Ontario Residential Financial Incentives for Insulation
*NEW* Enbridge - HER+ Program
Enbridge Gas and the Canada’s Greener Homes Grant have partnered to provide rebates towards eligible retrofits such as home insulation, windows and doors, heat pumps and renewable energy systems. The new, co-ordinated Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program will help more Ontarians save energy at home. This is great news for residents across the province, including current Enbridge Gas customers who use natural gas to heat their homes and will benefit from enhanced rebates up to $10,000. Participants can also offset the cost of their EnerGuide home evaluation with an additional rebate of $600.
Before you start any renovation work, you must complete a home energy assessment with a Registered Energy Advisor. Answer a few short questions to find a Registered Energy Advisor in your area. See how this program works.
Already enrolled in Home Efficiency Rebate or the Canada’s Greener Homes Grant? Here’s what to do next.
Save with rebates for these high-impact upgrades:
- Home energy assessments – Up to $600
- Home insulation – Up to $10,000
- Air sealing – Up to $1,300
- Windows and doors – Up to $325 for each
- Space and water heating – Up to $7,800
- Smart thermostats – Up to $125
- Solar panels – Up to $5,000
- Weatherproofing – Up to $1,650
*UPDATED* Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)
Through the Home Energy Loan Program (HELP), Toronto homeowners can borrow up to $125,000 to cover the cost of home energy improvements, such as:
- Insulation: basement/attic/exterior wall
- Air sealing (e.g. weather stripping or caulking)
- Air-source heat pumps
- Window / door replacements
- Geothermal systems
- High-efficiency water heaters
- High-efficiency furnaces / boilers / air conditioners
- Tankless water heaters
- Drain-water heat recovery systems
- Toilet replacements
- Solar hot water systems
- Rooftop solar PV panels
- Electric vehicle charging stations (Level 2)
- Battery storage
For a limited time, zero-percent interest rates and terms of up to 20 years¹ of amortization on qualifying measures.
HELP makes it easy and affordable for homeowners to pay for home improvements over time and access rebates offered by utility companies and the Federal government. Once funding is approved, homeowners can hire the contractor of their choice and complete their renovations.
Home Energy Loan Program Incentives
Homeowners who have been approved to participate in the City’s Home Energy Loan Program may also apply to receive the following incentives:
| Incentive | |
|---|---|
| Rooftop Solar PV | $1,000 |
| Air-source Heat Pumps – mini/multi-split (up to 2 indoor units) | $1,250 |
| Air-source Heat Pumps – centrally-ducted or mini/multi-split (min 3 indoor units) | $2,000 |
| Air-source Heat Pumps – cold-climate-rated central or mini-split (min 3 indoor units) | $2,500 |
| Deep Retrofit* – must achieve at least 80 per cent reduction in the home’s post-renovation EnerGuide rating | $10,000 |
*The Deep Retrofit Incentive cannot be combined with the other HELP Incentives.
These incentives are available for a limited time and are subject to terms and conditions. Incentives will end when the funding allocation limit has been reached. Homeowners may also be eligible for the Canada Greener Homes Grant .
Renovate Lanark
The Renovate Lanark Program offers one-time assistance of up to $15,000 per household for eligible homeowners to assist in financing major home repairs and/or accessibility renovations. Application may include only one primary project.
If you have any questions, please contact the Housing Department at 613-267-4200 ext 2402.
Genworth Energy Efficient Housing Program
This program offers a refund of 25% of the mortgage insurance premium for borrowers purchasing an energy-efficient home or making energy-saving renovations.
Standard Premium Rate Chart
| LTV Ratio | Premium Rate | Top-Up Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 65% | 0.60% | 0.60% |
| 65.01% – 75% | 1.70% | 5.90% |
| 75.01% – 80% | 2.40% | 6.05% |
| 80.01% – 85% | 2.80% | 6.20% |
| 85.01% – 90% | 3.10% | 6.25% |
| 90.01% – 95% | 4.00% | 6.30% |
Save ON - Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program
The RFNEEP follows a two-step process. The first step is a free energy audit for homes and businesses to assess how they use energy. Based on the results of the energy audit, qualified homes and businesses may receive no-cost energy-saving measures to help them manage energy use, save on energy costs and improve their comfort.
Standard HOME energy-efficiency upgrades
- ENERGY STAR® certified LED bulbs
- Smart Power bars
- Outdoor timers
- Water-saving measures:
- Low-flow showerheads
- Faucet aerators
- Hot water tank wrap
- Pipe insulation
Appliance replacements
- Refrigerators
- Chest freezers
- Window air conditioners
- Dehumidifiers
Insulation and draft-proofing upgrades
- Attic insulation
- Caulking around windows, weather stripping for doors and attic hatches
- Smart thermostats or programmable wall-mounted thermostats for baseboard heaters
- High-efficiency bathroom automatic exhaust fan and duct
Save ON - Energy Affordability Program
The Energy Affordability Program provides support to income-eligible electricity consumers by helping them to better manage their monthly electricity costs and to increase their home comfort. There are two types of support available through the Energy Affordability Program: Comprehensive Support and Energy Saving Kits. All expert advice and energy-saving home upgrades under this program are completely free of charge.
Comprehensive support
Ontario residents who qualify for this level of support will have an energy-efficiency expert visit their home to conduct a free energy needs assessment to identify opportunities to help them save energy, receive upgrades and replace eligible appliances.
What’s Included
Depending on eligibility and the existing equipment within your home, you may receive:
- LED light bulbs
- Energy-efficient refrigerators
- Energy-efficient freezers
- Energy-efficient dehumidifiers
- Energy-efficient window air conditioner
- Drying rack for clothes
- Smart power strip
- High-efficiency showerheads (standard and handheld)*
- Faucet aerators (kitchen and bathroom)*
- Additional attic or basement insulation**
- Weatherstripping around doors and windows**
- Smart thermostat(s)**
- Cold climate air source heat pump**
*for homes with electric hot water heating
**for homes heated by electricity
Save ON - HomeSealSaver Program Belle River Area
Belle River and area residents, receive up to $1,360 in discounts to upgrade your home’s air sealing, insulation, and central air conditioning system.
Available discounts
A home efficiency assessment must be performed to confirm eligibility for the program. In addition, all upgrades and improvements must be completed by program-approved contractors.
| Home Upgrades | Discount Amount |
|---|---|
|
Guided Air Sealing Receive an initial assessment to identify air leaks, followed by standard weatherization improvements, such as weather stripping and caulking of doors and windows. |
Free up to $600 |
|
Air Conditioner Replacement Replace an existing central air conditioner with an ENERGY STAR® high-efficiency unit. |
Up to $460 |
|
Attic Insulation Upgrade Reinforce existing insulation with blow-in or batt insulation that is up to current building standards. |
Up to $300 |
|
Air Conditioner Tune-Up Improve your air conditioning system by replacing air filters, cleaning coils, optimizing refrigerant levels and blower components, and calibrating sensors. |
Free up to $150 |
|
Aerobarrier Air Sealing* Using air pressure to distribute a waterborne sealant, the Aerobarrier system can seal any leaks, big or small, in your home. This upgrade is best for homeowners planning renovations or moving into a new home. Contact us for more details and to arrange an assessment and on-site visit. * Limited spots available. |
Free (A value of up to $3,000) |
SaveOn/Toronto Hydro Home Assistance Program
What free upgrades are available through the program?
Depending on eligibility and the existing equipment within your home, you may receive:
- ENERGY STAR®-certified LED light bulbs
- High-efficiency showerheads (standard and handheld)*
- Faucet aerators (kitchen and bathroom)*
- Drying line for clothes
- Energy-efficient refrigerator
- Window air conditioner
- Smart power strip
- Additional attic or basement insulation**
- Weatherstripping around doors and windows**
- Smart thermostat(s)**
*for homes with electric hot water heating
**for homes heated by electricity
Saving energy is simple with the Energy Affordability Program.
Who is eligible?
People who live in Ontario (including those living in grid-connected First Nations communities) and are responsible for paying their monthly electricity bill as a homeowner or as a renter may qualify for this program. The type of support provided will depend on your household income level from the previous year and how many people live in your home, or on your receipt of a qualifying government or energy-support benefit. Residents of social housing may also be eligible. Depending on your situation, you may receive different energy-saving products and services, but all of the expert advice and energy-efficiency upgrades are completely free of charge.
Enbridge - Home Winterproofing Program
The Home Winterproofing Program can help you lower your natural gas bill and make your home more comfortable. If your home and household income levels qualify, you’ll get free insulation, draft proofing and a smart thermostat to reduce energy costs up to 30%.
Home comfort, at no cost to you: What’s included
- A free home energy assessment by a trusted delivery agent.
- Free energy-efficient upgrades, including insulation, draft proofing and a smart thermostat.
- Quick, professional installation by our qualified contractors.
These free upgrades can help to reduce energy costs:
- Wall, attic or basement insulation: Proper insulation can eliminate drafts, control moisture and minimize outside noise.
- Draft proofing: We’ll seal air leaks, so the air you’re paying to heat doesn’t escape through the cracks.
- Smart thermostat: A smart thermostat adjusts automatically to keep you comfortable without wasting energy.
Hi-rise Retrofit Improvement Support (Hi-RIS) Program
The City of Toronto’s Tower Renewal program offers a range of services to residential apartment building owners including the Hi-RIS financing program. Hi-RIS provides competitive financing at fixed rates to property owners wanting to undertake building improvements that reduce energy and water consumption such as insulation for the roof or exterior walls. Residential apartment buildings with 3 or more storeys located in Toronto are eligible to apply for this program.
- 5-year term interest rate 2.05%
- 10-year term interest rate 3.54%
- 15-year term interest rate 4.74%
- 20-year term interest rate 5.26%
The loan will be repaid in instalments on the building owner’s property tax bill.
Better Homes Kingston
The Better Homes Kingston Program actively helps you make your home more energy-efficient and climate-friendly through a single portal. It offers up to $40,000 in loans at zero per cent interest for energy-efficient upgrades. You can even get 30 per cent upfront to pay contractors.
As a resident of Kingston you are eligible for a zero-interest loan for home energy efficiency improvements.
This program is supported by the Government of Canada’s Green Municipal Fund through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program
The Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program (BHOLP) is a City of Ottawa loan program for home energy efficiency retrofits. It aims to support local residents to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
This program offers low-interest, 20-year loans of up to $125,000 (or 10 percent of the current value assessment of the home, whichever is less) to cover the cost of home energy improvements. Eligible measures include thermal envelope upgrades, mechanical systems, renewable energy, EV chargers (Level 2), and the addition of rental suites (up to a maximum of 30% of the value of the loan).
With low-interest, 20-year loans that are tied to the property, not the individual, the Better Homes Ottawa – Loan Program makes it easier and more affordable for homeowners to pay for these home improvements over time. The minimum loan amount which will be issued to an applicant is $10,000.
Thermal envelope upgrades
- attic, walls, foundation, and basement insulation and associated requirements such as attic ventilation, foundation drainage and waterproofing
- air barriers, air sealing, and weather stripping
- energy star windows, skylights, tubular daylighting devices, exterior window shadings or films, and exterior energy star door replacements (provided they are around heated space)
- green roofs