If you're renovating in 2026, there's real money on the table that most homeowners miss. Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program pays rebates of up to $12,000 for energy upgrades — and the smartest time to claim them is while your walls are already open. Here's what qualifies and how to fold it into a renovation.
What you can get back (2026)
| Upgrade | Rebate (up to) |
|---|---|
| Ground-source (geothermal) heat pump | $12,000 |
| Cold-climate air-source heat pump | $7,500 |
| Insulation (attic, walls, basement) | $7,700 |
| Windows & doors (ENERGY STAR®) | $100 per rough opening |
| Air sealing, smart thermostat, heat-pump water heater, solar + battery | Varies by measure |
The program launched in early 2025 and runs through November 30, 2026, so there's a real deadline. Rebates are open to homeowners heating with electricity, gas, oil, propane, or wood.
Two ways to claim
Single-upgrade path. Install one measure — a heat pump or a smart thermostat, for example — without a home energy assessment. Simple and fast.
Bundled path. Combine several upgrades (insulation + windows + air sealing) for a higher total rebate, but you'll need a pre- and post-retrofit energy assessment to qualify. If you're doing a substantial renovation, the bundled path is usually where the biggest cheques are.
Why a renovation is the perfect time
The rebated upgrades are exactly the work that's cheapest to do when a home is already opened up:
- Insulation goes in easily when walls are stripped to the studs — a step you're doing anyway in a gut renovation.
- Windows and doors are often being replaced during a renovation regardless.
- A heat pump pairs naturally with a mechanical upgrade, and a tight, well-insulated envelope makes it perform better.
Do this work during a renovation and a chunk of it is effectively subsidized — instead of paying full price to retrofit later.
How to stack it into your project
- Flag energy upgrades at the design stage, not after — so insulation, windows, and mechanicals are specced to qualify.
- If you're bundling, book the pre-retrofit energy assessment before work starts (it's required for the higher rebates).
- Choose ENERGY STAR® windows, doors, and heat-pump water heaters — the program requires certified models.
- Keep every invoice and complete the post-retrofit assessment to release the bundled rebate.
We build these upgrades into the renovation plan from the start, so the rebate paperwork lines up with the construction instead of fighting it.
FAQ
How much can I get from the Home Renovation Savings Program? Up to $12,000 total — up to $7,500 for a cold-climate air-source heat pump, $7,700 for insulation, $100 per window/door opening, and up to $12,000 for a ground-source heat pump.
When does the program end? It runs through November 30, 2026, so plan upgrades with that deadline in mind.
Do I need a home energy assessment? Only for the bundled path (multiple upgrades for a higher rebate). A single upgrade like a heat pump can be claimed without one.
Can I combine rebates with a renovation? Yes — and it's the ideal time, because insulation, windows, and mechanicals are cheapest to upgrade while the home is already open.
Planning a renovation? We'll build the eligible upgrades into the plan so you don't leave rebates behind. See our full home renovation service, compare costs in the Toronto renovation cost guide, or get a free estimate.