Canadian homeowners are sitting on an average of $10,000–$30,000 in unclaimed energy efficiency rebates and grants — money the federal and provincial governments have set aside specifically to help reduce home heating costs and carbon emissions. The problem is that the programs are scattered across three levels of government, have overlapping eligibility rules, and require navigating a bureaucratic application process that many homeowners simply give up on. This guide maps out exactly what's available, what you qualify for, and how to claim it.
The Problem
A homeowner who upgrades their furnace, adds attic insulation, and installs a heat pump can qualify for $15,000–$40,000 in combined federal and provincial rebates. Most don't apply because they don't know the programs exist, or they assume the application process is too complex.
Canada Greener Homes Grant — Federal Program
The flagship federal program provides grants of up to $5,600 for eligible home energy upgrades, plus an interest-free loan of up to $40,000 repayable over 10 years through the Canada Greener Homes Loan program. To qualify, you must:
- Own a residential property in Canada (principal residence)
- Complete a pre-retrofit EnerGuide home energy evaluation ($600–$1,200, partially rebated)
- Complete upgrades from the approved list by a registered contractor
- Complete a post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation to confirm improvements
| Upgrade Type | Federal Grant (Greener Homes) | Combined with Provincial? |
|---|---|---|
| Air-source heat pump | Up to $5,000 | Yes — can stack |
| Ground-source heat pump | Up to $5,000 | Yes — can stack |
| Attic insulation | Up to $3,500 | Yes |
| Wall insulation | Up to $5,000 | Yes |
| Window/door replacement | $125–$250 per unit (up to $1,500) | Yes |
| Smart thermostat | $50 | Some provinces add more |
| EnerGuide evaluation | $600 rebate on evaluation cost | N/A |
Provincial Top-Up Programs
Many provinces layer additional rebates on top of the federal program. These can be stacked — meaning you can receive both the federal grant and the provincial rebate for the same upgrade:
| Province | Program Name | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus | Up to $5,000 for insulation, draft-proofing, thermostats |
| British Columbia | CleanBC Better Homes | Up to $16,000 for heat pump + $3,000 for insulation |
| Alberta | Efficiency Alberta Residential | Up to $1,500 for heat pumps, smart thermostats |
| Quebec | Rénoclimat | Up to $4,000 for insulation; up to $2,500 for heat pumps |
| Nova Scotia | EfficiencyOne / Efficiency NS | Up to $10,000 for heat pumps + insulation for low-income |
| New Brunswick | NB Power Efficiency Programs | Up to $12,000 for high-efficiency upgrades |
The Heat Pump Opportunity
Heat pumps are the single highest-rebate item in most programs and also deliver the most significant long-term savings. A modern air-source heat pump replaces both your furnace and air conditioner, operates at 300–400% efficiency (meaning it produces 3–4 kWh of heat per kWh of electricity consumed), and reduces heating costs by 40–60% compared to electric baseboard heating and 20–40% compared to natural gas furnaces at current rates.
In BC, a homeowner replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump can claim:
- $5,000 from Canada Greener Homes (federal)
- Up to $16,000 from CleanBC Better Homes (provincial)
- $500 from their utility company (BC Hydro rebate)
- Total potential rebate: $21,500
How to Apply — Step by Step
1) Register at canada.ca/greener-homes before starting any work. 2) Book a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation — find advisors at nrcan.gc.ca. 3) Get quotes only from registered Energy Advisors/contractors (required for grant eligibility). 4) Complete upgrades within program timelines. 5) Book post-retrofit evaluation. 6) Submit claims within 180 days. Hiring an energy efficiency consultant ($200–$500) to manage the application process often pays for itself by ensuring you don't miss eligible items.