This guide will examine the currently available 2022 government and utility company furnace and air conditioner grant programs, energy tax credits & rebates available to Canadians.
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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 heating and cooling system and for 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 hundreds or even 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, and by region or city/municipality, and their 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 most 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.
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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 EnerGuide evaluations 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 covers 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 most of 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, and 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 for attics, basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls
- 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 with a Energy Factor rating of 0.77+ or a Uniform Energy Factor rating of 0.80
- Thermostats: $75 for upgrading to a smart thermostat
Affordable 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, 2022.
- 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
- Water heaters: up to $900
- Make-up air units: Up to $26,000 ($0.60 to $1.05 per cubic feet per minute)
- Low-flow showerheads: free in eligible units
- 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
Energy Affordability Program
This is open to electricity customers in Ontario who meet the income eligibility criteria. Depending on your income and your home, you could be eligible (for free) to get:
- ENERGY STAR light bulbs
- Window air conditioner
- Refrigerator
- Clothes line
- High-efficiency faucets and showerheads
- Insulation and weather stripping
- Smart thermostat
Ontario Renovates Program
Ontario Renovates provides grants and forgivable or interest-free loans 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
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.
- 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, 2023.
- 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. Available until December 31, 2022.
- Leeds Grenville: Up to $15,000 in forgivable loans is available. Available until December 31, 2022.
- Thunder Bay: The city has a $5,000 grant that’s forgiven at 10 percent each year.
Residential Rebates by City/Region
Toronto: The City of Toronto’s Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) provides low-interest or zero-interest loans up to $125,000 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
- Purchasing air-source heat pumps
- Installing geothermal or solar hot water 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 $5,000+ loan for energy-efficient products or services for your home.
Toronto: Through the Eco-Roof Incentive Program, the City of Toronto is offering grants to help home and building owners install green or cool roofs. Through the program, you can get:
- $100 per square meter to install a green roof
- $1,000 for a structural assessment before installing a green roof
- $2 to $5 per square meter for a cool roof
Commercial Rebates
The Fixed Incentive Program: This program from Enbridge offers a number of commercial incentives for business owners who want to make improvements to their properties. The program is open until December 31, 2022, and it includes the following incentives:
- Destratification fans: $100 per unit
- Heat recovery ventilators: $0.50 to $1.25/CFM for new devices
- HRVs: $0.25 to $0.75/CFM for upgraded devices
- Energy recovery ventilators: $1.00 to $1.75 for new devices
- ERVs: $0.50 to $1.15 for upgraded devices
- Air curtains: $200 to $500 for pedestrian doors
- Air curtains: $3,250 to $8,750 for shipping doors
- Door dock seals: $950 to $1,650
- Condensing make-up air units: $0.50 to $1.00/CFM
Commercial Custom Retrofit Program: Right now, business owners who are Enbridge customers can save up to $50,000 when upgrading to energy efficient boilers and water heaters. The program is open until October 31, 2022.
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 existing homes, and this translates to the city covering about 15 percent of the cost.
For new homes and residential buildings, the City of Edmonton is offering $0.30 per watt.
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. There are several incentives you can take advantage of, including:
- $350 for qualifying air conditioners
- $350 for qualifying ENERGY STAR furnaces
- $1,000 for qualifying ENERGY STAR HRVs or ERVs
- $500 for qualifying tankless water heaters
- Up to $2,500 for insulation upgrades
- Up to $10,000 for reducing your home’s energy consumption (the rebate amount is based on actual energy savings achieved)
- Up to $1,000 for adding solar photovoltaic systems to homes
- $400 rebates to energy advisors who complete EnerGuide home evaluations
- Up to $200 through the Scratch and Win program for small energy-efficient items, such as low-flow showerheads, weather stripping, solar lights, and programmable thermostats
British Columbia Rebates
Province-Wide Residential Rebates
Windows, doors, insulation, water heaters, and space heating:
BC Hydro, in partnership with CleanBC and FortisBC, has up to $10,000 in home renovation rebates through the Home Renovation Rebate Program. Those rebates are:
- Windows and doors: Up to $3,000 to install energy-efficient windows and doors
- Insulation: Up to $5,500 to upgrade insulation (more info from FortisBC)
- 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
BC Hydro has bonuses between $300 and $2,000 available if you complete two or more upgrades. Similarly, Fortis is offering a $300 two-upgrade bonus.
Furnaces:
FortisBC is 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, and the $150 rebate for an ENERGY STAR smart thermostat still applies.
If you install an eligible natural gas direct vent wall furnace (which are great for small spaces), then you could qualify for a $700 rebate. There’s an additional $400 rebate if you install a water heater at the same time, or up to $1,000 if the water heater is a high-efficiency natural gas model.
FortisBC has incentives for BC residents to connect to natural gas and replace their oil/propane heating systems with a natural gas appliance. The rebate depends on the type of appliance you switch to. You can get 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 for income-qualified homeowners and renters. The upgrades include LED lights, insulation, ENERGY STAR refrigerators, and high-efficiency gas furnaces. 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 qualified combination space and water heat pump system.
Heat pumps:
FortisBC is offering customers (and select municipal electricity customers) a number of heat pump incentives for customers, including:
- A $6,500 heat pump loan at an interest rate of 1.9 percent
- Eligible high-efficiency air source heat pump rebates of $1,200 or $2,000
- Rebates up to $5,000 for income-qualified customers
- A $50 rebate for annual heat pump maintenance
Beyond that, BC Hydro has their own heat pump rebate worth up to $2,000 when you replace an electric heating system with a heat pump.
Further, CleanBC Better Homes is offering between $1,200 and $6,000 to participants who switch from a fossil fuel heating system to an electric air source heat-pump. That includes air-to-water heat pumps.
Water heaters:
FortisBC is giving customers between $200 and $1,000 to upgrade to an eligible ENERGY STAR certified natural gas water heater. There are separate rebates worth between $500 and $2,500 for income-qualified customers who are replacing an existing water heater with an eligible natural gas ENERGY STAR® water heater.
FortisBC also has upgrade incentives right now for customers who are building new homes, and those include rebates between $500 and $2,000 for natural gas water heaters, combi boilers, and heat pump water heaters. Open until December 31, 2022.
For electric heat pump water heaters, BC Hydro is offering customers $1,000 back. FortisBC has their own $1,000 rebate for eligible high-efficiency 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). Income-qualified customers could be eligible for a boiler rebate worth $2,000.
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 Energy Improvement Bonus:
In partnership with FortisBC and BC Hydro, CleanBC has a bonus worth between $750 and $2,000 for homeowners who install at least three eligible energy efficiency upgrades, including insulation upgrades, windows and doors, heating system upgrades, water heaters, and more.
You have to have an EnerGuide home evaluation before AND after the upgrades, and for every percentage point you reduce your home’s EnerGuide rating, you’ll get $20, with a minimum bonus of $750.
Residential Rebates by City
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.
North Vancouver: The City of North Vancouver has a program for electric air source heat pumps worth up to $2,000 when you switch from a fossil fuel heating system.
Powell River: The City of Powell River is offering a $350 top-up to residents who make the switch to an electric air source heat pump from a fossil fuel heating system.
Powell River: There’s an additional $500 top-up for Powell River residents who upgrade their electrical service to 100-, 200- or 400-amp service and switch from fossil fuel space/water heating to an electric heat pump/water heater.
Regional District of Nanaimo: Through CleanBC Better Homes, there’s a $250 rebate available for RDN Electoral Area homeowners who switch from oil heating to a heat pump. Available until December 15, 2022.
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 $1,000 in rebates when they upgrade to an ENERGY STAR natural gas furnace with a smart thermostat. Available until June 30, 2021.
Eligible participants could qualify for up to $3,000 in furnace rebates, which are open to commercial customers who provide low-income housing, local governments, and housing societies and co-ops.
Boilers: FortisBC also has anywhere from $4,000 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 has 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: A standard-efficiency natural gas furnace that costs just $9.50 a month for five years
- Furnaces: A mid-efficiency furnace that costs just $25 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:
Efficiency Manitoba is also offering a $150 rebate on eligible HRV controls.
Heat Pumps:
Efficiency Manitoba has an incentive for homeowners who want to install a ground source heat pump system. There are three ways the rebate is calculated, and you could be eligible for ONE of the following, whichever is the lesser:
- $2.50 per square foot of space that’s heated by the system
- $120 per thousand BTUs per hour (MBH) of installed heating capacity
- $120 per MBH of the building’s transmission/infiltration heating load
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 rebate ranging from $400 to $1,750 on select heat pumps. The offer is in conjunction with NB Power’s Total Home Energy Savings Program, so you’ll have to pay for the $99 Home Energy Evaluation before you buy the heat pump to be eligible for the rebate.
Further, Daikin has another rebate for New Brunswick homeowners that’s separate from the Total Home Energy Savings Program. It’s worth up to $1,550 and is available on select heat pumps.
Newfoundland Rebates
Province-Wide Residential Rebates
Thermostats:
takeCHARGE is offering rebates for thermostats. You can get $10 back when you buy a programmable or smart 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 is currently 6.7 percent, and the terms are 36 or 60 months. Financing is available for a number of upgrades, including:
- Water heaters: Up to $1,425 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 (no maximum amount for financing)
- Thermostats: Digital and programmable thermostats (no maximum amount for financing)
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 for 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 $2,000
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 a heat pump water heater, but you can also save anywhere from $3 to $200 on things like:
- Variable-speed pool pumps with ENERGY STAR certification
- Dimmer switches
- Smart and programmable thermostats
- LED lights
- High-efficiency showerheads
- Air purifiers
- Dehumidifiers
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
- Draft proofing: Up to $200
- 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
Your Energy Rebate Program (YERP): 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 YERP rebate that’s equal to the provincial portion of the harmonized sales tax that was spent on home energy products.
Prince Edward Island Rebates
Province-Wide Residential Rebates
Insulation:
efficiencyPEI has several insulation rebates available to all Islanders (the higher rebate amounts are for low-income households). Before you’re eligible for the rebates, you’ll have to schedule a Home Energy Assessment, which costs $99. You can get insulation upgrade rebates for:
- Attic insulation: $2.50–$4.00/100 square feet/R-value increase
- Insulation for above grade walls: $8–$40/100 square feet/R-value increase
- Insulation for below grade walls: $12–$20/100 square feet/R-value increase
- Windows, doors, and skylights: $100 to $200 per opening (maximum $1,000 to $2,000)
- 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 worth up to $10,000 through the provincial government’s Energy Efficiency Loan Program.
Heating equipment:
efficiencyPEI also has quite a few rebates for energy-efficient heating equipment upgrades. Depending on income, the rebates available include:
- Mini-split air source heat pumps: $1,200 to $2,400
- Central air source heat pumps: $2,500 to $4,500
- Geothermal heat pumps: $4,000 to $7,500
- Oil boiler or furnace: $500 to $900
- Propane boiler: $500 to $900
- Propane furnace: $500 to $900
- Electric thermal storage furnace (for City of Summerside Electric Utility customers): $1, 500 to $2,750
- Electric thermal storage heater (for City of Summerside Electric Utility customers): $750 to $1,400
- Air-source heat pump hot water heater: $1,000 to $1,800
- Indirect hot water heater: $500 to $900
- Water heaters: Between $500 and $2,750 for electric/solar thermal or tankless units
- HRVs and ERVs: $500 to $900
- Biomass stove: $1,000 to $1,800
- Biomass boiler or furnace: $2,000 to $3,500
Quebec Rebates
Province-Wide Residential Rebates
Many of the rebates available in Quebec are through Énergir, and they include rebates for boilers, furnaces, water heaters, and smart thermostats. The rebate amounts available depend on a number of factors, including:
- Whether you’re a new customer or an existing customer
- If you’re a new customer, whether you’re switching from oil to natural gas
- If you’re an existing customer, whether you’re adding a new appliance or replacing an old one
- Whether you qualify for the low-income household supplement (larger grants are available through this program)
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 replace a natural gas boiler
- $900 for new and existing customers who buy a new high-efficiency condensing natural gas boiler
- $150 for new and existing customers who install a condensing combo system that pairs a condensing tankless water heater with a fan coil unit to heat the air
- $850 for new and existing customers who install a very-high-efficiency combo system
- Grants starting at $500 for existing customers who switch from an oil-fired heating system to natural gas boiler
- Grants for new customers who switch from oil to natural gas
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. The grant is less for homes that are converting from propane to natural gas.
Furnaces:
Énergir also has grants worth up to $900 for existing customers who convert their heating system to a natural gas central heating system. Customers who currently use an oil heating system are eligible for the $500 to switch to natural gas.
There’s also a $300 rebate for existing customers who replace 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. The grant is less for homes that are converting from propane to natural gas.
Water heaters:
There are water heater grants and rebates available through Énergir for new and existing customers, and they include:
- $300 for existing customers who replace a natural gas water heater
- An additional $150 for existing customers who replace a natural gas water heater with a condensing model
- $150 for new customers who install a condensing water heater for a combo system (available until October 1, 2022)
- Grants for new customers who switch from oil to natural gas
- $250 for existing customers who switch from oil to natural gas
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. The grant is less for homes that are converting from propane to natural gas.
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 financial assistance for select high-efficiency heat pumps
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.
There’s an additional grant worth $1,250 for businesses that switch from oil to natural gas.
Water heaters: Énergir also has grants worth between $750 and $20,000 for condensing water heaters for commercial properties.
There’s an additional grant worth $1,250 for businesses that switch from oil to natural gas.
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 up to $40,000 for smaller businesses with lower consumption rates and up to $100,000 for larger clients with higher consumption rates. The grants are intended to finance renovations that will make commercial buildings more energy efficient. The grants can be used for things like:
- Improving insulation in walls and roofs
- Air-sealing
- Replacing 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 models
- 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, but there are minimum efficiency requirements. The details of the rebate are:
- $10/MBH for the first 600 MBH
- $3/MBH beyond the first 600 MBH
Rebates available until August 31, 2022.
Space and water heating: Through SaskEnergy, there’s also the Commercial Space & Water Heating Rebate available to SaskEnergy Commercial Customers to cover the purchase of furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and infrared tube heaters. The rebates include:
- Furnaces: $325 for two-stage furnaces and $650 for 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/unit for single-stage, $1,000/unit for two-stage and modulating, and $1,200/unit for 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
