Ontario Homeowners: Save on a Heat Pump with Current Rebates

A heat pump uses electricity to provide both heating and cooling, so your electricity use can increase after installation. However, higher electricity use does not necessarily mean higher overall heating costs.

If your bills are unexpectedly high, factors such as outdoor temperatures, thermostat settings, home insulation, system sizing, backup heat and how the system is operating can all play a role. An improperly sized or configured system can also affect efficiency.

There is no single price based on square footage alone. The cost of a heat pump installation depends on the home's heating requirements, insulation, existing HVAC system, electrical requirements, equipment selected and whether the installation is ducted or ductless.

The best way to determine your actual cost is to have the home assessed and receive a properly sized system recommendation and written quote. Available rebates can then reduce the amount you pay out of pocket.

Federal heat pump programs have changed, so homeowners should be careful when relying on older information found online. The former Canada Greener Homes Grant is closed to new applicants.

Ontario homeowners may currently have access to provincial and utility-supported programs, including the Home Renovation Savings Program. Income-qualified households may also have access to heat-pump assistance through the Energy Affordability Program.

If you are unsure which program applies to your home, Ideal Heating can help you understand the current options before you proceed.

The main current Ontario program for heat pump rebates is the Home Renovation Savings Program. Eligible cold-climate air-source and ground-source heat pumps can qualify for rebates, with the amount depending on your existing heating source and the rated capacity of the heat pump.

For example, eligible cold-climate air-source heat pumps can qualify for up to $7,500 for homes heated by electricity, oil, propane or wood, while other heating sources have different incentive levels.

Rebate eligibility and amounts can change, so homeowners should confirm the current program requirements before starting an installation.

Yes. Cold-climate air-source heat pumps are specifically designed to operate in cold temperatures and can provide heating through Ontario winters.

Performance depends on the equipment, outdoor temperature, home heat loss and system design. A properly sized system may also use supplemental or backup heat during periods of extreme cold.

It can, but not every home is designed the same way. Some homeowners use a heat pump as the primary heating system while keeping an existing furnace as backup heat.

Other homes can transition to a heat-pump-based heating system depending on the home's heat loss, electrical capacity and equipment selected. An HVAC professional can determine which approach makes the most sense for your home.

Electricity use varies considerably from one home to another. Factors include the size and efficiency of the heat pump, outdoor temperatures, thermostat settings, insulation, home size and how much heating the system provides.

A properly sized, high-efficiency heat pump can move more heat energy than the electrical energy it consumes, which is one reason heat pumps can be an efficient way to heat and cool a home.

For many Ontario homeowners, a heat pump can provide an efficient way to heat and cool the home year-round. Whether it is the right choice depends on your home's heating needs, existing system, electricity rates, equipment costs and available rebates.

A properly designed system can also improve year-round comfort by providing both heating and air conditioning from one system.

Not for the heat pump rebate under the current Home Renovation Savings Program. Heat pumps are included among the upgrades that do not require a home energy assessment.

Other home upgrades covered by the program may have different requirements, so it is important to check the requirements for the specific upgrade you are considering.

Yes, eligible homes heated primarily with Enbridge natural gas may qualify for heat pump incentives through the Home Renovation Savings Program.

The rebate amount is different from the incentive available to homes primarily heated with electricity, oil, propane or wood. Eligibility and rebate amounts depend on the program requirements and the heat pump installed.

Yes. Many homes with existing furnaces can add a heat pump to provide heating and cooling. Depending on the system design, the furnace can remain as backup heat while the heat pump handles much of the home's heating and cooling.

Your HVAC contractor can determine whether your existing ductwork, furnace and electrical system are suitable for the installation.

A properly installed and maintained heat pump can provide many years of reliable heating and cooling. Actual lifespan depends on the equipment, installation quality, operating conditions and regular maintenance.

Keeping filters clean, maintaining airflow and having the system professionally serviced can help keep the system operating efficiently.