Success stories: Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program

Meet homeowners who have made the switch from oil to a heat pump system

Thousands of Canadian homeowners have made the switch from oil home heating to eligible electric heat pump systems with the help of funding provided by the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program. On this page, you’ll find some of their stories and discover the financial savings, enhanced comfort and environmental benefits that came from switching to more energy efficient home heating. Explore how the OHPA program has transformed the heating and cooling efficiency for these homeowners.

“Simple, timely and worthwhile”, says Danny from Ontario

Quote: “Our furnace system was aging and required an upgrade. This was an opportunity which presented itself at ideal timing. Utilizing our oil furnace was becoming quite costly, the financial picture was most motivating. To fill our oil tank (~600L @ 1.33 per litre) would cost us $1000 per fill, once all taxes were paid. Additionally, home insurance was becoming a challenge to secure, and required significant expense to pay for furnace and oil tank inspections required by our insurance provider. […] The financial incentives covered the majority of the cost, making the switch from oil to a heat pump a highly worthwhile investment”.

Benefits: Danny described how the heat pump not only provided a warm and satisfying heat, but also delivered more consistent temperature throughout the house. Instead of the fluctuations from cold to warm, the heat pump operated in short, frequent cycles, maintaining a stable and comfortable temperature. He also reported that it was extremely quiet- much quieter than their old air conditioning unit. The main positive takeaway for this homeowner was the financial support, which allowed them to invest in a high-end, energy-efficient model. This not only enhanced their home comfort, but also aligned with their commitment to future-focused living.

Tip: Danny’s advice for other homeowners is to take full advantage of the financial incentives OHPA offers. He found the application process pretty straightforward, although there was a slight oversight when his contractor quote did not include the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) number, which is a requirement under the OHPA program. Danny also described how a good collaboration with his contractor ensured that the right location for the heat pump was found that balanced aesthetics and physical restrictions on installation.

Take a look at some questions to help guide the discussion with your contractor, including asking about your product’s AHRI number to avoid any delays.

“This is an amazing program for incentivizing people to make the switch”, says Gail from British Columbia

Quote: “We had wanted to make the switch but could not possibly have afforded it without this program. We, like many people, were traumatized by the 2021 heat dome in BC which was followed by catastrophic flooding in November that same year. We felt we were contributing to the climate crisis by using fossil fuel and wanted to find a greener alternative. Also, the price of oil was getting higher every year. And the cooling function [of the heat pump] is amazing. This summer was the first year with the heat pump, and it is a game changer!”

Benefits: Gail shared that she experienced increased comfort in her home, especially in the summer. She felt that with this switch, her household was doing a small part for the planet while saving money on heating costs.

Tip: Gail found this experience “fast, easy, unbelievable”, and she appreciated receiving the money upfront and getting the grant very quickly after her application was confirmed. She was also happy with her contractor, and she found the overall process to be straightforward. In her own words: “The hardest part was finding all my documents!”

Visit the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program for more information.

“My home has never been this pleasant”, says Ken from Ontario

Quote: “My oil burner needed to be replaced, and I was looking for something more affordable than oil. The cost of an electric heat pump was comparable to replacing my oil-fired boiler. Additionally, the electric heat pump allowed better zoning of the house as well as offering ‘central’ heating and cooling (previously cooled the house with 3 window units). Plus, no more oil costs! […] My contractor was awesome. His advice on how to zone the house and choice of units was invaluable, and his installation was meticulous.”

Benefits: Ken shared that he had eliminated an escalating expense in home heating and reduced his overall electricity bill. He was very satisfied with now having consistent heat and cooling throughout the entire house. Other than not having to endure the high cost of heating, his family was also glad about now being able to lower their carbon footprint. This homeowner noted that the process of switching was fairly easy and very straightforward, and that he received his grant within 10 days of his application being confirmed.

Tip: “Do it”, Ken shares his advice to other homeowners. “My home has not been warmer in the 30+ years I’ve lived in it. The right contractor and the right air source heat pump will make a world of difference in your home.” Ken and many other successful applicants emphasize the importance of having a helpful contractor who will choose the right heat pump system for the home.

Apply to OHPA by learning how the process works and join many Canadians saving thousands of dollars on their heating bills every year and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Don’t hesitate”, says Hiep from Quebec

Quote: “For a long time, I knew that at some point I’d have to change my oil heating system for an electric one. The OHPA program gives me the opportunity to do just that. In addition to being a pollutant (we only have to look at the black smoke that came out of the chimney each time the heating went away), it costs a lot to heat with oil (the price of fuel increases every year and may fluctuate depending on the world market), and to maintain the increasingly outdated system (I must have an annual maintenance plan with the company). I can say that the process was fluid, simple and I did not feel any bureaucracy or requests for unnecessary paperwork or evidence.”

Benefits: By converting from oil to heat pump heating, Hiep felt that he’s made a small but useful contribution to climate action in general. And electric heat pump heating is much more comfortable and efficient than the oil furnace.

Tips: Hiep advises homeowners not to hesitate as the government grant already covers almost the entire cost of the work. As he was fully satisfied with the switch from oil to a heat pump, his only regret was for having hesitated at first.

Important extra tips:

• Confirm with your contractor that the recommended heat pump is eligible. Your contractor must include the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) number with the quote(s) for the selected heat pump the brand name, and the model numbers of the corresponding indoor and outdoor units.
• You can verify if the heat pump recommended by your contractor is eligible under the OHPA program by searching the eligible product lists.
• It’s mandatory that your contractor signs an attestation form after your heat pump is installed, confirming that the heat pump is capable of distributing heat throughout your entire home, and is eligible under the OHPA program. Ensure your contractor will agree to sign the form (before you hire them, and they begin the work).
• Confirm that all the work can be completed within 6 months of receiving your grant payment.
• For ground source heat pumps, the contractor must attest that the installation has been completed according to the CSA C448 standard (latest version) – Design and installation of ground source heat pump systems. You must submit this form after the work is complete.

Get started now and check your eligibility for the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program.