Take advantage of significant savings on energy-efficient improvements with the Home Renovation Savings (HRS) Rebate Program! Beginning January 28, 2025, homeowners in Ontario can benefit from this new energy rebate initiative aimed at lowering the cost associated with energy-efficient home upgrades. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Enbridge Gas, which previously managed the HER and HER+ programs under NRCan’s Greener Homes initiative, and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) through its Save on EnergyTM brand.
Two Rebate Options to Enhance Your Savings
The HRS rebate program is divided into two separate streams:
- The Heat Pump and Solar Rebate Program is perfect for homeowners interested in switching to energy-efficient heating and cooling systems or adopting solar energy.
- Energy Efficiency Rebates include incentives for air sealing, upgrading insulation, and installing heat pump water heaters.
A significant distinction between the heat pump component in this latest HRS program and previous versions of similar rebate initiatives is that homeowners are now not obliged to have an energy auditor conduct an assessment. This change will accelerate the installation process for equipment, especially for individuals facing emergencies without heat due to a mechanical failure of their current systems. To assist homeowners, our team of comfort advisors are available to guide you through the process, offering expertise on the best options for your home..
Book a consultation with one of our expert comfort advisors at 705.722.5909 today to explore your options and maximize your savings through available grants and incentive offers.
How Much Can You Save Through HRS Rebates?
Within the heat pump category, the eligible rebate amount will be influenced by three primary factors:
- The category of equipment installed (either air source or ground source)
- The size of the equipment determined through calculations using NRCan’s heat pump sizing tool
- Whether if your home currently relies mainly on Enbridge gas or electricity from the Ontario grid for heating
Rebate Values for Homes Heated with Enbridge Gas:
If your home is primarily heated using Enbridge Gas natural gas, whether through a furnace or a boiler:
- Cold Climate Heat Pump: You qualify for a rebate of $500 per ton when purchasing a cold climate air source heat pump, or ccASHP, with a cap of $2,000.
- Geothermal Heat Pump: Should you opt for and be capable of installing a ground source unit, commonly referred to as a geothermal system, the available rebate amounts to a fixed $3,000.
Rebate Values for Homes with Electric Heating:
If your home heating relies on electricity sourced from the Ontario grid:
- Cold Climate Heat Pump: You qualify for a rebate of $1,250 per ton for a ccASHP, with a maximum cap set at $7,500.
- Geothermal Heat Pump: Opting for a GSHP or geothermal system qualifies you for a rebate of $2,000 per ton, with the potential to receive up to $12,000.
Who Is Eligible for the HRS Rebate Program
- This initiative is applicable exclusively to homes that have been occupied for a minimum of six months. Newly built properties are not eligible.
- It is applicable solely to residences in Ontario connected to the Ontario electric grid. Additionally, it applies to homes using natural gas delivered by Enbridge Gas.
- Homes that use natural gas (via furnaces or boilers) or electricity (through baseboards or electric furnaces) for heating qualify for eligibility. Currently, homes heated with propane or oil are not eligible but may be included in a future program expansion anticipated around late February 2025.
Most homes in Ontario are adequately warmed with a 2 or 3-ton unit, leading to more realistic rebate expectations of $1,000 to $1,500 for gas heating systems, and $2,500 to $3,750 for those using electricity for a cold climate heat pump. The initial step in determining the appropriate heat pump size and qualifying rebate amount is a thorough inspection conducted by a trained comfort advisor utilizing the NRCan heat pump sizing tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible to apply for the HRS Rebate?
The initiative is available to homeowners in Ontario who have neither received nor anticipate receiving a rebate from previous programs provided by Enbridge or the IESO’s Save on Energy brand. Submissions for the rebate need to be made on the homeowner’s behalf. Individuals renting a property are not eligible to apply for the rebate on their own; however, the property owner is able to submit an application on behalf of the rental home. It is necessary for the homeowner to handle the expenses related to both purchasing and installing the heat pump system and must also sign a participation agreement.
- Is it possible for me to combine this rebate with the HER or HER+ rebate program that I previously applied for?
Rebate stacking is prohibited and will be carefully monitored.
- Do all houses qualify?
No. The residence must be a standalone, semi-detached, row house, townhouse, or a mobile home situated on a permanent foundation. The program does not apply to other types of buildings. Additionally, the home must have been occupied for at least six months; newly constructed homes are not eligible.
- Is it possible to utilize this HRS program to swap out my current heat pump?
No, retrofits are not part of the program. It is meant only for individuals who primarily use natural gas (such as a furnace or boiler) or electrical resistance heating (like baseboard heaters or an electric furnace) for heating. Residences that already have heat pumps installed are not eligible.
- Is it possible to install any specific brand or model of heat pump?
No. The heat pump must be a cold-climate rated model (ccASHP) and should be included on Natural Resource Canada’s (NRCan) list of qualified products. The heating system can either be a centralized one that utilizes your existing ductwork or a multi-head ductless setup for houses lacking ducts. It is important to ensure that the system chosen and eligible for rebates can distribute warmth throughout the entire conditioned area of the home, including the basement if it is relevant, and must be operational all year long. For inquiries regarding eligible equipment, kindly collaborate with Custom Comfort ClimateCare. They can provide you with crucial information about the various options and guide you in making informed decisions.
When it comes to enhancing energy efficiency, understanding the available resources is key. Additionally, many government programs now provide HRS rebates to incentivize homeowners to upgrade their energy systems, making sustainable living more accessible and financially viable.
- Is it possible to add a new heat pump while retaining my gas furnace?
YES! This is referred to as a hybrid system. Here, your heat pump efficiently provides heat using clean electricity the majority of the time. However, during extremely cold periods, the gas furnace supplies additional warmth to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home. When retaining your current furnace, you can opt for a specially rated “coil-only ccASHP.” However, if you plan to replace both the furnace and the heat pump simultaneously, they must be compatible and appear on NRCan’s list of eligible products.
The integration of such systems may even qualify you for a grant which can alleviate some of the financial burdens. It’s advisable to discuss these opportunities with professionals who are well-versed in the field. They can conduct thorough inspections to ensure everything is set up correctly and in compliance with regulations.
- Is it possible for me to select any contractor to install my new heat pump?
NO! Not all contractors have been certified to participate in the program. All approved contractors require prior approval from program administrators by completing a registration process along with providing proof of training. This ensures that heat pumps receiving rebates through this program are installed correctly and function as intended, safeguarding you, the consumer, from unreliable or unskilled contractors. These professionals play a significant role in ensuring that the installation adheres to high standards. Rest assured, Custom Comfort ClimateCare is an approved HRS rebate contractor.
- Is the method of payment for my heat pump important?
You have the option to either pay your contractor for the heat pump in advance or through a financing agreement. Currently, rental, lease, and lease-to-own agreements are not allowed but might be included in the future. If you decide to conduct an energy audit, you can apply for the 10-year Greener Homes Loan with a 0% interest rate, offered through NRCan and CMHC.
- How do I begin the next steps, and what is the procedure?
Arrange a consultation with Custom Comfort ClimateCare to evaluate your home’s existing heating system and identify the most suitable heat pump using NRCan’s air source heat pump sizing tool. They will require photos of your current equipment, including the nameplates, which will be submitted alongside the quote for the new equipment and your signed Participation Agreement. After receiving approval, the installation process can start. A cheque for the rebate amount will be mailed directly to you from the program administrators. According to the agreed terms and conditions, you must pay your contractor completely for both the equipment and installation work; the rebate is not directed to them.
- What is the duration of the approval process?
During a town hall meeting conducted by the program administrators on January 22nd, contractors were informed that the approval process is expected to last 2-3 business days. This efficient timeline helps expedite your journey toward a more energy-efficient home.
- What additional steps are required?
After gaining approval and installing the equipment, your contractor must provide the program administrators with photographs of the newly installed system, images of the controls (thermostat), and copies of the final paid invoices for review, processing, and eventual payment.
- What is the time frame for receiving my rebate check?
Please anticipate a wait of several weeks to obtain the cheque once your contractor has provided all the required paperwork. Staying in close contact with professionals involved will help ensure a smooth process. After gaining approval and installing the equipment, your contractor must provide the program administrators with photographs of the newly installed system, images of the controls (thermostat), and copies of the final paid invoices for review, processing, and eventual payment.
OWN YOUR COMFORT Now with the HRS Rebate Program!
Don’t delay—arrange a meeting with Custom Comfort ClimateCare by calling 705.722.5909 today to assess your eligibility and make the most of your rebates. Take action immediately to begin cutting costs on energy-efficient improvements and turn your home into an eco-friendly space in 2025.