Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program
The information on this page is for applicants residing in: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon.
If you reside in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island, visit our participating provinces/territorial page for information, as details vary.
Is your home heated by oil? Is your household at or below the median household after-tax income?
Canadian homeowners who answer “yes” may be eligible to receive an upfront payment of up-to- $10,000 to switch from oil heating to new, energy-efficient heat pumps.
The Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program helps homeowners who are currently heating their homes with oil, transition to eligible heat pump systems. Making the switch can help you save thousands of dollars on your heating bills every year and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
New enhancements have been made to the program to make it easier and more cost effective for low-to-median households throughout Canada to switch from oil heating to heat pumps.
Check if your income level is eligible
Participating provinces/territories have an agreement with the federal government for delivery of the OHPA program. If you live in one of the participating provinces/territories, additional funding is available.
Eligibility criteria and enhancements
Learn about heat pumps
A heat pump is an electrically driven device that utilizes the energy that is already in the environment to heat or cool a house.
It extracts heat from the outside and projects it inside, even in winter!
Applicants are advised to carefully consider the program’s eligibility criteria, including the mandatory technical criteria and conditions, and attestation form. All eligibility requirements must be met throughout the program to be eligible for funding.
Some of the eligibility criteria for OHPA have been adjusted to make it easier for more Canadian homeowners to participate in the program:
- You only need to show proof of purchasing 500 litres of heating oil in the past 12 months (reduced from 1000 litres)
- A wider range of heat pumps are eligible, including air source and ground source heat pumps
- The low-to-median income level has been increased to account for inflation.
What is available through the program
Up to $10,000
Available to eligible homeowners across Canada for the purchase and installation of eligible heat pump systems, and any of the following associated eligible measures related to the installation:
- Necessary electrical and mechanical upgrades to your home for new heat pump system
- Installation of outdoor piping loops for ground source heat pumps
- The safe removal of your oil tank.
- Installation of a back-up electric heating system (as required)
- Switching over other oil-using household systems, such as an electric water heater (where necessary).
Upfront payment
For homeowners across Canada
Following the approval of your application, you will receive a cheque. In most cases, this means you will receive your funds in advance of having to pay for any of the related costs.
The upfront payment is applicable for homeowners throughout Canada where the program is delivered exclusively by the federal government. This includes all provinces and territories except for those on the list of participating provinces/territories. If your province/territory is listed, refer to your provincial/territorial program for its specific process.
The funding can be combined with additional financial assistance from other existing federal, provincial, territorial, and utility programs.
All eligibility requirements must be met throughout the program to ensure a successful journey. This includes complying with the mandatory technical requirements and conditions and completing an attestation form . Refer to the eligibility criteria page for details
Increased funding in participating provinces/territories
Available to homeowners in the provinces listed
Some provinces and territories have agreements with the federal government for the delivery of the OHPA program. For eligible homeowners that live in one of the participating provinces/territories, an additional up-to-$5,000 is available (increased from up-to-$10,000 to up- to -$15,000 maximum federal grant).
Additionally, eligible homeowners will receive a $250 bonus payment to help with the costs associated with switching from oil heating to an eligible heat pump system.
Homeowners residing in one of the following provinces/territories should visit our participating provinces/territories page to learn more:
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
What you need to know
I'm a new applicant.
Find out if you’re eligible for the up to $10,000 grant by using the check your eligibility tool:
Do I need a home energy evaluation?
No. An pre-retrofit EnerGuide home energy evaluation is not required for the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program.
Does my property qualify?
Find out if your property qualifies by reviewing the eligible property types list.
Is my household income level eligible?
Your household income must qualify as median or below after taxes. Learn more.
What are the eligibility criteria?
Applicants must ensure that all eligibility requirements are met throughout the program to ensure a successful journey. This includes complying with the mandatory technical criteria and conditions, and completing an attestation form.
Visit the eligibility criteria page for details before you apply.
What will I need to apply?
- Proof of primary residence
- Proof of home ownership
- Heating oil fuel bills or invoices
- Quote(s) from your selected contractor(s)
- Your Social Insurance Number
Do I have to remove my existing oil tank to qualify for the grant?
It depends on the province/territory you live in.
While the program does not require the removal of your oil tank, some provinces and territories do. The cost to remove it is an eligible expense under the program.
Your province or territory may require the removal of an oil tank that is no longer in use. It is your responsibility to verify and adhere to all relevant regulations. If you are planning to decommission or remove an oil tank, it is strongly recommended that you verify your plans with your home insurance provider and your local authority/municipal regulator before you start the work to ensure full compliance with local regulations.
Where can I learn about heat pumps?
We have resources for you:
Heat pump basics - Find out which heat pump is right for you, types to compare, what to ask contractors, and all of the basics
Why use a heat pump – Discover the benefits of various types of heat pumps
Heating and cooling with a heat pump – Learn more details including sizing, operating and maintenance considerations, and more
Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics that claim to have ENERGY STAR® or Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) backing.
NRCan has not approved any third parties to make unsolicited contact with homeowners to register or participate in the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program. The Government of Canada, NRCan and its family of brands (ENERGY STAR, EnerGuide) never solicit over the telephone, or by email or go door-to-door asking to enter Canadians’ homes to inspect, sell, or rent heating and cooling products. EnerGuide home energy evaluations are performed by licensed service organizations only at the request of homeowners. Learn how to recognize energy scams.
Resources for applicants
More information
Other financial incentives
Need a loan for your other retrofits?
The Canada Greener Homes Loan is an interest-free loan of up to $40,000 with a repayment term of 10 years, open to homeowners who have an active application (at the pre-retrofit stage) with the Canada Greener Homes Grant.
Learn more about how to apply for the Canada Greener Homes Loan
Contact Us
Business hours
Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (Eastern time)
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program inquiries:
- Phone: 1-833-674-8282
- TTY: 1-800-465-7735
- Email: OHPA-CAMT@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Canada Greener Homes Loan inquiries
- Phone: 1-866-292-9517
- Email: Questions@cghli.ca
Social media
Follow @NRCan for the latest updates
TwitterFacebookLinkedInYouTube
Accessibility
The Canada Greener Homes Initiative is committed to providing a barrier-free application process. We encourage you to advise us of any accommodations you may need. Please contact us either by email,
toll-free number or TTY and we will happily assist you.
Page details
- Date modified: