What government rebates are available for home improvements in Ontario?

Ontario offers several government rebates for home improvements, but navigating these programs requires working with qualified, properly licensed contractors to ensure eligibility and proper installation.

The main rebate programs available to Ottawa homeowners include:

Canada Greener Homes Loan Program provides interest-free loans up to $40,000 for energy-efficient retrofits like heat pumps, insulation, windows, and solar panels. You'll need pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations, and all work must be done by contractors with proper licensing and certifications.

Ontario's Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) offers rebates for heat pump installations, weatherization, and insulation upgrades. Heat pump rebates can reach $7,100, but installation must be by TSSA-certified technicians for gas disconnections and ESA-licensed contractors for electrical work.

Enbridge Gas rebates are available for Ottawa customers upgrading to high-efficiency furnaces, water heaters, and smart thermostats. These require installation by TSSA G1 or G2 certified technicians and proper permit acquisition.

Federal Electric Vehicle Charging rebates provide up to $5,000 for home EV chargers, but electrical work must be performed by Licensed Electrical Contractors (LEC) with ESA permits and inspections.

Critical Contractor Requirements for Rebate Eligibility:

When hiring contractors for rebate-eligible work, verify they have proper licensing through ESA (esasafe.com/contractor-locator) for electrical work and TSSA (tssa.org) for gas/HVAC work. Many rebate applications are rejected because homeowners used unlicensed contractors or skipped required permits.

Always confirm your contractor will:

• Pull required City of Ottawa permits (613-580-2424)


• Provide WSIB clearance certificates


• Use rebate-eligible equipment meeting program specifications


• Complete all required documentation and inspections

Most rebate-eligible improvements require City of Ottawa building permits. Heat pump installations typically need both building permits ($200-400) and electrical permits through ESA. Window replacements may need permits depending on size changes. Your contractor should handle permit applications, but verify they're included in quotes.

Red Flags to Avoid:

Be wary of contractors who promise rebates without proper licensing verification, offer to skip permits to "save money," or demand full payment upfront. Legitimate contractors understand rebate requirements and will provide proper documentation.

Getting Started:

Before hiring any contractor, check current rebate program availability as they change frequently. Visit canada.ca/greener-homes and ontario.ca/energy-rebates for current programs. Always get multiple quotes from properly licensed contractors and verify their credentials before signing contracts.

For specific rebate program details and current availability, contact the program administrators directly. Here at OCN, we focus on helping you find qualified, licensed contractors who can properly complete rebate-eligible work according to Ottawa and Ontario requirements.