New Ontario Rebates - What You Need to Know!
Ontario's New Home Renovation Savings Program
What You Need to Know About Heat Pumps, Solar, Batteries, and More
Big news, Ontario!
The provincial government has just launched their Home Renovation Savings Program , conveniently timed as we prepare for upcoming elections. Here's the scoop: there's some new features we'll break down below, but this program is essentially a consolidation of two existing ones - Enbridge's Home Efficiency Rebate and the IESO HomeEnergySaver Program.
If you're thinking about updating your home's energy systems, here's everything you need to know.
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What's New?
New Rebates for Solar and Batteries
One of the most exciting additions is the new rebate offerings for solar panels and battery storage, with up to $5000 for each. This is a game-changer for homeowners wanting to produce and store their own power. Keep in mind, though, there are some limitations to consider (more on that below).
“Single Upgrades” for Faster Installs
Previously, if you wanted any major rebate, you needed an in-person energy audit before and after the upgrade. With the new program, approved installers can now offer single-upgrade options for heat pumps, solar, and batteries, meaning you can skip some of the wait. This can speed up the entire installation process.
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Heat Pump Rebates-Look Beyond the Headline
The government's announcement of up to $7,500 for air-source heat pumps definitely turned heads. But there's a critical detail: if you're switching from natural gas to a heat pump, the rebate is still calculated per ton, with a maximum of $2,000 in many cases. That may lead to some unintended consequences, like contractors pushing larger units for bigger rebates-which can result in an oversized system.
An oversized heat pump can cause poor comfort, humidity issues, and indoor air quality concerns. The moral of the story? Always prioritize the right-sized equipment for your home.
Rebates per fuel type
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The Fine Print for Solar and Batteries
No Net Metering for Solar
If you're planning to install solar panels with the new program, be aware that you cannot use net metering. Net metering typically allows homeowners to feed excess power back to the grid and receive credits on their utility bills-without it, the financial upside might not be as big. Still, generating your own power can significantly reduce your electricity usage from the grid.
Batteries Must Be Paired With Solar
If battery storage is on your wishlist, note that batteries must be paired with solar-they cannot be installed as standalone units under this rebate. This pairing can be very beneficial if you want to store energy from your solar array for use during peak hours or outages, but it does limit your options if you just wanted backup power from batteries alone.
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Service Organizations for Energy Audits
If you do need an energy audit (for larger, more involved retrofit projects), be aware that only eight service organizations are currently recognized to conduct these audits across Ontario. That can mean longer wait times-another reason why the single-upgrade path for some items could be a good option if you're in a hurry.
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The Bottom Line
Heat Pumps
If you use natural gas or are looking to upgrade your air conditioner, the new rebate offers a modest boost. No fresh dollars on the table, but it’s probably the best we'll see in the near term. The upside? Without the need for an in-person energy audits, it’s now easier than ever to access. Pair it with accessible financing, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the comfort, health and savings of a properly sized and well-installed heat pump.
If you’re heating with space heaters or oil, then what are you waiting for? You're leaving money on the table.Solar & Batteries
Looking to shore up your home’s resilience? A combined rebate of up to $10,000 for solar and battery storage is a big step forward. One downside: the program doesn’t include net metering, which cuts into the potential financial returns. That might slow the uptake of this program. If resilience, backup power and reducing utility bills (especially in the summer) are high on your priority list, this is still a solid deal.
Hot Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters are eligible for a modest rebate. However they weren't included as a single upgrade, and require an in-person energy audit. Unless you're pairing the hot water heater with other upgrades it probably isn't worth the hassle. We'd recommend you get a simple, cheap and reliable electric hot water heater instead.
House Envelope
It might not be the flashiest upgrade, but beefing up your insulation, sealing those air leaks, and upgrading your windows can make a world of difference. Tighter envelopes mean better comfort, lower bills, and a more efficient home overall - always a smart move in our books.
How Jouleia Can Help
Here at Jouleia, we specialize in helping homeowners make the leap to energy efficiency-especially when it comes to heat pumps. We'll:
- Help You Select the Right Heat Pump: From system sizing to brand comparisons, we make sure you get the perfect fit.
- Maximize Your Rebates and Loans: Our team understands the new Ontario rebates and other municipal and federal incentives, ensuring you don't leave any money on the table.
- Coordinate Installation: We'll connect you with trusted contractors who prioritize comfort and system performance over just snagging a bigger rebate.
Ready to Upgrade?
If you're considering a heat pump, solar + battery system, or simply want to improve your home's energy efficiency, the new Home Renovation Savings Program is a solid starting point. And if you want an expert guide to help you navigate the rebates and avoid the pitfalls of oversizing, we're here for you.
Have questions about the new program or want to explore your upgrade options?
Upgrade today-we'll help you find the best solution for your home, maximize your incentives, and ensure you stay comfortable year-round.
Let's electrify Ontario-together!
