There are a variety of new Ontario renovation rebate programs, including the Home Renovation Savings Program, Energy Affordability Program, and Home Winterproofing Program. These programs promote energy efficient upgrades, including installing new windows and doors, insulation, solar panels, smart thermostats, and more. Take a look at the article below to learn more about the various home renovation rebates Ontario offers.
Key Takeaways
- Ontario energy rebate programs include the Home Renovation Savings Program, Energy Affordability Program, and Home Winterproofing Program.
- The Home Renovation Savings Program offers rebates on energy-efficient home improvements, including windows, doors, insulation, rooftop solar panels, and battery energy storage systems.
- Certain renovations will require a home energy assessment before approval.
- The Energy Affordability Program provides free energy-efficient upgrades to income-eligible households.
- The Home Winterproofing Program provides free energy upgrades to income-eligible households to reduce natural gas costs.
- Eligible households can apply for the Energy Affordability and Home Winterproofing Program together.
- Ontario home renovation rebates are paid within 30 to 60 days of either your application approval or home energy assessment.
- A professional contractor is required to install major upgrades in order to qualify for rebates.
- Renters qualify for upgrades, but must obtain written permission from their landlord before installing upgrades.
- You’re not required to pay any out-of-pocket expenses when you’re enrolled in the Energy Affordability Program and/or Home Winterproofing Program.
Ontario Energy Rebate Programs for Residential Consumers
The new Ontario energy rebate programs aim to help families save money through reduced energy consumption. These programs are part of a 12-year investment plan in energy efficiency. It’s one of the largest program launches in Canadian history. Learn more about each rebate program below.
Home Renovation Savings Program
The Home Renovation Savings Program launched on January 28, 2025. It provides up to 30% rebates for home energy improvements and upgrades. This includes installing new windows and doors, insulation, rooftop solar panels, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Air sealing homes, switching to smart thermostats, and installing heat pumps are also rebate eligible home improvements. The program plans to expand and include rebates on Energy Star certified refrigerators and freezers.
The Home Renovation Savings Program offers one-window access to Ontario home renovation rebates. These upgrades are provided through Save on Energy and Enbridge Gas conservation programs. Certain renovations will require a home energy assessment before approval. These assessments are also eligible for rebates of $600. Following your approved application, rebates will be paid within 30 to 60 days. Here’s a list of the Home Renovation Savings Program rebates, including the amounts and assessment requirements:
| Rebates That Don’t Require a Home Energy Assessment (One or More Upgrades) | Rebates That Require a Home Energy Assessment (Two or More Upgrades) |
| Up to $12,000 for ground source heat pumps | Up to $8,900 for insulation |
| Up to $7,500 for cold climate air source heat pumps | $500 for heat pump water heaters |
| Up to $5,000 for battery energy storage systems | Up to $250 for air sealing |
| Up to $5,000 for rooftop solar panels | $100 for every new window and/or door |
| $75 for smart thermostats |
Energy Affordability Program
The Energy Affordability Program provides income-eligible households with free energy-efficient upgrades to reduce utility bills. The income eligibility threshold has been increased to $84,872 before-tax for a four-person household and $60,014 for a two-person household. This Ontario renovation rebate program helps families save $100 to $750 a year on energy bills. The Energy Affordability Program is open to homeowners, tenants, social housing providers, and Indigenous people connected to Independent Electricity System Operator-controlled electricity grids. Energy Affordability Program upgrades include:
- Cold climate air source heat pump
- Energy Star certified appliances such as a fridge, freezer, AC unit, and/or dehumidifier
- Energy Star certified LED lighting
Some participants may qualify for a free energy-needs assessment to identify which energy-efficient upgrades are available for their home. This might include replacing old appliances and installing new weather stripping. The Energy Affordability Program also offers certain income-eligible households’ free energy-saving kits. These kits are customized to the household’s needs and may include items such as faucet aerators or clothes drying lines.
Home Winterproofing Program
Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy have come together to offer the Home Winterproofing Program as well as the Energy Affordability Program. Income-eligible households can apply for both programs in one place with a single application. Approved applicants will have access to free energy improvements from both programs. The Home Winterproofing program specifically offers free upgrades that lower natural gas costs, including the following:
- Wall, basement, floor, and/or attic insulation
- Draft proofing
- Smart home thermostats
Additionally, qualifying families will receive free a home energy assessment from an authorized agent as well as professional installations from licensed contractors. Here are the eligibility requirements for the Home Winterproofing Program:
- Enbridge Gas account in your name
- Home is heated by a natural gas furnace or boiler
- You meet any ONE of the following:
| Number of Household Members | Before-Tax Household Income |
| 1 | $47,090 |
| 2 | $66,595 |
| 3 | $81,561 |
| 4 | $94,179 |
| 5 | $105,295 |
| 6 | $115,345 |
| 7+ | $124,586 |
OR you’re enrolled in one of the following government assistance programs:
- Ontario Works (OW)
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- Allowance for Seniors or Allowance for Survivors
- Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
- Guaranteed Income Supplement
- Healthy Smiles
- Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
- Energy Affordability Program (EAP)
Upfront and Long-term Savings Through Ontario Energy Rebates
With the new Ontario renovation rebates in place, it’s forecasted that by 2036, the province’s peak energy demand will decrease by approximately 3,000 MW. This has the same impact as taking three million homes off the grid. If you’re planning a home renovation, it’s important to know and understand if you qualify for renovation rebates. This can save you money in both upfront and long-term expenses. For a renovation consultation and quote, call Black Pearl Custom Homes today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Home Renovation Savings Program pays out Ontario home renovation rebates within 30 to 60 days of either your application approval or home energy assessment.
No, post-installation upgrades aren’t eligible for bundled rebates. However, you may still qualify for individual rebates that do not require a home energy assessment. These include installing a smart thermostat, solar panels, or a heat pump. Consult with an energy advisor for individual eligibility assessments and guidance.
Yes, typically a professional contractor is required to install all major upgrades in order to qualify for rebates. Some small improvements, such as air sealing and installing a smart home thermostat, can be performed yourself while maintaining eligibility for rebates.
Yes, renters are eligible for Ontario energy rebates. However, you must first obtain written permission from your landlord before the upgrades are installed.
Yes, you can participate in home renovation rebate programs for each of your owned properties, including non-primary residencies.
Rooftop solar panel rebates are distributed in $1,000 increments per kilowatt of DC capacity for systems under 10kW. Rebates are offered up to $5,000 but will not be rounded up to the $1,000. As an example, if your solar panel system is a 4.8kW-DC, your energy rebate amount would be $4,800 rather than $5,000.
The “before you buy” smart thermostat rebate is a program that provides you with an instant discount before your purchase. It’s part of the Ontario Home Renovation Saving Program. This rebate gives you $75 off eligible Energy Star certified smart thermostats at the time of purchase. You must apply for the discount online and buy your smart thermostat from a participating retailer. This includes Bestbuy, google store, Emerson Canada Store, Ecobee.com and Home Depot (in-store only)
No, smart thermostat rebates are only available once per household for life. If you own multiple properties, you can receive a rebate once for each property.
No, used, open-box, and refurbished smart thermostats are not eligible for rebate. Your smart thermostat must be new, Energy Star certified, and purchased from a participating retailer.
No, you won’t have to pay for any upfront costs out-of-pocket when enrolled in the Energy Affordability and/or Home Winterproofing Programs. All upgrades are free and paid for through the program providers.