The Canada Greener Homes Grant is no longer accepting new applicants. Homeowners who are already participating are encouraged to proceed in a timely manner with their retrofits and will continue to be eligible for funding and support through the Canada Greener Homes portal.
If you are an Ontario, Quebec or Nova Scotia homeowner participating in the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus, the Rénoclimat or the Home Energy Assessment program, please contact your provincial program for more information.
The Canada Greener Homes Loan and the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program remain open. Thank you for your interest.
As part of the Canada Greener Homes Initiative, you have access to:
Grants from $125 to $5,000
To get a part of your costs back for eligible home retrofits
Up to $600
As a maximum contribution toward the total costs of your pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations
Interest-free loans of up to $40,000 with a repayment term of 10 years to help you undertake major home retrofits.
The maximum grant amount a household can receive is $5,600. This includes up to $5,000 for all eligible retrofits combined (listed below), and up to $600 for the pre- and post-retrofit evaluations combined. The grant amount varies based on the type of retrofits. Refer to the table that follows for details.
NOTE: This information on this page is for existing applicants residing in: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Yukon.
Existing applicants living in the following provinces and territories should refer to their listed webpage for information:
Before you start, check if your desired retrofit is eligible. The Canada Greener Homes Initiative helps Canadians to improve
the energy efficiency of their existing home. Additions to existing homes are not eligible for incentives under Greener Homes
as those sections are considered a new section of the house. When the renovation work is done as part of a rebuild of your existing home,
some retrofits may not be eligible depending on the extent of the rebuild. It is highly recommended that you contact us for advice on eligibility of planned retrofits before starting renovations.
Retrofits that are not eligible
Retrofits that were done before a pre-retrofit evaluation
Retrofits that were done before December 1, 2020
Products installed in new home additions built between the pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations
Home insulation
The portion of the new areas is ineligible (for example, wall insulation, attic insulation) and may reduce the total grant amount the homeowner is eligible for
Windows and doors
New windows and doors in the new home addition are ineligible
Components that require 100% upgrades are ineligible
For example: crawl space wall and header insulation, exposed floor insulation
Leased or rented equipment
Air conditioners
Tankless or storage water heaters other than heat pump water heaters
Skylights
Furnaces (unless you live in a northern or off-grid community)
Boilers (unless you live in a northern or off-grid community)
Roofs
Windows and doors in a garage
Special measures for northern and off-grid communities
We recognize that Canadians living in northern and off-grid communities face specific challenges when it comes to completing home retrofits, including higher equipment and labour costs.
It is good practice, when safe to do so, to take pictures during retrofits of your home, especially for those renovations that cannot be visually verified by the energy advisor such as:
insulation concealed behind siding or covered by drywall
insulation in a cathedral ceiling
resiliency measures (such as roofing membrane and basement wall waterproofing)
Your energy advisor may be able to give you more advice on how to take these photos.
Please note, these photos are not a substitute for the documentation requirements to be eligible for the Canada Greener Homes Initiative.
The following retrofits are eligible for the Canada Greener Homes Grant and the Canada Greener Homes Loan.
Eligible retrofit
Grant amount
Home insulation
Upgrade your eligible attic, cathedral ceiling, flat roof, exterior wall, exposed floor, basement and crawl space.
From $210 to $5,000
Air-sealing
Perform air sealing to improve the airtightness of your home to achieve the air-change rate target.
From $550 to $1,000
Windows and doors
Replace your doors, windows or sliding glass doors with ENERGY STAR® certified models.
From $125 to $ 5,000 (Each rough opening is eligible for either $125 or $250)
Thermostat
Add a smart thermostat to help improve your comfort and save money on your energy bill (must be combined with another energy efficiency retrofit).
$50
Space and water heating
Make the switch to more energy-efficient space heating or water heating equipment to save on your utility bill and reduce your carbon footprint.
From $1,000 to $5,000
Renewable energy
Install a solar photovoltaic system (including solar panels and inverters) to convert sunlight energy into electricity.
From $1,000 to $5,000 ($1,000 per kW installed)
Resiliency measures
Implement measures to protect your home and family from environmental damages (must be combined with another energy efficiency retrofit).
Natural Resources Canada does not endorse the services of any contractor, nor any specific product, and accepts no liability in the selection of materials, products, contractors or performance of workmanship. Before undertaking upgrades or renovations, find out about the appropriate products, safety and installation techniques to ensure that your home’s building envelope and indoor air quality will not be compromised, and ensure that all renovations meet local building and electrical codes and by-laws.
Insulation
The Canada Greener Homes Initiative provides grants for homeowners to increase their home insulation. In the same way that a thermos keeps your drink hot or cold, insulation keeps your home at a desired temperature by providing resistance to heat flow. Properly insulating your home will reduce your heating and cooling costs and improve your comfort. Increasing the insulation is one of the simplest ways to make your home more energy efficient.
The effectiveness of an insulation material is determined by its ability to resist heat flow. The insulation’s resistance to heat flow is measured in imperial R-value or in metric RSI value. The higher the R or RSI-value, the slower the rate of heat transfer through the insulating material. Recommendations on insulation improvements and the calculation of your grant will use these values. Read more about insulation materials.
Ensure the insulation material selected has a tested R-value that is supported by documentation such as an official specification sheet. Radiant insulation products (such as reflective bubble foil insulations, reflective paint, etc.) are often marketed as offering very high insulating values; however, there is no specific standard for radiant insulation products, so be wary of posted testimonials and manufacturers’ thermal performance claims.
All products and equipment must be purchased in Canada. Online purchases are only eligible if they are ordered from a distributor located in Canada.
Insulate your roof assemblies (attic/cathedral ceiling/flat roof)
A roof assembly can be an attic, a cathedral ceiling, a flat roof, or a combination of any of these three. The amount of the grant you receive will be based on your entire roof assembly, whatever its combination and whether or not they can be accessed. Learn more about insulation.
Eligibility criteria for a grant
Add insulation to at least 20% of the total area of your roof assembly.
You must increase the insulation value (measured in R-value or RSI) as per the table below.
Any additional insulation must be added to the same location as the insulation present at the time of the pre-retrofit evaluation. For example, if the attic floor was insulated, add insulation to the attic floor, or if the attic ceiling was insulated, add insulation to the attic ceiling.
Important
The grant amount you receive will be pro-rated based on the percentage of the total roof assembly that you insulate. Inaccessible roof spaces also count towards the entire area of the roof assembly.
Example 1: Your entire roof assembly is an attic. Your attic was initially assessed at R-10, and then you insulate 80% of your attic to R-50. That means you have added insulation to 80% of your total roof assembly, and therefore your grant amount would be 80% of $1,800, which equals $1,440.
Example 2: Half of your roof assembly is an attic, and the other half is a cathedral ceiling. You decide to insulate only your attic. Your attic was initially assessed at R-10, and then you insulate the attic to R-50. You have now added insulation to half of your total roof assembly, and therefore your grant amount would be half of $1,800, which equals $900.
The maximum grant amounts listed in the table below reflect a situation where your home has only one type of roof assembly (attic, cathedral ceiling, or flat roof).
The total grant amount for any combination of attic, cathedral ceiling and flat roof insulation cannot exceed $1,800.
Exterior wall insulation criteria for a grant
Attics
Cathedral ceilings and flat roofs
Level of insulation at the time of the pre-retrofit evaluation
Insulation level to reach
Maximum Grant amount
Insulation level to reach
Maximum Grant amount
No insulation
RSI 8.81
(R-50)
$1,800
RSI 3.52
(R-20)
$600
Less than or equal to RSI 2.11 (R-12)
RSI 8.81
(R-50)
$1,800
RSI 4.93
(R-28)
$600
Greater than RSI 2.11 (R-12) and up to RSI 4.40 (R-25)
RSI 8.81
(R-50)
$600
RSI 4.93
(R-28)
$250
Greater than RSI 4.40 (R-25) and up to RSI 6.16 (R-35)
RSI 8.81
(R-50)
$250
N/A
N/A
Exterior wall insulation
The walls of your home can account for about 20% of heat loss. In addition to heat loss through the walls, there are many cracks and other access points that allow uncontrolled air and water leakage into and out of your home. To help choose the right product for your job, review the characteristics of different types of insulation.
Eligibility criteria for a grant
Add insulation to at least 20% of your exterior wall area, excluding foundation walls. View foundation grants.
Important
The grant amount will be pro-rated based on the total percentage of your walls that you choose to insulate. This means that if you insulate 80% of your wall area, you would qualify for 80% of the amount listed below.
Example 1: In your single detached house, R-16 was added to 50% of the exterior wall area, so the grant amount would be 50% of $3,800 which is $1,900.
For a semi-detached or end unit row house, you will not qualify for the full amount of the grant. The maximum grant amount you would be eligible for is 75% of the listed amounts.
For a middle unit row house, you will not qualify for the full amount of the grant. The maximum grant amount you would be eligible for is 50% of the listed amounts.
Example 2: In your middle-unit row house, R-16 was added to 50% of the exterior wall area. For adding R-16 you could receive a maximum of 50% of $3,800 which is $1,900. However, because you only insulated 50% of the exterior wall area, the grant amount is 50% of $1,900 which is $950.
There are no grants available for insulating walls between individual units.
Grant amount
(based on the level of insulation added)
Percentage of wall area that you choose to insulate
From RSI 1.32 (R-7.5) and up to RSI 2.11 (R-12)
Greater than RSI 2.11 (R-12) and up to RSI 3.52 (R-20)
Greater than RSI 3.52 (R-20)
20%
$660
$760
$1,000
100%
$3,300
$3,800
$5,000
Exposed Floor
Some homes have exposed floors. Insulating the floor of those areas, such as the floor of a room above an attached garage or the floor of an addition where the floor is exposed to the outdoors, can improve comfort and save energy. Learn more about insulating exposed floors.
Eligibility criteria for a grant
Insulate the entire exposed floor area (minimum area of 11 square metres or 120 square feet).
The exposed floor area may be composed of either one large exposed floor area or multiple smaller areas.
This can include overhangs and floors above unheated spaces such as an unheated garage.
Did you know that basements can account for about 20% of a home’s total heat loss? Air leakage can also occur through basement windows and at the top of the basement wall. Learn more about insulating a basement.
A basement generally consists of walls, a header, and a slab. The basement header, also known as rim joist, is the area where the house structure rests on the foundation; the basement slab is the concrete floor of the basement and the basement wall is the perpendicular section between the header and the slab and may consist of a concrete wall and framed wall, also known as a pony wall.
Eligibility criteria for a grant
Add insulation to at least 20% of the total foundation wall area. The foundation wall area is the sum of all areas including basement walls, pony walls and crawl space walls.
Seal and insulate a minimum 80% of your entire basement header area.
Seal and insulate a minimum 50% of your entire basement slab area.
Important
You can receive combined grants for adding insulation to basement walls, headers and slabs.
Example 1: Your basement includes a pony wall. The basement concrete wall represents 80% of the total foundation wall area and the pony wall represents 20% of the total foundation wall area. The basement concrete wall is upgraded by R-15 and the pony wall was not upgraded. Then the grant amount would be 80% of $1,050 which is $840.
For a semi- detached or end unit row house, you will not qualify for the full amount of the grant; the maximum you would be eligible for is 75% of the listed amounts.
For a middle unit row house, you will not qualify for the full amount of the grant; the maximum grant amount you would qualify for is 50% of the listed amounts.
There are no requirements to insulate walls and headers between adjacent units, therefore there are no grants available for this work.
When both a basement and crawl space are present, all applicable grants are pro-rated to a maximum of $1,500 based on the total foundation wall area (including basement, crawl spaces and pony walls) and the insulation added.
Example 2: Your foundation has two basements and one of them includes a pony wall. The first basement represents 75% of the total foundation wall area, the second basement represents 15% of the total foundation wall area and the pony wall represents the remaining 10%. Only the second basement is upgraded by R-24, but since the second basement only represents 15% of the total foundation wall area (less than the minimum 20% requirement), this retrofit would not be eligible for a grant.
Seal and insulate at least:
Grant amount
80% of your entire basement header area to increase the insulation value by a minimum of RSI 3.52 (R-20)
$240
50% of your entire basement slab by a minimum of RSI 0.62 (R-3.5)
$400
Grant amount
(based on the level of insulation added)
Percentage of wall area that you choose to insulate
From RSI 1.76 (R-10) and up to RSI 3.87 (R-22)
Greater than RSI 3.87 (R-22)
20%
$210
$300
100%
$1,050
$1,500
Crawl space
A crawl space is a foundation where the distance between the floor and the bottom of the ceiling joists is shorter than a regular basement. Your energy advisor can provide you with more details about your foundation.
Did you know that a crawl space can be insulated in multiple ways? The walls of the crawl space can be insulated on the inside or the outside. The crawl space ceiling can also be insulated.
Eligibility criteria for a grant
Add insulation to crawl space walls and headers, or ceiling.
If your foundation includes both a crawl space and a basement, you must add insulation to a minimum of 20% of the total foundation wall area (which includes the entire crawl space area and may also require some portion of the basement) to be eligible for this grant.
If you are also insulating your basement walls, the maximum you can receive for insulating both areas is $1,500.
Important
If you live in a semi-detached or end unit row house, you will not qualify for the full amount of the grant; the maximum you would be eligible for is 75% of the listed amounts.
If you live in a middle unit row house, you will not qualify for the full amount of the grant; the maximum you would be eligible for is 50% of the listed amounts.
If both the crawl space walls and headers, and the crawl space ceiling are upgraded, you will only receive a grant for the larger of the two grant amounts.
Example 1: Your entire foundation is a crawl space. The crawl space walls are upgraded by R-15. The crawl space header is also upgraded by R-15. Then the grant amount would be $1,040.
When both a basement and crawl space are present, all applicable grants are pro-rated to a maximum of $1,500 based on the total wall area and the insulation added.
Example 2: Your foundation consists of a basement and a crawl space. The basement represents 85% of the foundation wall area and the crawl space represents the other 15% of the foundation wall area. The crawl space is upgraded by R-15, but since the total crawl space exterior wall area is less than 20% of the total foundation wall area, this retrofit is not eligible for a grant.
Grant amount
(based on the level of insulation added)
From RSI 1.76 (R-10) and up to RSI 3.87 (R-22)
Greater than RSI 3.87 (R-22)
Greater than RSI 4.23 (R-24)
Insulate 100% of the crawl space’s exterior wall area, including the header area
$1,040
$1,300
$1,300
Insulate 100% of the crawl space’s ceiling (preferably with an approach that includes continuous insulation)
N/A
N/A
$800
Air sealing
Making improvements to reduce the draftiness of your home is the single most important retrofit you can make to improve energy efficiency, and it should be considered first in any retrofit strategy. Your Renovation Upgrade Report will provide you with a target to improve the airtightness of your home. Typically, the airtightness levels listed in the following table would be achieved with the assistance of an air-sealing professional.
Options
Grant amount
Meet the target in your Renovation Upgrade Report
$550
Obtain a larger grant
If you reach 10% better than the target in your report (i.e. 0.9 x target valueFootnote 1)
$810
If you reach 20% better than the target in your report (i.e. 0.8 x target valueFootnote 1)
$1,000
Note: In some instances, making improvements to the building envelope or performing air sealing may result in inadequate ventilation or may increase the radon level, which may be detrimental to the house and its occupants. A balanced mechanical ventilation system such as a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) may help to address these concerns. Please seek additional information from your energy advisor and a qualified ventilation contractor.
Air-sealing - Table Footnotes
Footnote 1
Your Renovation Upgrade Report will provide more details regarding the target value.
There are several options for upgrading the energy efficiency of your windows and doors. A total window and frame replacement with new, high-performance ENERGY STAR certified windows can make your home more comfortable, save energy, and help fight climate change. Learn more about replacing your windows and doors.
Eligibility criteria for a grant
All equipment must be purchased in Canada.
Online purchases are only eligible if they are ordered from a distributor located in Canada.
The equipment must be on one of the eligible product lists referenced in the following table. All eligible product lists are available in an online searchable format.
Keep the ENERGY STAR labels on your windows and doors until after your post-retrofit evaluation.
Important
A completely new window or a completely new door and frame can be inserted into the existing frame of an old window or door, but replacements of only the glass, sash or door without a frame are not eligible.
Each rough opening is eligible for a grant of up to $250, up to a maximum of $5,000.
Options:
Grant amount
Replace your windows or sliding glass doors with ENERGY STARFootnote 3 certified models:
Smart or programmable thermostats help improve your comfort, help you save money on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint. Choosing a smart or programmable thermostat allows you to schedule temperatures to automatically adjust to energy-saving time frames.
Eligibility criteria for a grant
Must be combined with an energy efficiency retrofit measure from the Canada Greener Homes Initiative. Exclusions: New heat pumps are installed with new thermostats and cannot be combined with this measure.
A resiliency measure and a thermostat must be combined with another energy efficiency measure to qualify for the grants.
All equipment must be purchased in Canada.
Online purchases are only eligible if they are ordered from a distributor located in Canada.
Option
Grant amount
Replace a manual thermostat by a programmable or smart/adaptive thermostat
$50
Space and water heating
Furnaces and boilers are not eligible under the Canada Greener Homes Initiative, except for homeowners living in northern and off-grid communities.
Canada’s cold climate means that space heating accounts for over 60% of the energy used in the average Canadian home. Make the switch to more energy-efficient heating equipment such as a heat pump to save energy and possibly reduce your utility bills and carbon footprint. Keep in mind that the cost of energy to operate a product over its lifetime is just as important as its purchase price. Learn more about energy-efficient heating equipment.
What are heat pumps? How do they work? Why is everyone talking about them? Are they right for you? Listen to find out.
A heat pump is a device that takes the energy in the environment, (such as air or ground) and transfers it to be used for heating or cooling purposes. Thermal energy naturally flows from locations with higher temperature to locations with lower temperatures (for example, in the winter, heat from inside the building is lost to the outside, and in the summer, heat from the outside flows into the interior of the building). A heat pump uses additional electrical energy to counter the natural flow of heat, and, in heating mode, to pump the energy available from a colder place to a warmer one. Since a heat pump transfers thermal energy (versus a gas furnace or an electrical baseboard, which converts other sources of energy to thermal energy), it offers a higher energy efficiency, potentially saving on energy costs and reducing your carbon footprint. Learn more about heat pumps
Why install a heat pump?
Many homes in moderate climates can rely on air source heat pumps for heating or cooling year-round. More recently, a new generation of air-source heat pump, often called cold-climate heat pump, has been introduced to improve performance of these systems in the colder temperatures of Canadian winters. This improved performance vs. conventional air-source heat pumps reduces the need for auxiliary heating sources. Ground source heat pumps are effective in all climates.
A mechanical system contractor or energy advisor can help with estimating the economics of purchasing and operating a heat pump in your area and the potential savings you can achieve. Heat pumps can come at a higher purchase cost compared to other heating systems due to the number of components in the system. In some regions and situations, this added cost can be recouped in a relatively short period through energy cost savings. However, in other regions, varying utility rates can extend this period. Speak with your energy advisor to see if a heat pump is right for you.
Disclaimer
Links to websites not under the control of the Government of Canada (GC) are provided solely for the convenience of users. The GC does not offer any guarantee and is not responsible for the accuracy, currency or reliability of the linked content, nor does it endorse the sites and their content. Information offered by non-GC sites to which this website links is not subject to the Privacy Act or the Official Languages Act and may not be accessible to persons with disabilities. Please see our Terms and conditions for more information.
Your new heat pump must be installed by a licensed and trained professional and be on one of the eligible product lists below in order to be eligible for a grant. The lists will be periodically updated to ensure homeowners have access to grants for all equipment models available that meet the Canada Greener Homes Initiative performance criteria.
All equipment must be purchased in Canada. Online purchases are only eligible if they are ordered from a distributor located in Canada.
Ground source heat pumps
Two grants are available for ground source heat pump systems: 1) the installation of a full ground source heat pump system composed of indoor and outdoor components or 2) the replacement of only the heat pump unit.
Attestation: It is highly recommended that you ask the licensed and trained professional to sign an attestation form confirming that the installation has been completed according to the CSA standard—ANSI/CSA/IGSHPA C448 SERIES (latest version), “Design and installation of ground source heat pump systems for commercial and residential buildings.” Download the attestation form (PDF, 117 KB).
Eligible product list: Your new ground source heat pump must be on the list of eligible products. Direct expansion (DX), water-to-water, and brine-to-water systems are not eligible.
Purchase location: All ground source heat pump equipment must be purchased in Canada. Online purchases are only eligible if they are ordered from a distributor located in Canada.
Performance criteria (see the table below)
Equipment
Grant amount
Install a new ground source heat pump or replace an existing ground source heat pump—full system (must include both the indoor and outdoor components) that meets Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations:
Air source heat pumps and cold climate air source heat pumps
For air source heat pumps and cold climate air source heat pumps, there are three levels of grants depending on the equipment installed. Learn more about heat pumps.
Heat pumps for which a grant is provided can be a first-time installation of a heat pump system or a replacement of an existing heat pump system. The heat pump system can work as a standalone system or in conjunction with an existing backup heating system. Note that the backup system is not eligible for the grant; only the heat pump system would receive the grant.
Air-to-water heat pump systems are not eligible for the Canada Greener Homes Initiative.
Eligibility criteria for a grant
Installation: Your air source heat pump or cold climate air source heat pump must be installed by a licensed and trained professional. Before accepting the quote from a licensed professional, it is highly recommended that you obtain proof of their licence to install equipment in your province or territory (PDF, 116 KB).
The installation must include all components of the heat pump system. For mini- or multi-split systems, this means both the outdoor and indoor units. For central systems, this means the outdoor and indoor units, as well as the furnace or air handler that is listed as part of the heat pump system (unless that furnace is already in the home, in which case it can be kept). The exception to this is “Coils Only” systems that can be paired with any existing furnace.
Heat distribution: The Canada Greener Homes Initiative requires that the heat pump system be capable of distributing heat throughout the entire conditioned space in the house, including the basement (for basements where the distance from the top of the floor slab to the bottom of the ceiling joist is 1.8 m or higher). This applies regardless of whether the heat pump system is a central ducted, mini- or multi-split ducted or ductless system. The mechanical system contractor is responsible for specifying (including load calculations, sizing and selection) and installing the new heat pump system to meet this requirementFootnote 4.
A minimum of one warm air supply outlet or indoor head is required on every floor, including, mezzanine levels that have a room with a door, of each dwelling unit in the building. In the case of a split-level home, one indoor head or warm air supply outlet is required on the uppermost floor, and one per pair of split levels. More than one warm air supply outlet and/or indoor head per floor may be required to ensure heat distribution to the entire building.
Example: In a two-unit residential building (bungalow or house with a basement suite, or duplex) where part of the basement is dwelling 1 and where the remainder of the basement together with the main floor make up dwelling 2, three heads are required. A head is required in dwelling 1, and one on each storey of dwelling 2.
Eligible product lists: Your new heat pump must be on the list of eligible products. If you live in Quebec or Nova Scotia, please use this link instead. All components of a heat pump system (indoor and outdoor units, and furnace or air handling unit) must be compatible and listed together as an eligible product. Use the AHRI number and make and model of the indoor and outdoor units provided by the mechanical system contractor to confirm that your heat pump is included on the list.
Purchase location: All equipment must be purchased in Canada. Online purchases are only eligible if they are ordered from a distributor located in Canada.
Performance criteria (see the table below)
Equipment
Energy efficiency performance criteria
Grant amount
ENERGY STAR certified air source heat pump (ASHP)
(other than cold climate air source heat pumps)
Mini- or multi-split ducted or ductless system with two warm air supply outlets or indoor heads.
This grant is not available for Quebec or Nova Scotia residents.
The newly installed system must meet the following criteria:
minimum total rated heating capacity at 8.3 °C of 3.52 kW (12,000 Btu/h)
HSPF2 Region V ≥ 6.6 AND SEER2 ≥ 15.2 (Systems with HSPF Region IV ≥ 10 are no longer being added to the eligible product lists. Systems already listed with HSPF Region IV ≥ 10 will continue to be eligible until June 1, 2025.)
$2,500
Cold climate air source heat pumps (ccASHP)
Mini- or multi-split ducted or ductless system with two warm air supply outlets or indoor heads.
The newly installed system must meet the following criteria:
minimum total rated heating capacity at 8.3 °C of 3.52 kW (12,000 Btu/h)
HSPF2 Region V ≥ 6.6 AND SEER2 ≥ 15.2 (Systems with HSPF Region IV ≥ 10 are no longer being added to the eligible product lists. Systems already listed with HSPF Region IV ≥ 10 will continue to be eligible until June 1, 2025.)
COP ≥ 1.8 at -15 °C (5 °F) (at maximum capacity operation)
Capacity maintenance (Max -15 °C (5 °F)/Rated 8.3 °C (47 °F)) ≥ 70%
compressor must be of variable capacity with three or more distinct operating speeds, or continuously variable speed
$2,500
ENERGY STAR certified air source heat pump (ASHP)
Central ducted system
OR
Mini- or multi-split ducted or ductless system with three or more warm air supply outlets or indoor heads.
This grant is not available for Quebec or Nova Scotia residents.
The newly installed system must meet the following criteria:
minimum total rated heating capacity at 8.3 °C of 3.52 kW (12,000 Btu/h)
HSPF2 Region V ≥ 6.6 AND SEER2 ≥ 15.2 (Systems with HSPF Region IV ≥ 10 are no longer being added to the eligible product lists. Systems already listed with HSPF Region IV ≥ 10 will continue to be eligible until June 1, 2025.)
Note: All components of a heat pump system (inside and outside units, and furnace) must be compatible and listed together under the same AHRI number, except for “Coils only” systemsFootnote 5.
$4,000
Cold climate air source heat pumps (ccASHP)
Central ducted system
OR
Mini- or multi-split ducted or ductless system with three or more warm air supply outlets or indoor heads.
The newly installed system must meet the following criteria:
minimum total rated heating capacity at 8.3 °C of 3.52 kW (12,000 Btu/h)
HSPF2 Region V ≥ 6.6 AND SEER2 ≥ 15.2 (Systems with HSPF Region IV ≥ 10 are no longer being added to the eligible product lists. Systems already listed with HSPF Region IV ≥ 10 will continue to be eligible until June 1, 2025.)
COP ≥ 1.8 at -15 °C (5 °F) (at maximum capacity operation)
Capacity maintenance (Max -15 °C (5 °F)/Rated 8.3 °C (47 °F)) ≥ 70%
compressor must be of variable capacity with 3 or more distinct operating speeds, or continuously variable speed
Note: All components of a heat pump system (inside and outside units, and furnace) must be compatible and listed together under the same AHRI number, except for “Coils only” systems Footnote 5.
$5,000
Heat pump water heaters
Water heating accounts for over 20% of the energy used in the average Canadian home. Learn more about making the switch to a more energy-efficient water heater to save money on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint.
Purchase location: All heat pump water heater equipment must be purchased in Canada. Online purchases are only eligible if they are ordered from a distributor located in Canada.
Performance criteria (see the table below)
Option
Grant amount
Replace your domestic water heater with an ENERGY STAR certified domestic heat pump water heater (HPWH)
Renewable energy is derived from natural processes that are replenished at a rate that is equal to or faster than the rate at which it is consumed, such as solar energy. Learn more about solar panels for homes.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) system (including solar panels and inverters)
The Canada Greener Homes Initiative offers a grant for installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system (including solar panels and inverters). A solar PV system contains one or more solar panels which convert sunlight directly into electricity and typically one or more inverter and hardware components.
If you want to purchase batteries for storing the solar energy from your PV system, a portion of the cost may be eligible for climate resiliency grants.
Eligibility criteria for a solar photovoltaic system (including solar panels and inverters) grant
All equipment must be purchased in Canada
Online purchases are only eligible if they are ordered from a distributor located in Canada
The system must be comprised of one or more PV panels and inverter(s) (if required) certified to CSA Standards
The total system peak power capacity must be equal to or greater than 1.0 kW DC
For a grid-connected systemFootnote 6, a copy of the letter of approval or permission for interconnection issued by the local electrical or building authority is required
Solar panels must be permanently mounted. They can be on the house or ground as long as they are on the property of the house associated with your application.
Additional information
There are no national nor provincial/territorial certifications for solar PV system designers/installers. You may retain a contractor or design and install the system yourself. If you decide to implement your own retrofits, note that personal labour costs are not eligible for a grant.
A solar PV system (including solar panels and inverters) is eligible for a grant if it is a first-time installation or if it is an addition to an existing system.
Ensure that the solar PV system (including solar panels and inverters) is designed and installed in accordance with local building and electrical requirements.
It is recommended that you have a qualified solar PV professional assess your home and identify it as “Solar Ready” before your pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation.
For roof-top installations it is recommended that both grid-connected systems and off-grid systemsFootnote 7, be done in accordance with SPE-900-13 Solar photovoltaic rooftop-installation best practices guideline developed by CSA.
Building permits may be required for both off-grid and grid-connected system installations.
Option
Grant amount
Install a solar photovoltaic system (including solar panels and inverters) with a capacity equal to or greater than 1.0 kW DC
$1,000 per kW
Note: The grant amount is pro-rated based on the added capacity to the house; for example, if you are adding 3.5 kW PV capacity to your home, you are eligible for a $3,500 grant.
Resiliency measures
Extreme weather events related to climate change can cause damage to your home. Adding a climate resiliency measure to a retrofit in progress can help protect your home from events such as fire, flooding, wind, and loss of power. Your home and its location can help you identify your specific vulnerabilities to the effects of climate change.
The climate resiliency measures detailed below must be combined with an energy efficiency retrofit from the Canada Greener Homes Initiative.
Batteries connected to solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
Eligibility criteria for a grant
The battery system must be connected to a permanently mounted photovoltaic system
Batteries can be for a new battery system, the replacement of existing batteries or to supplement an existing battery system
Batteries must be rated for deep cycle (any technology)
Inverter and charge controller purchase and installation costs can be included as part of the battery system’s total cost
Batteries must be permanently installed
Portable batteries and electric vehicles are not eligible for this grant.
Best practices
Batteries can be added to an existing solar PV system, or to a newly installed solar PV system that is eligible for the Canada Greener Homes Initiative.
Consider (if required or included) an inverter with true sinewave output, a minimum continuous capability of 1200 Watts (W) and a minimum surge capability of 2500 W.
Consider a battery system with a minimum total capacity rated at 4500 Watt hours at 20 hours. To determine amp hours, divide 4500 Watt hours by the voltage of the battery. For example, for a 12 volt battery the capacity required is 375 Amp hours;
Inverter and charge controller should be certified to CSA C22.2 107.1, “Power conversion equipment” or CSA C22.2 62109, “Safety of power converters for use in photovoltaic power systems”.
Discuss maintenance, warranties and specifications with your supplier or contractor when selecting the most appropriate type and size of batteries for your specific usage.
The installation or inspection of a battery back-up system must be undertaken by a licenced and trained professional.
An electrical permit for installation of the batteries and any related equipment or work must be obtained, as required. Please note that recent changes to the Canadian Electrical Code may prohibit battery installations inside dwellings so check with your supplier, installer or local code authority.
Option
Grant amount
Batteries connected to photovoltaic systems
$1,000
Roofing Membrane - Self-adhering roofing underlayment applied to entire roof
Eligibility criteria for a grant
The roofing underlayment must be self-adhering
The roofing underlayment must be applied to the entire surface area of the roof that covers enclosed spaces, including attached garages
The self-adhering underlayment must be certified to ASTM D1970 / D1970M, “Standard Specification for Self-Adhering Polymer Modified Bituminous Sheet Materials Used as Steep Roofing Underlayment for Ice Dam Protection” or CSA A123.22, “Self-adhering polymer modified bituminous sheet materials used as steep roofing underlayment for ice dam protection.”
Best practices
The self-adhering underlayment should be compatible with the type of roof (for example, some roofs such as metal ones, may require a self-adhering underlayment that withstands higher temperatures).
The application of a self-adhering underlayment can increase the risk of condensation forming under the roof surface. Ensure adequate roof venting is present in all types of roofs.
Consult your contractor to reduce the risk of moisture accumulation in the roof assembly, such as in the case of a cathedral type roof.
Torched on membranes and flat roofs are not eligible as a roofing membrane is already part of a standard flat roof installation.
Option
Grant amount
Roofing membrane—self-adhering roofing underlayment applied to entire roof
$150
Basement Wall Waterproofing
A grant is available for waterproofing the below-grade wall sections of basements. Crawl space and slab-on-grade foundations are not eligible for this grant.
Eligibility criteria for a grant
Waterproofing must be performed on the exterior side of the below-grade basement wall with rubberized or polymer membranes (for example, waterproof-rated spray, trowel-on, roll-on and sheet materials). Ensure that a waterproofing membrane is used and not a damp/moisture-proofing membrane.
A minimum 80% of the below-grade wall area must be waterproofed. This applies to all exterior facing below-grade basement walls but does not include party walls between homes (for example, semi-detached homes).
Best practices
Waterproofing 100% of the below-grade wall area
Seal all existing cracks, holes and penetrations with hydraulic sealing compounds
Ensure proper drainage (for example, air gap drainage membrane, drainage board or free draining backfill)
Ensure the presence of drainage tile (for example, weeping tile or French drain), either new or existing, as long as it is in good working condition
Install exterior drainage membranes to provide a drainage layer and protection to the waterproofed surface
Add insulation to the exterior side of the wall when waterproofing
Verify that products used are specified for waterproofing. Simple paint brush or roller applied interior sealants are considered damp/moisture-proofing membranes, and are not eligible for the waterproofing incentive as they are not rated to withstand hydrostatic pressure
Review all warranties from waterproofing companies for the services rendered and products used
Waterproofing is typically not considered a do-it-yourself project due to inherent risks such as excavation work. However, do-it-yourself waterproofing is acceptable but evidence of work (for example, pictures and invoices for purchased products) performed at various stages is required to ensure compliance with the listed requirements
If required, obtain a building permit
Option
Grant amount
Basement wall waterproofing
$875
Moisture Proofing Crawl Space Floor, Walls and Headers
All closed and vented crawl spaces are eligible for the moisture/damp-proofing grant. Crawl space moisture proofing is also known as encapsulation.
Eligibility criteria for a grant
100% of the floors, walls and headers of all crawl spaces must be covered by a continuous moisture barrier; for example, a minimum 6 mil polyethylene barrier on the floor and closed-cell foam on the walls and headers. Consult with your local building authority.
All seams, edges and penetrations in the moisture barrier must be sealed with suitable materials such as tape and caulking (check specifications with manufacturer or supplier).
All water infiltration issues need to be addressed first (for example, existing leaks, flooding issues).
All issues with insect and vermin need to be addressed before starting on an encapsulation project.
When a crawl space is attached to a basement, the crawl space’s moisture barrier must be sealed to the basement foundation junction (for example, floors and walls). If there is a structural or full wall between the two, with or without an access hatch, then the crawl space’s common wall must be moisture proofed as part of the 100% encapsulation.
Continuous moisture barrier should be of 0.75 perms (43 ng/Pa·s·m²) or less or otherwise specified in local building code.
When using polyethylene, ideally choose 10 mil or thicker as it is stronger and more robust.
If wall and header insulation such as closed-cell foam is used as the moisture barrier it may also be eligible for the crawl space insulation grant.
Encapsulation can be performed by the homeowner or a contractor.
Review all warranties from encapsulation companies for the services rendered and the products used.
If a combustion appliance is located in the crawl space, verify with a heating professional that there are no issues of concern.
If required, obtain a building permit.
Option
Grant amount
Moisture proofing of 100% of crawl space floor, walls and headers
$600
Multi-unit Residential Buildings
A multi-unit residential building (MURB) contains two or more unitsFootnote 8. For a MURB to be eligible for the Canada Greener Homes Initiative, it must meet the following requirements:
It has three or fewer storeys above ground
The building area does not exceed 600 m2
It has between 2 and 100 units
The units are fully or partially stacked (up/down) or joined by a common space
In a house with a secondary suite, the units may be located side-by-side
At least 50% of the total floor area must be residential living space
The building must be habitable year-round
The Canada Greener Homes Initiative is based on the EnerGuide Rating System, the scope of which is limited to houses and low-rise MURBs governed by Part 9 of the National Building Code of Canada. High-rise condos are based on very different engineering considerations and represent more complex structures that are outside the scope of both the EnerGuide Rating System and the Canada Greener Homes Initiative.
Two-unit MURBs, including houses with secondary suites, are entitled to all the same grants as attached and detached houses (for example, eligible for heat pumps and heat pump water heaters).
Townhomes and row houses connected side-by-side or back-to-back are not MURBs and are eligible as individual houses.
Retirement homes are not MURBs and are not eligible for the Canada Greener Homes Initiative.
MURBs are eligible for grants for the following retrofits:
Insulation
Air sealing
Windows and doors
Renewable energy
Resiliency measures
MURBs (excluding two-unit MURBs and houses with secondary suites) are not eligible for grants related to the following:
Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters
Thermostats
Furnaces and boilers (in northern and off-grid communities)
Find out if your property qualifies by reviewing the eligible property types list.
Canada Greener Homes Initiative
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program: grants up-to-$10,000 (regardless of province), or up-to-$15,000 in participating provinces, plus a $250 bonus (in participating provinces only), to switch from oil heating to an eligible heat pump.
Canada Greener Homes Grant (for existing applicants): grants-up- to-$5,000 to get part of your costs back for eligible home retrofits, plus up to $600 additional grant toward the total costs of your pre and post retrofit EnerGuide home evaluations.
Canada Greener Homes Loan: up to $40,000, interest-free with a repayment term of 10 years.
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Insulation