Ottawa Heat Pump Grants
Save Up to $2,000 on Air-Source Heat Pumps with Ottawa Heat Pump Grants
Take advantage of available Ottawa Heat Pump Grants and save up to $2,000 on qualifying air-source heat pumps. These incentives are designed to encourage homeowners to adopt energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions, reducing their carbon footprint and lowering energy bills.
By taking advantage of these grants, you can significantly offset the upfront costs of a new heat pump and enjoy the long-term benefits of improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Qualifying Rebates:
- Air Source Heat Pump: Up to $1,000
- Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump: Up to $2,000
- Heat Pump Water Heater: Up to $500
An energy assessment, costing up to $600, is required to validate your project and claim your rebate. Please note that rebates apply only to approved equipment as listed by Natural Resources Canada.
How to Take Advantage of Ottawa Heat Pump Grants
1. Complete the initial home energy evaluation
Reach out to an Enbridge Gas-approved service provider to arrange an energy assessment for your home (before making any upgrades). A certified energy advisor will evaluate your property and recommend qualifying upgrades.
2. Get your upgrade recommendations
Following the evaluation, you’ll receive a personalized report outlining energy-saving upgrades specifically suited to your home.
3. Complete at least two upgrades
Contact Team Harding to install your heat pump system. A Harding Home Comfort Advisor can help you choose the perfect heat pump for your home. Keep in mind you must complete at least two qualifying upgrades.
4. Schedule a follow-up assessment
Once the upgrades are finished, book a second assessment within 120 days of the initial one, or by December 31, 2025. This follow-up will take about an hour.
5. Claim your rebates
Rebate cheques, including $600 for both the initial and follow-up assessments, will begin to be issued in January 2025.
Ottawa Heat Pump Grants FAQs
Can I participate if I own a home that isn't my primary residence?
Absolutely, you can participate in the HER program whether or not the home is your primary residence.
Why do I need to complete two upgrades?
To achieve the best energy savings, it’s important that your home’s systems work efficiently together. For example, combining new insulation with proper air sealing is more effective. Following your energy advisor’s guidance will help ensure the most efficient results. Keep in mind that at least three new windows are required for an upgrade to count.
What is a home energy assessment and how long does it take?
A home energy assessment identifies ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency through upgrades. A registered energy advisor will assess your home and create a tailored plan. The initial assessment lasts about two hours, and the follow-up assessment takes around one hour.
Do I need to pay for the home energy assessment?
You’ll need to cover the cost of the home energy assessment initially, but you will receive a $600 rebate after successfully completing the program.
Am I eligible for rebates if I’ve already started upgrades or renovations?
To be eligible for rebates, you must complete a home energy assessment before beginning any upgrades.
Do I need a professional contractor for the work?
While some upgrades can be done yourself, larger installations like heat pumps generally require a professional.
Can I apply for the Canada Greener Home Loan through Enbridge Gas?
No, the Home Efficiency Rebate and the Canada Greener Homes Loan are separate programs. Ontario residents can apply for the loan through the Canada Greener Homes Loan Portal.
When will I receive HER rebates?
Rebate checks will be sent in January 2025, once you’ve met all program requirements.
How long do I have to finish my follow-up home energy assessment?
The follow-up assessment must be completed within 120 days of the initial assessment or by December 31, 2025. There may be exceptions for assessments done between February 6, 2024, and July 15, 2024; in such cases, the follow-up should be completed within 120 days of July 15, 2024.
Can I participate in HER if I’ve already gone through HER+ or a previous Enbridge Gas program?
You can participate in HER, but rebates won’t be provided for upgrades that were funded by previous programs. A new energy assessment is required to check eligibility.
I completed my initial home energy assessment before February 6, 2024. Can I qualify for HER program rebates?
No, you won’t be eligible for HER rebates if your initial assessment was completed before February 6, 2024.
I completed my initial home energy assessment on or after February 6, 2024. Can I qualify for HER program rebates?
You will qualify for HER rebates if you:
- Had your initial home energy assessment on or after February 6, 2024.
- Meet all program requirements.
- Have not completed a follow-up assessment before July 15, 2024.
- Have not started any upgrades before documenting existing equipment.
- Complete a follow-up assessment with an Enbridge Gas-approved service organization.
Get a Free Quote
Contact Team Harding for a free quote on a heat pump system!
Call us at (613) 831-2257 or complete the form below and one of our home comfort advisors will be in touch with you shortly.
What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a 2-in-1 HVAC system that heats and cools your home. During the winter, it works by transferring heat into your home to where it’s needed. In the summer, it transfers the heat out of your home to cool it. Heat pumps are powered by electricity.
It’s an extremely energy-efficient system because it only transfers heat that exists in the air instead of producing heat, which requires much more energy. Due to their energy efficiency, heat pumps can save you money on energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
There are different types of heat pumps that qualify for Ottawa heat pump grants, including;
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ottawa heat pump grants can be applied to the installation of a new ground-source heat pump or the replacement of the heat pump unit.
Ground source heat pumps are also known as geothermal heat pumps. They work by extracting heat from the ground and moving it where it needs to be. Ground source heat pumps make use of the natural thermal energy that is stored within the Earth. This means that there’s no combustion of fossil fuels and no generation of heat.
Ground source heat pumps can be installed in the backyard of a house.
Air Source Heat Pumps and Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pumps
You can use Ottawa heat pump grants to install a new air source or cold climate heat pump or replace the unit. You can use the grant for an air source or cold climate heat pump that works as a standalone or in conjunction with another backup heating system.
Air source heat pumps extract the thermal energy from the air and move that heat into your home. These heat pumps can also cool your home when it’s hot by transferring the heat inside your house outside. Cold climate heat pumps are slightly more efficient and work in colder temperatures than standard air source heat pumps. If you live in an area where temperatures regularly drop below -10, cold climate heat pumps are better as they can operate in temperatures as low as -30.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Ottawa heat pump grants can also be put toward the installation of heat pump water heaters.
Heat pump water heaters are more efficient than traditional water heaters and use up to 70% less energy, on average. Just like heat pumps, heat pump water heaters move heat from one place to another. Depending on the type of heat pump, it transfers heat from the source (air or ground) and into the water tank. Heat pump water heaters are also powered by electricity.
You can also install an air source heat pump system that takes care of your home’s heating, cooling, and water heating. These combination systems take heat from indoors and from the outside air to heat your home and water. During the summer, these systems take the heat from the air inside your home.
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