Across Canada, a variety of federal and provincial initiatives help homeowners and developers lower the upfront costs of energy‑efficiency upgrades. By combining interest‑free loans, premium refunds, repayable loans and targeted rebates, these programs make it easier to invest in measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut energy bills.
Federal Programs
Canada Greener Homes Loan
Through the Canada Greener Homes Loan, eligible homeowners can access interest‑free financing ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 to cover the cost of recommended retrofits, from insulation upgrades to heat pump installations. This loan program remains open to new applicants and has been bolstered by an additional $600 million in federal funding to meet ongoing demand.
CMHC Eco Plus
Homebuyers and builders who secure CMHC‑insured financing for an energy‑efficient property may qualify for Eco Plus, which refunds up to 25% of their mortgage loan insurance premium. To participate, applicants must submit a certified energy report and their refund application within 24 months of the mortgage closing date.
Canada Greener Affordable Housing Program
Designed for affordable housing providers, the Canada Greener Affordable Housing program lends up to 100% of eligible deep retrofit costs for multi‑unit buildings at least 20 years old. Loans are structured with up to $85,000 per unit forgivable, and the balance offered at low interest, capped at $170,000 per unit. Applications are accepted year‑round through CMHC’s online portal for professional and non‑profit housing organizations.
Provincial and Territorial Programs
British Columbia
CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program
Administered by BC Hydro, FortisBC and CleanBC, this suite of rebates covers a wide range of upgrades, including high‑performance windows, doors, insulation, heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, totalling up to $14,000 per household. Participants must submit their rebate application within six months of the final invoice date, and all certified installers must complete the work before rebate submission.
CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program
Since June 18, 2024, the income‑qualified Energy Savings Program has offered low‑ and middle‑income households enhanced rebates covering most upgrade costs. Under current guidelines, households may receive up to $16,000 toward heat pumps, $9,500 for windows and doors, $5,500 for insulation, and $3,500 for heat pump water heaters. Approved contractors apply on behalf of homeowners, streamlining the process.
BC Hydro Home Renovation Rebate Program
In collaboration with CleanBC and FortisBC, BC Hydro provides additional rebates up to $12,500 for electrically heated homes undertaking key efficiency measures. Eligible upgrades include insulation, heat pumps, window and door replacements, and heat pump water heaters. Customers can confirm their home’s eligibility and apply through BC Hydro’s dedicated rebate portal.
Ontario
Home Renovation Savings Program
Launched on January 28, 2025, Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings Program, delivered by Save on Energy and Enbridge Gas, offers rebates of up to 30% on a wide assortment of upgrades. Eligible measures include insulation, ground‑source and air‑source heat pumps, air sealing, solar panels, battery storage, home energy assessments and window or door replacements. Homeowners may bundle multiple upgrades to maximize their rebate.
Québec
Rénoclimat Program
Québec’s Rénoclimat program offers customized energy evaluations and financial assistance for energy-efficiency upgrades in single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and small multi-unit buildings. Grant amounts vary depending on the type of work completed, such as insulation, air sealing, window and door replacement, or heating system upgrades. To qualify, homeowners must own a dwelling located in Québec and complete both a pre- and post-retrofit evaluation by a certified energy advisor.
Smart Planning Beyond the Incentives
While grants and rebates can ease the financial burden of retrofitting your home, but regardless of eligibility or program availability, energy upgrades should be approached with a long-term mindset and a view to the overall goal of reducing costs and consumption. Prioritize measures that align with your home’s actual performance needs, based on professional energy assessments, not just the ones with the biggest rebate. Work with certified contractors, verify warranty terms, and understand any potential impact on your property’s value, insurance, or resale considerations.
Maintenance, durability, and the compatibility of new systems with existing infrastructure are also critical factors. Thoughtful planning, not just chasing incentives, is what ensures your investment leads to lasting comfort, efficiency, and savings.
2025 Guide to Canadian Green Home Grants and Energy Retrofit Incentives by Joanna Gerber | Canadian Real Estate Wealth
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