What is the Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program?
May 8, 2025

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If you own a home in Ontario and you're thinking about making upgrades to reduce your energy bills, there's a program you should know about. It’s called the Home Renovation Savings Program, and it offers cash rebates to help cover the cost of energy-efficient renovations.
Whether you're planning to add insulation, install a heat pump, or upgrade your windows, this program could put hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars back in your pocket.
Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program 2025
Launched on January 28, 2025, Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program is a government-backed initiative aimed at helping homeowners make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. The program offers rebates of up to 30% on various home improvements that enhance energy efficiency, thereby reducing energy bills and contributing to environmental sustainability.
This program replaces previous initiatives like the Canada Greener Homes Grant, streamlining the process and expanding eligibility to include homeowners who heat their homes with electricity, propane, or oil. It's a collaborative effort between the Ontario government, Enbridge Gas, and Save on Energy
Home Renovation Savings Program Key Features
1. Rebate Coverage
Homeowners can receive rebates covering up to 30% of the cost of eligible energy-saving upgrades. These include:
Insulation: Up to $8,900 for upgrading attic, wall, or basement insulation
Windows and Doors: $100 per energy-efficient window or door
Air Sealing: Up to $250 for sealing drafts and leaks
Smart Thermostats: $75 rebate for approved smart thermostats
Heat Pumps: Up to $7,500 for cold climate air-source heat pumps, and up to $12,000 for ground-source heat pumps
Solar Panels and Battery Storage: Up to $5,000 each for solar panels and backup batteries
Home Energy Assessments: $600 rebate for a professional energy audit
2. No Energy Audit Requirement for Some Upgrades
Unlike past programs, this one doesn’t always require a full home energy audit. For example, if you’re just installing a heat pump, you may not need to do one. This makes the process faster and less expensive upfront.
3. Expanded Eligibility
The program is open to all Ontario homeowners—whether your home uses gas, electricity, propane, or oil for heating. That’s a major change from older programs that mostly focused on gas-heated homes.
Benefits of Participating in the Program
Lower Energy Bills: Upgrading insulation, windows, and heating systems can lead to big monthly savings.
More Comfortable Homes: Better insulation and modern equipment help maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
Environmental Impact: Using less energy means reducing your carbon footprint.
Higher Property Value: Energy-efficient upgrades can make your home more attractive to buyers if you sell.
Eligibility for Home Renovation Savings Program
This program is open to most homeowners in Ontario, especially those who:
Own and live in a detached, semi-detached, row house, or mobile home
Heat their home with natural gas or electricity
Are planning to make eligible energy-saving upgrades
Are willing to get a home energy assessment before and after the renovations
You don’t have to be low-income, and there are no strict income limits — unlike other programs.
Important: You must get a pre-retrofit energy assessment done before starting the work, or you won’t qualify for rebates.
How to Apply and Get Started
Applying for the Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program is easier than many people expect, but there are a few important steps to follow to make sure you qualify and receive your rebate smoothly.
1. Check If You're Eligible
Before anything else, confirm that:
You own a residential property in Ontario—this includes detached homes, townhomes, semi-detached homes, and in some cases, multi-unit homes.
You're planning to complete eligible upgrades listed under the program (like insulation, heat pumps, or windows).
The upgrades are being done by approved or licensed contractors—this is important because using an uncertified contractor can disqualify you from receiving the rebate.
In some cases, your home must be your primary residence, though certain rebates may also apply to rental units.
If you’re not sure whether your home or planned upgrade qualifies, you can call the program’s support line or use their online eligibility checker (available through Save on Energy or Enbridge Gas portals).
2. Decide Which Upgrades You Want to Do
This part is key. You’ll want to:
Review the full list of upgrades that are eligible for rebates (e.g., insulation, windows, heat pumps, solar panels).
Consider which ones will have the biggest impact on your comfort, energy bills, and rebate amount.
Some rebates don’t require a full energy audit, but others might. So if you’re planning multiple upgrades, it’s a good idea to plan them all at once and figure out what order makes sense.
Think about bundling upgrades. For example, upgrading your insulation and installing a smart thermostat together might boost your energy savings and make your rebate application more efficient.
3. Get Quotes and Hire Certified Contractors
Get quotes from a few local contractors who specialize in energy-efficient upgrades.
Ask if they are registered with the program or have worked on similar projects.
Make sure they follow Ontario building code and use equipment or materials that meet the program’s technical requirements (e.g., ENERGY STAR–rated windows or cold-climate heat pumps).
Keep detailed, written estimates and ask your contractor to explain which rebates you’ll likely qualify for based on the work.
4. Complete the Work
Once you've chosen your contractor, schedule and complete the upgrades. Keep in mind:
Some rebates may require before-and-after documentation, like photos or invoices, so don’t toss your paperwork.
Try to complete all work within a reasonable time frame—some rebates have time limits after the installation is complete to submit your application.
Take note of the installation dates, as they’ll be required in your submission forms.
5. Submit Your Application and Receipts
This is the part where most homeowners get nervous, but it’s straightforward if you're organized:
Submit your application online through the program’s website.
Upload all required documents, which may include:
Invoices and receipts from contractors
Product information (like model numbers for heat pumps or windows)
Photos of the completed work
A copy of your energy assessment (if applicable)
Make sure your documents are clear and legible—blurry photos or missing receipts are the most common reasons for delays.
Some contractors may help you submit the application or provide a checklist. Don’t hesitate to ask!
6. Wait for Approval and Get Paid
Once submitted:
The program team will review your documents and may follow up with questions or requests for more information.
If everything checks out, you’ll receive your rebate—usually within 30 to 60 business days, though times may vary depending on the volume of applications.
You’ll typically receive the rebate via direct deposit or cheque, depending on how you set up your application.
Is the Home Renovation Savings Program Worth It
Energy-efficient upgrades can reduce your monthly utility bills, increase your home’s comfort, and even boost your property value. With these rebates, the upfront cost becomes much more affordable.
Adding insulation might cost $5,000, but the rebate could cover more than half.
A heat pump installation might cost $12,000, but rebates could bring that down to $6,000 or less.
Over time, you also save money on heating and cooling — often hundreds of dollars per year.
Combine With Other Programs
You might also be eligible for additional incentives through:
Canada Greener Homes Grant (now paused but may return)
Municipal top-ups or low-interest loans
Enbridge’s Enhanced Rebates for income-qualified households
If you're already doing upgrades, talk to your energy advisor or mortgage broker to bundle multiple programs and maximize your savings.
Looking to Renovate Your Home in Ontario?
The Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program is one of the easiest ways for homeowners to upgrade their home, cut down on energy bills, and get rewarded with rebates. It’s perfect for anyone planning renovations and looking to save money in the long run.
If you're not sure where to start, speak to a licensed energy advisor or reach out to a mortgage broker — especially if you're thinking about using home equity to pay for the upgrades. Many homeowners combine this rebate program with a HELOC or home equity loan, so they don’t have to dip into savings.