This guide will examine the currently available 2021 government and utility company furnace and air conditioner grant programs, energy tax credits & rebates available to Canadians.
Table of contents
There are a variety of home renovation utility company incentives, HVAC government rebates, loan programs, grants and credits available for Canadian homeowners to offset the cost of upgrading to a more energy-efficient new heating and cooling system and other energy-efficient home improvement upgrades.
Whether you’re buying a new furnace or boiler, upgrading your air conditioner, making your home or building more energy-efficient, or improving your ventilation system, there are ways you can save.
Rebates are one of the best and easiest ways to save anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars on home and commercial property HVAC upgrades. Heating & air conditioning rebates are often made available to homeowners and building owners through:
- Local, provincial, and federal governments
- Municipal or provincial utility companies
- Local HVAC distributors
- Financial institutions
- Energy organizations
These vary across the country, from province to province, by region or city/municipality, and availability can change at any time.
Available Rebates Covered Below (May) Include Rebates for:
✔ High-efficiency natural gas furnaces
✔ Propane furnaces
✔ Boilers & combi-boilers
✔ Central air conditioners
✔ Ductless mini-split systems & heat pumps
✔ Geothermal heating systems
✔ Smart thermostats (e.g. Ecobee, Nest)
✔ Fireplaces
✔ Windows & Doors
✔ Insulation
and more!
IMPORTANT NOTE: This HVAC Rebates article is for informational purposes only. FurnacePrices.ca is not owned by, operated or affiliated with Canadian federal or provincial governments. We cannot guarantee the availability of rebates or accuracy of the info, and you should contact the agencies offering the rebates for any questions, issues or concerns.
How to Apply for Government HVAC rebates:
- In some cases, you may need to apply directly with the agency or organization offering the rebate first.
- You would then get estimates from local contractors for the required upgrades that you are interested in (e.g. quote on a new furnace).
- If required, you may need to do a pre-upgrade energy audit from a qualified company.
- You complete the upgrades.
- If required, you have your post-upgrade energy audit done.
- The final rebate applications are processed (sometimes the contractors you dealt with help with this portion).
- You receive your rebate cheque in the mail.
(Note the exact process will vary depending on the rebates in question, who is offering them, and what the requirements are)
Note, you often must inquire/register/qualify for heating & cooling system rebates BEFORE replacing your furnace, A/C, water heater, etc. Typically it is difficult to qualify or receive rebates after installation is already complete.
Find out if you qualify for HVAC rebates!
If you would like to get a quote from our FurnacePrices.ca Certified Local HVAC Contractors, they are usually able to provide estimates on a new heating & cooling system along with qualifying rebates.
Learn more about our Certified Local HVAC Contractors and get a free quote here >>
For common questions and answers, check out our FAQ at the bottom of this article for details.
Federal Rebates
$5,000 Canada Greener Homes Grant Program
On May 27th, 2021 the Federal Government of Canada officially launched the Canada Greener Homes Grants program. This rebate program will pay Canadians up to $5,000 for home renovations and upgrades that increase energy efficiency.
This program requires homeowners to have pre- AND post-upgrade energy audits done by a certified energy advisor to validate the energy conservation effects of the upgrades. Homeowners can receive up to $600 towards the cost of the required pre and post-retrofit home evaluations (on top of the $5,000 for the renovations themselves).
The $2.6 billion program will be spread over seven years, with up to 700,000 grants available. It will cover a range of home upgrades including heating & cooling systems, insulation, windows & doors, and solar panels.
How to Apply for the Canada Greener Homes $5,000 grant & rebate program
Homeowners across Canada can apply directly on Natural Resources Canada’s website. You will then have to schedule your first home energy audit, then have the qualifying upgrades completed by a licensed contractor or supplier, then have the final energy audit done, and apply for reimbursement. Be sure to keep all records and receipts!
Rebate amount: Up to $5,000 for home upgrades, plus up to $600 for the required EnerGuide energy audits (Up to $5,600 total)
What types of upgrades qualify: HVAC systems, windows & doors, rooftop solar energy systems, insulation & air sealing, among others.
Key Terms & Requirements: Energy audits by certified advisor required before AND after upgrades are completed. Must be your primary residence.
Availability: Ongoing; opened May 27th, 2021
Ontario Rebates
Province-Wide Residential Rebates
General energy efficiency rebates
Enbridge Gas Inc. is offering the Home Efficiency Rebate, a number of rebates for homeowners across the province, and those rebates include:
- Insulation: Between $500 and $3,000 for insulation
- Air sealing: Up to $150 for achieved air sealing
- Windows: $40 for each window, door, or skylight you replace
- Furnaces: $250 to upgrade to a high-efficiency condensing natural gas furnace, as long as you complete two other upgrades
- Boilers: $1,000 to upgrade to a high-efficiency condensing natural gas boiler
- Water heaters: $400 to upgrade to an ENERGY STAR® qualified natural gas water heater
- Thermostats: $75 for upgrading to a smart thermostat
Multi-family housing rebates:
Enbridge is also offering up to $200,000 in rebates under their affordable multi-family housing program to owners of affordable housing units. These rebates are for upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC equipment like boilers and water heaters, but there are other incentives available as well. Available until November 30, 2021.
- Energy assessment: up to $8,000 for conducting an energy assessment
- Boilers: $1,200 to $9,000 for a condensing boiler or high-efficiency seasonal/non-seasonal boiler
- Furnaces: $400 for a condensing furnace
- Water heaters: $900 to $1,250 for condensing storage or tankless water heaters
- Low-flow showerheads: free in eligible units, or $12.50 per low-flow showerhead
- New in-suite HRVs and ERVs: up to $250 per unit
- Upgraded in-suite HRVs and ERVs: Up to $190 per unit
- Whole-building ERVs: $1/CFM to $4/CFM (cubic feet per minute) for a new or upgraded energy recovery ventilator
- Whole-building HRVs: $0.40/CFM to $3.30/CFM for a new or upgraded heat recovery ventilator
Ontario Renovates Program
Ontario Renovates provides forgivable loans and grants to homeowners in several municipalities across Ontario. For the most part, the program is geared toward low- or moderate-income homeowners, low-income seniors, or people with disabilities. The purpose of the program is to fund safety upgrades, accessibility repairs, and energy efficiency improvements to residences. This generally includes:
- Door and window replacements
- Heating system and chimney repairs or upgrades
- Repairs or improvements to the foundation, roof, walls, floors, siding, and ceilings
- Accessibility improvements involving ramps, handrails, chair and bath lifts, cues for doorbells and fire alarms, and height-adjustable countertops
- Electrical, plumbing, septic, and well upgrades
- Chair and bath lift installation
- Low- and dual-flush toilet upgrades
- Structural improvements
- Increased insulation
- Fire and other safety system upgrades
Residential Rebates by City/Region
The terms, conditions, eligibility criteria, and loan amounts vary based on the city, municipality, or county that’s offering the program. Most regions haven’t announced a closing date. Here’s a list of places where homeowners can take advantage of the Ontario Renovates Program:
- Brantford: The program is open to homeowners based on income and home value, and can provide up to $20,000 in forgivable loans.
- Chatham-Kent: The municipality is offering up to $30,000.
- Huron County: Low- to moderate-income households could be eligible for a $5,000 grant or $10,000 forgivable loan.
- Nipissing District: Up to $25,000 is available to low- and moderate-income households.
- Ottawa: Up to $20,000 in forgivable loans and grants is available to low-income seniors and persons with disabilities, and the program is open until March 31, 2021.
- Kingston: Kingston is offering something similar called Kingston-Frontenac Renovates. The program offers $5,000 loans or $10,000 interest-free loans, and the money can also be used to cover furnace upgrades, emergency repairs, and mold remediation.
- Leeds Grenville: Up to $15,000 in forgivable loans is available.
- Simcoe County: The County of Simcoe has up to $15,000 available to homeowners, and the money can also be put toward urgent repairs.
Toronto: The City of Toronto’s Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) provides low-interest loans up to $75,000 to homeowners who want to make home energy improvements. The money can be used to pay for:
- Purchasing high-efficiency boilers, furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters
- Replacing doors and windows
- Air sealing and insulation
- Installing geothermal or solar systems
- Replacing toilets
Toronto: Through the RBC Energy Saver Loan, you can get a $100 rebate for a home energy audit, or get a 1 percent interest rate discount on a loan for energy-efficient products or services for your home.
Commercial Rebates
HRVs and ERVs: Until November 30, 2021, Enbridge is also offering a number of HVAC rebates for commercial property upgrades, including $0.25/CFM to $1.75/CFM for new and upgraded ERVs and HRVs.
Air curtains: Enbridge also has rebates for air curtains until the end of December, including:
- $200 to $500 for pedestrian doors
- $1,200 to $1,800 for shipping doors
Boilers and water heaters: Right now, you could also save up to $50,000 when you upgrade to energy efficient boilers and water heaters through Enbridge’s commercial custom retrofit program.
Alberta Rebates
Residential Rebates by City
Edmonton: Right now, the City of Edmonton is paying $0.40 per watt to homeowners who install solar on their homes, and this translates to the city covering about 15 percent of the cost.
Medicine Hat: Medicine Hat’s environmental initiative, HAT Smart, has a number of rebates that are designed to educate consumers and promote energy-efficient homes. The program is open until January 7, 2022, and it includes:
- Air conditioners: Up to $350 for an ENERGY STAR air conditioner
- Solar: $1.00 per watt (maximum of $6,000) when you install a solar PV system
British Columbia Rebates
Province-Wide Residential Rebates
Windows, doors, insulation, water heaters, and space heating:
BC Hydro has up to $10,000 in home renovation rebates for BC Hydro and FortisBC customers, and they are:
- Windows and doors: Up to $3,000 to replace windows and doors
- Insulation: Up to $5,500 to upgrade insulation
- Heat pumps: $1,000 to $2,000 for a new air source heat pump
- Water heater: $1,000 for a new electric heat pump water heater
For customers who registered and completed upgrades by June 30, 2021 for the double rebate incentive, you have until December 31, 2021 to submit invoices through the program.
Information about the rebates in this program is also available from FortisBC.
Insulation:
FortisBC and BC Hydro have insulation rebates worth up to $5,500 for customers who upgrade insulation throughout their homes. BC Hydro has bonuses between $300 and $2,000 available if you complete two or more upgrades, and Fortis is offering a $300 two-upgrade bonus.
Furnaces:
FortisBC is also offering customers up to $1,000 for select high-efficiency natural gas furnaces, plus an additional $150 if you buy an eligible smart thermostat.
FortisBC has a separate program for low-income individuals and families that includes up to $3,000 for eligible ENERGY STAR natural gas furnace upgrades. More information is available through CleanBC Better Homes.
FortisBC has another rebate program for wall furnaces that includes $700 for an eligible wall furnace or $1,100 for a wall furnace plus water heater.
For BC residents who want to replace a wood stove or oil/propane heating system, FortisBC is offering a:
- $1,300 rebate for an ENERGY STAR natural gas furnace/boiler
- $1,700 rebate plus $200 to $1,000 for an ENERGY STAR natural gas furnace/boiler combined with a standalone water heater
- $1,700 rebate for a combi boiler
- $1,700 rebate plus $1,000 for a P9 certified combination heating and hot water system
BC Hydro is offering home efficiency upgrades (such as LED lights and insulation) for low-income customers, and low-income FortisBC customers may also be eligible for a free high-efficiency gas furnace through the program. You must book a consultation with an energy coach to be eligible for the upgrades.
Space and hot water heat pumps:
CleanBC Better Homes has a few rebates available through their home renovation rebate program. You could be eligible for up to $4,300 when you install a combination space and water heat pump system.
Heat pumps:
FortisBC is offering customers (and select municipal electricity customers) between $1,200 and $2,000 in rebates for the purchase of a high-efficiency air source heat pump.
Water heaters:
FortisBC is giving customers between $200 and $1,000 to upgrade to an eligible ENERGY STAR certified natural gas water heater.
There’s another incentive from FortisBC that includes a $1,200 rebate plus a $300 two-upgrade bonus for a P9 certified tankless water heater with air handler combination heating and hot water system.
FortisBC has a separate program for low-income individuals and families that includes between $500 and $2,500 on eligible ENERGY STAR natural gas water heater upgrades.
FortisBC also has upgrade incentives right now for customers who are building new homes, and those include rebates between $500 and $2,000, depending on the type of water heater, including storage tanks, condensing tankless units, condensing storage tank units, combi boilers, and heat pump water heaters.
Boilers and combi boilers:
FortisBC customers can take advantage of a rebate worth $1,000 for an ENERGY STAR natural gas boiler or $1,500 for a combi boiler (provides heat and hot water).
FortisBC has a separate program for low-income individuals and families that includes up to $2,000 for eligible ENERGY STAR natural gas boiler upgrades. More information is available through CleanBC Better Homes.
Maintenance:
In certain regions, FortisBC has up to $50 in maintenance rebates for professional servicing of your heat pump. Expires December 31, 2021.
Free Upgrades for Non-Profit Housing and Housing in Indigenous Communities
BC Hydro has a number of free energy efficiency upgrades available to non-profit housing providers and for homes in Indigenous communities. Depending on the type of home, some of the free upgrades available include:
- High-efficiency natural gas furnace
- ENERGY STAR refrigerator
- Insulation
- LED lights
- Showerheads and faucet aerators
- Weatherstripping
Home Renovation Bonus Rebates:
FortisBC has a number of rebates available that we’ve mentioned, and in conjunction with these, you can also get a renovation bonus for a:
- Pre-upgrade EnerGuide home evaluation: $200
- Post-upgrade EnerGuide home evaluation: $100
- Energy improvement bonus: $20 per 1 percent in EnerGuide improvement (up to $2,000)
Residential Rebates by City
District of Lantzville: Through the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate, residents of RDN Electoral Areas and the District of Lantzville can get a rebate worth $250 when they transition from oil heating to a heat pump. Available until December 15, 2021.
Vancouver and Powell River: The City of Vancouver and the City of Powell River are each paying their respective residents $500 through the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program. To be eligible, you have to upgrade your electrical service to 100-, 200-, or 400-amp service, and you have to switch a fossil fuel boiler, furnace, or water heater to an electric one.
Vancouver: The City of Vancouver and CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program is also offering between $1,200 and $6,000 to participants who switch from a fossil fuel heating system to an electric air source heat-pump.
North Vancouver: The City of North Vancouver has a similar program for electric air source heat pumps worth up to $2,000.
Powell River: The City of Powell River is offering a $350 top-up to residents who make a similar switch to an electric air source heat pump.
Commercial Rebates
Air curtains: For commercial customers, FortisBC has rebates worth $1,300, $1,800, and $2,000 per door to install air curtains.
Lighting: FortisBC has multiple commercial rebates for building and business owners who upgrade their lights and fixtures. Lighting rebates include:
- Between $2.50 and $30 per LED lamp
- Between $10 and $200 per LED interior luminaire
- Between $30 and $220 per LED exterior luminaire
- Between $60 and $220 per street light or mounted luminaire
- $4 per linear foot of low- and medium-temperature LED refrigeration case lighting
- $5 per linear foot of LED backlit signage
- $25 per occupancy sensor control
- $10 per photocell sensor control
Energy-efficiency upgrades: BC Hydro has funding available for social housing providers for energy conservation upgrades. The funding includes up to $5,000 for an energy study, and up to $7,000 to implement the upgrades, plus there are rebates for items like commercial kitchen and refrigeration equipment, heat pumps, electric water heaters, LED lights and controls, and variable-speed drives..
Furnaces: Commercial customers of FortisBC could be eligible for up to $2,000 in rebates when they upgrade to an ENERGY STAR natural gas furnace with a smart thermostat. Available until June 30, 2021.
Boilers: FortisBC also has up to $49,000 in rebates available to commercial customers who install a new high-efficiency natural gas steam boiler, or who make energy-efficient upgrades to a new or existing system.
Water heaters: For FortisBC customers who operate charities or provide non-profit housing, Fortis is offering:
- $2,500 to $3,750 for storage tank natural gas water heaters
- $15/MBH rebate for a hot water supply boiler
- $2,500 for high-efficiency tankless water heaters
Manitoba Rebates
Province-Wide Residential Rebates
Furnaces, boilers, and energy-efficiency upgrades:
Efficiency Manitoba is introducing the Metis Energy Efficiency Offers that are available to low-income homeowners and renters who want to make their homes more efficient. Here are the offers available:
- Energy check-ups: Free home energy assessments
- Insulation: Free insulation (including insulation) for attics, walls, and basements
- Furnaces: Natural gas furnace upgrades that cost only $9.50 a month for five years
- Boilers: A $3,000 rebate on a high-efficiency natural gas boiler
- Efficient products: Free energy-efficient equipment, including LED lights, showerheads and aerators, and air-sealing products
HRV controls and smart thermostats:
Efficiency Manitoba is also offering a $150 rebate on eligible HRV controls, and a $50 rebate on eligible ENERGY STAR smart thermostats.
New Brunswick Rebates
Province-Wide Residential Rebates
Energy-efficiency upgrades:
When you pay for a Home Energy Evaluation and follow up with energy-saving upgrades, NB Power, through their Total Home Energy Savings Program, will reimburse you 25 percent of the cost of the renovations. Projects can include upgrading insulation, air-sealing, updating windows and doors, and installing high-efficiency central heating systems.
Heat pumps:
Daikin is offering homeowners in New Brunswick a manufacturer rebate ranging from $400 to $1,750 on select heat pumps.
Newfoundland Rebates
Province-Wide Residential Rebates
Thermostats:
takeCHARGE is offering rebates for programmable and electronic thermostats. You can get $10 back when you buy a programmable thermostat, or $5 when you buy an electronic thermostat.
HRVs:
takeCHARGE is also offering a $175 rebate to homeowners who purchase eligible high-efficiency HRVs.
Water heaters, heat pumps, HRVs, insulation, and more:
Newfoundland Power is offering financing plans to customers who are homeowners. The interest rate has remained stable at 6.45 percent, and the terms are 36 or 60 months. Financing is available for a number of upgrades, including:
- Water heaters: Up to $1,000 for electric water heaters
- R-2000: Up to $10,000 for R-2000 Standard upgrades
- Heat pumps: Up to $10,000 for electric heating systems and heat pumps
- HRVs: Up to $5,000 for HRVs
- Insulation: Up to $5,000 for basement and attic insulation upgrades
- Service: Up to $10,000 for service upgrades
- Fireplaces: Electric fireplaces and mantles
- Thermostats: Digital and programmable thermostats
Commercial Rebates
Heat pumps, ECM motors, and thermostats: takeCHARGE also has a few rebates available to commercial consumers, including:
- Heat pumps: $300 per ton on rooftop air source heat pumps
- ECM motors: Free ECM motor upgrades for the evaporator fans in refrigeration equipment systems
- Thermostats: $20 per programmable thermostat
Nova Scotia Rebates
Province-Wide Residential Rebates
Heating equipment:
Efficiency Nova Scotia currently has a number of heating system rebates available to Nova Scotians, and they include:
- Heat pumps: $150 to $2,500 ($300 to $600 per ton on ductless mini-split, geothermal, centrally-ducted, and air-to-water systems)
- Wood and pellet heating: $500 to $1,000
- Three-element water heaters: $400 to $650
- Solar thermal: $400 to $1,000
- Electric thermal storage: $300 to $2,100
Efficient products:
Efficiency Nova Scotia is also offering rebates on a number of energy-efficient home products. One of the biggest rebates is up to $400 for an air source heat pump hot water heater, but you can also save anywhere from $3 to $100 on things like:
- Dimmer switches
- Smart and programmable thermostats
- LED lights
- High-efficiency showerheads
- Air purifiers
Insulation, heat pumps, HRVs, and more:
Another rebate available through Efficiency Nova Scotia is for efficiency upgrades throughout your home. After you get a Home Energy Assessment, you can perform upgrades and be eligible for rebates totalling $5,000, such as:
- Ceiling insulation: Up to $750
- Basement insulation: Up to $1,200
- Exterior wall insulation: Up to $1,500
- Heat pumps: $300 to $600 per ton
- Solar: $400 to $1,000 for solar equipment
- Air sealing: $200
- Windows, doors, and skylights: $30 per
- HRVs: $300
Energy: Nova Scotians who pay for energy to heat their homes (this includes all fuel sources, such as natural gas, propane, wood, and oil) are eligible for a rebate that’s equal to the provincial portion of their harmonized sales tax.
Prince Edward Island Rebates
Province-Wide Residential Rebates
Insulation:
efficiencyPEI has several insulation rebates available to all Islanders, with higher rebates for low-income households. You can get insulation upgrade rebates for:
- Attic insulation
- Insulation for above and below grade walls
- Windows, doors, and skylights
- Air sealing (there are rebates available ranging from $100 to $700, depending on whether there’s a 10, 20, or 30 percent improvement in air changes per hour)
There is also financing available for these projects through the provincial government’s Energy Efficiency Loan Program.
Heating equipment:
efficiencyPEI also has quite a few rebates for ENERGY STAR certified or ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2020 heating equipment upgrades. Depending on income, the rebates available include:
- Mini-split air source heat pumps: $1,200 to $2,200
- Central air source heat pumps: $2,500 to $4,500
- Geothermal heat pumps: $4,000 to $7,500
- Propane boiler: $500 to $900
- Propane furnace: $500 to $900
- Water heaters: Between $500 and $2,750 for electric/solar thermal or tankless units
- HRVs and ERVs: $1,000 to $1,800
Quebec Rebates
Province-Wide Residential Rebates
Boilers and combi boilers:
Énergir is offering grants of different values for new and existing customers who replace their boilers. They also have grants for new customers who switch from oil to natural gas. Here are some of the rebates available:
- $300 for existing customers who buy a new natural gas boiler
- $900 for new and existing customers who buy a new high-efficiency condensing natural gas boiler
- $400 for new customers who upgrade to a condensing combi boiler
- Grants starting at $500 for customers who switch from an oil-fired heating system to natural gas boiler
More information about the rebates for new customers and existing customers can be found on the Énergir website.
Financial assistance for boilers: Through the Chauffez vert Program, there’s financial assistance available worth up to $1,275 (or more for multi-unit dwellings) for homeowners who want to upgrade their oil or propane boiler and convert to a renewable energy like electricity.
Furnaces:
Énergir also has grants worth up to $900 for existing customers who convert their heating system to a natural gas central heating system. There’s also a $300 rebate for existing customers who upgrade their current natural gas heating system with a newer one.
Financial assistance for furnaces: Through the Chauffez vert Program, there’s financial assistance available worth up to $1,275 (or more for multi-unit dwellings) for homeowners who want to upgrade their oil or propane furnace and convert to a renewable energy.
More information about the rebates for new customers and existing customers can be found on the Énergir website.
Water heaters:
There are grants and rebates available through Énergir for new and existing customers who want to add a natural gas water heater, replace an old one, or convert from oil to natural gas:
- $400 for a condensing water heater, plus an additional grant to switch from oil to gas
- $300 for replacing a natural gas water heater with a new unit or a condensing model
- $250 for existing customers who switch from oil to natural gas
More information about the rebates for new customers and existing customers can be found on the Énergir website.
Financial assistance for water heaters: The Chauffez vert Program has up to $250 available for single-family homes (and more for multi-unit dwellings) for converting water heaters from fossil fuels to renewables..
Smart thermostats:
New and existing customers of Énergir can get a rebate worth up to $100 for buying and installing an eligible smart thermostat.
Heat pumps:
Hydro‑Québec offers financing for eligible heat pumps that are ENERGY STAR certified.
Commercial Rebates
Boilers: Énergir currently has a number of rebates for commercial spaces, including for boilers. They’re offering grants ranging from $750 to $10,000 for mid-efficiency boilers, and from $900 to $25,000 for high-efficiency condensing boilers.
Water heaters: Énergir also has grants worth between $750 and $20,000 for condensing water heaters for commercial properties.
Solar preheating: Another grant available from Énergir is for commercial customers who buy and install a solar air preheating system for space heating or preheating water. This grant is worth up to $200,000.
Renovations: Énergir is offering grants worth between $40,000 and $100,000 that are intended to finance renovations that will make commercial buildings more energy efficient. The grants can be used for things like:
- Improving insulation
- Air-sealing
- Upgrading windows
- Installing thermal screens
Smart thermostats: Just like for residential customers, Énergir is also offering a rebate worth up to $100 for commercial customers who buy and install a smart thermostat.
Saskatchewan Rebates
Province-Wide Residential Rebates
HVAC equipment:
Through their Residential Equipment Replacement Rebate program, SaskEnergy is offering customers in Saskatchewan a range of rebates for residential HVAC equipment upgrades, including for furnaces, boilers, HRVs, and water heaters. Here’s a list of what’s available until June 30, 2022:
- Furnaces: $325 to $650 for high-efficiency two-stage or modulating furnaces
- Boilers: $10/MBH (to a maximum of $2,000) for high-efficiency boilers
- Combi boilers: $800 for high-efficiency combi boilers
- HRVs: $100 for ENERGY STAR certified HRVs installed in existing homes
- Water heaters: $1,000 for tankless or condensing ENERGY STAR water heaters
- Tank water heaters: $250 for ENERGY STAR certified storage water heaters
Commercial Rebates
Boilers: SaskEnergy is also offering a Commercial Energy Efficiency Program, and has a Commercial Boiler Rebate available through that program. The rebate is specifically for high-efficiency natural gas condensing boilers with an input rating of 400 MBH or higher. The rebate applies to both new and replacement boilers, and the details of the rebate are:
- $10/MBH for the first 600 MBH
- $3/MBH beyond the first 600 MBH
Rebates available until November 30, 2021.
Space and water heating: Through SaskEnergy, there’s also the Commercial Space & Water Heating Rebate available to cover the purchase of furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and infrared tube heaters. The rebates include:
- Furnaces: $325 to $650 for high-efficiency two-stage or modulating furnaces
- Boilers: $10/MBH for new and replacement boilers with an input rating lower than 400 MBH
- Condensing water heaters: $5/MBH for ENERGY STAR certified replacement units
- Infrared tube heaters: $600 to $1,200 per unit for new and replacement units, depending on whether the unit is single-stage, dual-stage, or condensing
Rebates available until November 30, 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Rebates
Usually you must pay for the upgrades yourself and you will receive a partial refund in the mail afterwards.
In most cases, the process is as follows:
– You check for available rebates in your area and carefully study the terms and requirements (you may try speaking to a trusted local contractor for help). You may have to fill out an application first.
– If required, you have an energy audit done by a Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) that’s approved by the entity offering the rebate.
– You have the upgrades done by a reputable local HVAC contractor (remember, in some cases the company must be registered with the rebate-providing entity. We get contacted daily by people who don’t qualify for the available rebates because they went with the cheapest company they could find or a well-meaning relative. Do your research and ideally opt for an established HVAC contractor)
– In some cases the contractor is responsible for applying for the rebates after the work is done, or it may be up to you. Sometimes a final energy audit is required.
– You’ll typically receive a reimbursement cheque in the mail
The process outlined here is just a general guideline and the details will obviously vary in your case. That’s why it can be a good idea to enlist the help of a local HVAC expert ahead of time to help you through the process of replacing your furnace and getting the rebates.
Note that in certain cases (e.g. specific programs for aboriginals) may pay for the upgrades directly but this is relatively rare.
How can I qualify for rebates?
You must almost always apply prior or meet certain pre-installation criteria to qualify. Here some criteria that you may be required to meet (varies by rebate program, obviously):
– Work done by a registered company
– Pre and post renovation/furnace upgrade energy audit(s)
– Purchase of an ENERGY STAR models or other specific model requriements
– Certain level of energy consumption decrease achieved
– Sometimes more than one upgrade must be done (e.g. new furnace AND water heater)
– Must live in eligible region (specific city, province, or be a customer of the gas utility offering the rebate)
– If the rebate is being offered by a utility company, your account must most likely be in good standing
– Certain programs are geared to low-income homeowners for example, so specific income or other criteria may apply
These are just examples; every program will have its own requirements that must be met.
How much can I save?
Typically anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $1000 or more, depending on the rebate program, how many eligible upgrades are completed (furnace, thermostat, insulation, etc). Remember that you must usually pay for the upgrades first and then receive a cheque afterwards.
Can I use the rebate money to pay for the upgrades directly or get the money ahead of time?
In the majority of cases, no. (A limited number of programs may offer “no charge” upgrades but this will be stipulated clearly in the program description.)
When do I receive the money?
Assuming you met all the criteria, you will typically receive the money within a few months of the renovations or HVAC system upgrades being completed.
How will I receive the rebate money?
Often it comes in the form of a cheque in the mail, though in some cases you may get a credit on your natural gas utility company account, for example (e.g. your Enbridge account).
Who is offering these rebates?
Many of them are offered either by government entities, or by utility companies (e.g. Union Gas, BC Hydro, etc), sometimes with funding from the government.
How long will the rebates last/be available?
It varies by rebate program, so it is best to check the exact rebate deadlines in your area for each program. Generally the sooner you can replace your furnace or other upgrade the better to ensure you make the cut.
Do I need to get an energy audit?
In many cases, an energy audit by an approved and Certified Energy Auditor must be completed before AND after the work is done. However certain programs like the Ontario Power Authority/Save on Energy rebates do not require an energy audit (though other conditions do apply).
What’s the catch?
The catch is you must meet a specific list of criteria and other requirements to receive the rebates. And in almost all cases, you must verify that you meet the criteria BEFORE replacing your furnace, A/C or other system. And you must usually pay for the upgrades yourself and be reimbursed afterwards.
What types of products and upgrades are covered?
This varies by rebate program, however the most common products covered are high-efficiency forced-air furnaces, hot water heaters and tankless water heaters, boilers, smart thermostats, and somewhat less commonly central air conditioner replacements, ductless mini-split heat pumps, and HRVs/ERVs.
Note that the rebates often also cover various other home energy efficiency upgrades like insulation, windows, etc however this particular rebate guide focuses on HVAC-related rebates.
Sometimes a portion of the required energy audit is also covered.
Why are there no rebates in my area?
Because your utility company is mean. Just kidding, the availability of rebates will vary over time, and is most often tied to funding by provincial or local governments.
What if there are no rebates in my area, can I still save money?
Even if there are no rebates available, it may still very well be worth upgrading your furnace, A/C or water heater. Especially if your current system is older than 10-15 years, you may achieve considerable savings on your utility bills/heating/electricity costs, as well as improvements in your home’s comfort level, heating & cooling performance, temperature consistency, fewer repair and maintenance costs, even a reduction in unit noise levels, as well as improving the value of your home.
Check out our current deals page to find out about other current offers in your area that can help you save on a new HVAC system!
I already replaced my furnace, AC, etc, can I still get a rebate?
Unfortunately, you must often apply for or meet certain criteria BEFORE the work is done in order to qualify so it’s always best to do your research prior to starting any renovations or removing your old furnace or air conditioner. WE CANNOT HELP YOU IF YOU HAVE ALREADY REPLACED YOUR FURNACE OR OTHER SYSTEM. PLEASE CONTACT THE COMPANY THAT YOU DEALT WITH DIRECTLY.
I want to replace my furnace or other heating & cooling system, where can I find a contractor or company that will get me rebates/more info about them?
You can more information or a free quote including applicable local rebates from local contractors in your area here.
Are rebates worth it?
Getting heating and cooling rebates does take some additional work and time. If you are pressed for time, like if your furnace broke down in the middle of winter, you may not have the luxury of going through the additional steps of applying for rebates, for example.
However if you do have the time and inclination, you can often get at least a partial refund of the cost, sometimes over $1000. So if you’re considering upgrading your HVAC system, it is often worth it to at least look into it and ask a trusted local contractor about prior to investing in a new home furnace.
With the use of a high efficiency furnace you can cut down on the energy consumption of your home while potentially also improving the comfort level. New ENERGY STAR furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters and other systems are often significantly more energy-efficient than older units. If you want to lower your home’s energy consumption, a furnace is one of the best investments that you can make.
Replacing your furnace or making other home renovations can obviously require a costly initial investment. Fortunately there are sometimes provincial government rebates, grants, and tax credits or rebates from your utility company that you can use in order to supplement the cost of a new furnace and recoup some of the money.
The brand you choose, whether it’s Carrier, Lennox, Goodman, KeepRite, Amana, Napoleon, or any of the many other manufacturers generally isn’t important. Usually, the most important qualifying factor for the rebates below is that the new system is a high-efficiency, often ENERGY STAR® rated model.
Find out if you qualify for rebates!
Get customized rebate info and a free quote including applicable rebates from trusted local contractors in your area
