Why Rebates Matter for Ottawa Homeowners
Installing a cold climate heat pump in Ottawa can cost between $8,000 and $14,000 depending on the size, model, and whether ductwork modifications are needed. For many households, that’s a significant investment. Fortunately, both federal and provincial incentive programs are designed to make these upgrades more affordable.
When combined strategically, these rebates can cover 30–50% of the upfront cost, reducing financial barriers while encouraging residents to switch to cleaner, more efficient heating systems.
Beyond saving money, rebate programs also speed up the payback period on your investment, sometimes cutting it in half. For example, a $12,000 heat pump installation with $8,000 in combined rebates could pay for itself in 4–6 years through reduced energy bills.
Federal Heat Pump Incentives
1. Canada Greener Homes Grant
- Amount: Up to $5,000 for eligible home retrofits, including heat pumps
- Eligibility: Home must be your primary residence; must meet program’s cold climate heat pump requirements
- Requirements: Pre- and post-installation energy audits
- Website: Canada Greener Homes
2. Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program
- Amount: Up to $15,000 for low- and median-income households switching from oil heating
- Extra Support: Additional funding for electrical upgrades if needed
- Eligibility: Must use oil as primary heating source and meet income requirements
3. Canada Greener Homes Loan
- Loan: Interest-free financing up to $40,000
- Repayment: Over 10 years
- Use: Can cover the full installation cost if rebates are applied later
Ontario Provincial Incentives
Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+)
- Amount: Up to $7,500 for qualifying cold climate heat pump installations
- Requirements: Must be an Enbridge Gas customer and complete a home energy audit
- Extra: Additional incentives for insulation, windows, and air sealing
Local Ottawa Programs
Some municipal or utility-based programs may offer seasonal or limited-time bonuses for heat pump adoption. These change annually, check with:
- Hydro Ottawa
- City of Ottawa Energy Programs
While these incentives are usually smaller than federal or provincial rebates, they can still cover hundreds of dollars in costs, especially for energy audits or installation upgrades. Staying informed through local news, community bulletins, and utility newsletters ensures you never miss short-term opportunities.
Quick Reference Table: Ottawa Heat Pump Rebates & Incentives 2025
| Program Name | Maximum Amount | Eligibility Highlights | Audit Required? |
| Canada Greener Homes Grant | $5,000 | Primary residence, qualifying model | Yes |
| Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program | $15,000 | Oil heat, income limit | Yes |
| Canada Greener Homes Loan | $40,000 (loan) | Primary residence, approved upgrades | Yes |
| Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) | $7,500 | Enbridge customer, cold climate model | Yes |
Graph: Rebates & financing amounts
How to Apply for Heat Pump Rebates in Ottawa
- Book a Pre-Retrofit Energy Audit: This step is mandatory for most programs.
- Select a Qualifying Heat Pump Model: Check the program’s approved list.
- Hire a Certified Installer: Uncertified installs may disqualify you from rebates.
- Complete the Post-Retrofit Audit: Confirms installation and performance.
- Submit Your Application: Include receipts, audit reports, and proof of eligibility.
Maximizing Your Savings
To get the most from Ottawa’s rebate opportunities:
- Plan upgrades together: You may get extra rebates for combining insulation, window upgrades, and air sealing with your heat pump install.
- Apply quickly: Funding is sometimes first-come, first-served.
- Keep all documentation: Missing invoices or photos can delay payment.
Example:
A homeowner installs a $13,000 Mitsubishi Zuba heat pump. They receive:
- $5,000 (Canada Greener Homes Grant)
- $7,500 (HER+)
Total rebates: $12,500
Final cost: $500 out-of-pocket before taxes.
Graph: Example cost before vs after rebates
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Canada Greener Homes Grant?
It’s a federal program offering up to $5,000 for eligible cold climate heat pump installations, requiring pre- and post-installation energy audits by certified advisors. - What is the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program?
A federal initiative providing up to $15,000 for low- to median-income households replacing oil heat with qualifying cold climate heat pumps, often covering most installation costs. - Are there provincial rebates for Ottawa homeowners?
Yes. Ontario’s Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus offers up to $7,500 for qualifying cold climate heat pumps, provided you’re an Enbridge customer and complete required energy audits. - Can I combine federal and provincial rebates?
Yes, stacking is allowed in many cases, enabling Ottawa homeowners to significantly reduce upfront installation costs when combining programs like Canada Greener Homes and HER+. - Do I need an energy audit to qualify?
Yes. Most rebate programs require pre-installation and post-installation audits to verify energy savings and ensure the system meets program performance standards before funds are released. - Do ductless heat pumps qualify for rebates?
Yes, if they meet cold climate performance criteria and efficiency standards specified by the program. Always verify your chosen model is on the program’s approved list. - How long does it take to receive rebates?
Typically, Ottawa homeowners receive payments within 8–16 weeks after submitting complete applications, including audit reports, proof of installation, and all required supporting documents. - Are rebates considered taxable income?
In most cases, residential heat pump rebates are not considered taxable income in Canada, though homeowners should confirm with a qualified accountant or tax professional. - Can rebates cover electrical upgrades?
Some programs, such as the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program, may include funding for electrical service or panel upgrades if necessary for the installation. - Will rebate amounts change in the future?
Yes. Program budgets, eligibility criteria, and rebate amounts are subject to change annually. Applying early ensures you receive the maximum available benefit at the time.
Conclusion
For Ottawa homeowners, heat pump rebates and incentives in 2025 represent an unprecedented opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient heating at a fraction of the cost. By stacking federal and provincial programs, you can save thousands while improving comfort and cutting emissions. Just remember, most programs require a pre-installation audit, so start the process before buying your heat pump.
Contact details
Heat Pump Ottawa Pros
Address: 150 Elgin St, Suite 807, Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4
Phone Number: 613-706-0838
Email: heatpumpottawapros@gmail.com
Office Hours
Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
