Ontario's heat pump rules reward installers who can explain them in one minute on the phone. Gas is the main heat in 58% of Ontario homes, electricity in 18% and propane in 4%, going by 2023 figures from Statistics Canada. The provincial rebate pays very different amounts depending on which of those fuels a home uses today, so the first thing a homeowner needs to know is which column they are in.
We market and advise heat pump installers and HVAC companies. We don't install or service equipment. This page sets out the Ontario picture as of October 2026. For Ontario installers we also work alongside our parent, HVAC.Digital.
The Ontario market and its buyers
The short answer: gas-heated homes are the volume, non-gas homes are the big rebates.
- Gas-heated suburban homes. The largest group. Most add a cold-climate heat pump to an existing furnace, and the $2,000 cap on air source rebates means the pitch is comfort, cooling and long-term costs rather than the cheque.
- Electric, oil, propane and wood homes. Rural Ontario, cottage country and older urban stock. Rebates of up to $7,500 for air source or $12,000 for ground source make these the highest-value leads.
- Income-eligible oil-heated homes. A no-cost stream through Save on Energy, delivered by agents by postal code.
- Northern Ontario. Longer, colder heating seasons than the south, where deep-cold performance and backup drive the decision.
Programs to watch, as of October 2026
The core program is Home Renovation Savings, run by Save on Energy (IESO) and Enbridge Gas.
| Existing heating | Cold-climate air source | Ground source |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity, oil, propane or wood | $1,250 per ton, up to $7,500 | $2,000 per ton, up to $12,000 |
| Natural gas (Enbridge customer) | $500 per ton, up to $2,000 | $3,000 |
Key conditions: models must be on NRCan's qualified product list for their type, pre-approval is mandatory, and homeowners must use a participating contractor from the program's list. The program page also shows that new contractor registration is open. We explain the contractor side in our story on Ontario heat pump rebates for installers.
The Energy Affordability Program offers income-eligible oil-heated homes a cold-climate heat pump at no cost, funded through NRCan's oil-to-heat-pump program. Toronto Hydro tells customers to apply by November 30, 2026, calling it a limited-time offer. Confirm every detail with the administrator before quoting.
Climate and seasonality
Southern Ontario winters are cold but moderated near the Great Lakes, while the north has longer and harsher heating seasons. Summer heat makes cooling a real selling point in the south, and many heat pump sales begin as air conditioner replacements in May and June. Rebate-led campaigns work best from late summer to autumn, when homeowners plan before winter and contractors still have install capacity.
Regulators to know
TSSA registers fuels contractors and certifies gas technicians, so dual-fuel and furnace work falls under it. ESA licenses electrical contractors, and only licensed contractors may advertise electrical work. Trade certification sits with Skilled Trades Ontario, and workplace insurance with WSIB. We link to these bodies; we never give compliance advice.
How we would market an Ontario installer
- A fuel-by-fuel rebate page. One clear table, dated and linked, answers the first question every caller asks. That is the core of our program landing pages.
- "Participating contractor" as a trust signal. If you are on the list, say so and link to the program.
- Separate rural and urban campaigns. Non-gas homes justify higher ad bids. See Google Ads for heat pump installs.
- Scam-aware messaging. The program warns about people impersonating contractors. Pages that show who you are and how to verify you help buyers trust you.
Results from our HVAC work include CombiBoiler.ca, with 300+ monthly leads and 300% ROI. See results, or call, text or email about your Ontario territory.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Ontario heat pump rebate?
As of October 2026, Home Renovation Savings lists $1,250 per ton up to $7,500 for a cold-climate air source heat pump in homes heated by electricity, oil, propane or wood, and $2,000 per ton up to $12,000 for ground source. Enbridge gas-heated homes get $500 per ton up to $2,000 for air source, or $3,000 for ground source. Confirm with the program before quoting.
Does the homeowner need approval before installation?
Yes. The program says pre-approval is mandatory and installations done before approval are not eligible. The participating contractor submits the pre-installation application.
Is there a free heat pump offer for oil-heated Ontario homes?
Save on Energy's Energy Affordability Program offers a no-cost cold-climate heat pump to income-eligible oil-heated homes, funded through the federal oil-to-heat-pump program. Toronto Hydro's page asks customers to apply by November 30, 2026.
Who regulates heat pump work in Ontario?
TSSA covers fuels work and registered fuels contractors, ESA covers electrical contractor licensing, and Skilled Trades Ontario handles trade certification. We link to them but don't give compliance advice.
Sources
- Home Renovation Savings: Heat pumps (2026-10-23)
- Save on Energy: Energy Affordability Program (2026-10-23)
- Toronto Hydro: Offers and rebates (2026-10-23)
- TSSA: Contractor Registration and Certification (2026-10-22)
- ESA: Contractor Licensing (2026-10-22)
- Statistics Canada Table 38-10-0286-01 (2026-10-22)