Updated October 9, 2026 · By Bison Air Inc. · TSSA Certified & Registered HRSP Rebate Contractor

If you’ve been thinking about replacing your furnace or installing a heat pump, there’s encouraging news. On October 8, 2026, the Government of Canada announced a new National Heat Pump Rebate to help eligible homeowners pay for an electric cold-climate heat pump.

Here’s what has been confirmed, what is still unknown, and what Ontario homeowners in Toronto and the GTA should do now.

📌 Key Facts at a Glance

  • ✓ Up to $10,000 for eligible households with incomes below the median
  • ✓ $2,000 for other eligible homeowners
  • ✓ Expected launch: early 2027
  • ✓ No energy audit required before or after installation
  • ✓ Approval within 24 hours, payment approved within 5 days of submitting receipts
  • ✓ Equipment must be an electric cold-climate air-source heat pump on the program’s Eligible Products List

💰 How Much Could Homeowners Receive?

The federal government announced a two-tier rebate:

  • ✓ Up to $10,000 for eligible households with incomes below the median
  • ✓ $2,000 for other eligible homeowners

The program is funded at $2 billion over eight years. The exact income thresholds have not been published yet, so homeowners should not assume they will receive the full $10,000. The rebate is limited to one per person.

🍁 Can It Be Combined With Ontario Incentives?

⚠️ Not confirmed yet. The official announcement does not say whether the federal rebate can be stacked with Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP).

If both programs end up working together, the combined incentives could reduce your upfront cost considerably. Until the federal rules are published, nobody can give you a reliable combined rebate amount for your home.

As a Registered HRSP Rebate Contractor, we will update this page as soon as the stacking rules are confirmed. In the meantime, see what is available today in our Toronto heat pump rebates guide and our step-by-step HRSP rebate guide.

📅 When Will the New Rebate Be Available?

The program is expected to launch in early 2027. It has been announced, but the full application rules are still being finalized.

  • ✓ It is aimed at homeowners whose heating system has broken down or is close to the end of its life
  • ✓ Do not assume an installation done before launch will qualify retroactively
  • ✓ Ottawa is winding down its existing oil-to-heat-pump subsidy, so oil-heated homes should check current options now

If your heating has already failed, don’t wait months without heat. Contact us and we’ll go over replacement options and the incentives available right now.

❄️ What Kind of Heat Pump Will Qualify?

The announcement covers electric cold-climate air-source heat pumps listed on the program’s Eligible Products List. Eligibility depends on the specific outdoor and indoor equipment combination, not the brand name alone.

Cold-climate heat pumps provide both heating and air conditioning. New to the technology? Read our guide on what a cold-climate heat pump is.

The announcement does not mention hybrid (dual-fuel) systems that keep a gas furnace as backup. If you plan to keep your furnace, wait for the final rules before committing.

📝 How the Application Process Will Work

The government says no energy audit will be required before or after installation. The announced process:

  1. Apply online with basic homeowner information and the heat pump you plan to install
  2. Receive an approval decision within 24 hours
  3. Purchase and install the pre-approved system
  4. Submit installation receipts — payment approved within five days

Any provincial incentive you also apply for may have its own separate requirements.

🔧 What Should You Do While Waiting?

Use the time to understand what your home actually needs. A proper assessment covers:

  • ✓ Heating load and correct equipment sizing
  • ✓ Existing ductwork — central vs. ductless heat pump
  • ✓ Electrical panel capacity
  • ✓ Age and condition of your current furnace or heating system

A system that qualifies under one incentive does not automatically qualify under another, so confirm the rules before buying. If cost is a concern, HVAC financing is available.

🏠 Planning a Heat Pump in Toronto or the GTA?

We’ll assess your home, recommend the right system, and handle the rebate paperwork. We’ll also update this page as federal details are released.

📞 Call 416-652-4323

or email Ed@bisonairinc.ca · Contact us online · Heat pump installation

Bison Air serves Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Aurora, Newmarket, Barrie, Mississauga, Brampton and communities across the GTA.

This article reflects information available on October 9, 2026. Eligibility, installation dates and combined incentive amounts are subject to final program rules.
Sources: Government of Canada — October 8, 2026 announcement; Global News — launch timing.

October 09, 2026 — Bison Air Inc.