Did you know that you could be eligible for thousands of dollars by upgrading your home heating systems? To make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable, the Ontario and Canadian governments offer rebates to Ontario homeowners who want to lower their energy bills and reduce their environmental impact. Here’s how to take advantage of these incentives.
What heating systems are eligible for rebates?
Three common forms of home heating systems in Ontario are gas-fired furnaces, boilers and heat pumps. Of these, only one is eligible for significant government rebates: heat pumps.
Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one area to another, making them highly energy efficient. They can also cool your home in summer, eliminating the need for a separate air conditioner. Additionally, heat pumps don’t burn fossil fuels, so they’re more environmentally friendly than gas furnaces. In Ontario, ground-source, air-source and domestic hot water heat pumps all qualify for rebates.
Although they’re more cost-effective in the long run, heat pumps are more expensive to buy and install than other home heating systems, so rebates make these energy-saving units more affordable to ordinary homeowners.
How the heating systems rebates work
Ontario has streamlined its home energy efficiency rebate program by combining the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus and the Canada Greener Homes Grant. Homeowners can apply for provincial and federal incentives under one program, now called Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+). Here’s how it works:
Call and schedule an initial home energy assessment with a licensed Registered Energy Advisor.
The advisor will provide a custom report with recommended upgrades. These upgrades may include improving insulation, replacing windows or upgrading your home heating systems.
Complete at least one eligible upgrade.
Schedule a follow-up home energy assessment.
In about six to nine months, you’ll receive your rebate cheque, including up to $600 for the assessments from the government.
Upgrading your home heating systems to a heat pump can make you eligible for up to $10,600 in rebates under the HER+ program. You can also receive up to $125 for installing a smart thermostat.
Before applying, research the specific requirements, as these heating systems rebates have eligibility criteria you must meet to qualify. For example, rental units that aren’t customers of Enbridge aren’t eligible. Also, rebates may vary depending on factors like the type and efficiency of the heating system.
Home heating systems rebates in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Woodstock & Surrounding Areas
At Aire One Heating & Cooling, we carry some of the most energy-efficient furnaces and heat pumps on the market. Plus, our staff is ready to answer your questions about home heating systems rebates and guide you through the process. Contact us today to speak with one of our home comfort experts.