air-source and ground-source heat pumps heat and cool your home with electricity. They're often the biggest rebate on the list, and some programs set efficiency or climate rules for the model you choose.
• Insulation and air sealing. Attics, walls, basements and crawl spaces, plus draft-proofing. Often the cheapest way to cut heating costs.
• Windows and doors. Usually only models that meet a set efficiency rating.
• Water heaters. Heat pump water heaters and other efficient models.
• Smart thermostats. Often a quick, instant rebate.
• Appliances and lighting. Some utilities offer rebates on efficient appliances, often ones that carry an ENERGY STAR label.
• Solar panels, batteries and EV chargers. Some programs include these; many don't.
• Energy assessments. A few programs help pay for the assessment itself.

Don't assume an upgrade is covered because a neighbour got a rebate for it. Programs change their lists, and what's covered in one province may not be in another.

How do the layers work?

Think of home energy funding as three layers that sometimes overlap.

Your utility

Electricity and natural gas companies run rebate programs to help customers use less energy. You usually need to be a customer, and the rebate relates to the energy they supply. Some also offer free programs, like energy-saving kits or free upgrades for households that meet income rules.

Your province

Provinces run their own home energy programs, sometimes on their own and sometimes together with utilities. A single application can then cover more than one rebate. Provincial programs often look at your type of home, and some offer more to lower-income households.

Federal programs

Federal home energy support has changed over time. The current Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program offers free retrofits, such as insulation and heat pumps, to low- to median-income homeowners and tenants. It's delivered through programs in participating provinces, so you don't apply to the federal government directly.

Our post on federal, provincial and city funding layers explains the same idea for other kinds of funding.

What's available in British Columbia?

In BC, start with these program pages on our site:

• The CleanBC Better Homes rebate finder asks a few questions about your home and household and shows which rebates fit. It covers heat pumps, insulation, windows and other upgrades.
• BC Hydro home rebates and free programs include rebates on some appliances and home upgrades, plus free programs for income-qualified households.
• FortisBC rebates and offers cover homes and, through some offers, homes and community buildings in Indigenous communities.

For lower-income households in BC, the Greener Homes Affordability support is delivered through BC Hydro or FortisBC depending on your electricity provider. Check the program page for how to apply. See everything we list for the province on funding in BC and in our guide to funding in British Columbia.

What's available in Ontario?

In Ontario, start with:

• The Home Renovation Savings Program, which offers rebates on heat pumps, insulation, windows and doors, and other upgrades. Some upgrades can be claimed on their own; others are bundled after a home energy assessment. Check the program page for which path fits you.
• Enbridge Gas home rebates, which include smart thermostat rebates and free insulation and draft-proofing for households that meet income or assistance-program rules.

See everything we list for the province on funding in Ontario and in our guide to funding in Ontario.

What if my household has a lower income?

Some of the most generous help is for lower-income households, and it's often free rather than a rebate. These programs may pay for the upgrade itself, and some send a contractor to do the work.

• Check whether your province delivers the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program.
• Look for utility programs for income-qualified customers, like the free programs at BC Hydro and Enbridge Gas.
• Have proof of income ready. Programs often ask for tax information for everyone in the household, and some accept proof that you receive certain benefits instead.

Income rules and household size limits are set by each program, so check the program page rather than guessing whether you qualify.

What are the steps, from start to rebate?

The exact order differs, but most programs follow a pattern like this:

1. Find your programs. Use the funding check, or browse energy programs and programs for homeowners.
2. Read each program page. Note who qualifies, what's covered, and anything that must happen before work starts.
3. Book an energy assessment if needed. Some programs require one before and after the work. The report also helps you choose the upgrades that matter most.
4. Register or get pre-approval if required. Many programs won't pay for work started before this step. This is the same rule we describe in apply before you spend.
5. Get quotes. Use contractors who meet the program's rules. Some programs require a registered contractor.
6. Do the work. Make sure the equipment model and installation match what the program requires.
7. Keep every document. Invoices, proof of payment, model numbers, assessment reports, photos and emails from the program.
8. Claim your rebate. Submit your claim within the program's time limit. Check the program page so you don't miss it.

Can I combine rebates?

Often you can combine a utility rebate with a provincial one, especially where they're run together. Some programs also let you claim several upgrades at once. But many programs say you can't be paid twice for the same item.

These rules are called stacking, and each program sets its own. Read our post on whether you can combine grants, then check each program page before you add rebates together in your budget.

What if I rent, or I'm a landlord?

Tenants. Some programs include renters, especially lower-income programs; the Greener Homes Affordability Program is open to some tenants. Many upgrades still need the owner's agreement, so talk to your landlord first. Smaller items, like a smart thermostat or an energy-saving kit, may be easier to get on your own.

Landlords. Owners of rental homes can sometimes claim rebates for upgrades to units they own. Programs may treat rental properties, multi-unit buildings and secondary suites differently, and some send larger buildings to separate programs. Check the program page for the type of building you own.

Condos and strata. Upgrades to shared parts of a building usually involve the corporation or strata, not individual owners. Check the program page and your building's rules.

How do I avoid rebate scams?

Home energy rebates attract door-to-door and phone pitches. Be careful when someone:

• Says they're "from the government" or uses a program name to sell you equipment
• Offers to apply for you for a fee
• Promises a rebate amount before you've checked the program page
• Pressures you to sign on the spot

Real rebate programs are free to apply to, and you can do it yourself. Read how to spot a grant scam and our notes on scams.

Do I have to pay a rebate back?

A rebate isn't a loan: you don't pay it back as long as you meet the program's rules. Some programs can ask for money back if the rules weren't followed, for example if the work wasn't done as described. For how rebates compare with grants, tax credits and loans, see grants, loans and tax credits.

Frequently asked questions

Which upgrade should I do first?

It depends on your home. An energy assessment is the best way to find out, because it shows where your home loses the most energy. Many advisors suggest sealing and insulating first, so a new heating system doesn't have to work as hard.

Can I get a rebate if I install the equipment myself?

Some programs require installation by a registered or qualified contractor; others allow some do-it-yourself work, like certain insulation. Check the program page before you start.

Do rebates run out?

They can. Programs may change, pause or close when funding runs out, and rules can change between when you start and when you claim. Check the program page often, and watch closing soon.

I already finished my upgrade. Is it too late?

Not always. Some programs accept claims after the work, within a time limit. But if a program needed pre-approval or an assessment first, you may not qualify for that one. Check the program page and ask the program if it isn't clear.

Are these programs for businesses too?

These are home programs. Utilities and provinces run separate programs for businesses; see energy programs and our guide to small business funding in Canada.