Federal rebate · Pillar guide
National Heat Pump Rebate: the official rules explained
On 1 November 2026 the Government of Canada published the eligibility rules for the National Heat Pump Rebate: $2 billion to support up to 820,000 households installing a cold-climate heat pump. This is our plain-language summary. The official page is the source of truth, and the government says parameters remain subject to change.
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Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1 November 2026 | Retroactivity starts. Eligible installs from this date can be claimed later. |
| Early 2027 | Online application portal opens (no exact date yet). |
| Within 6 months | Deadline to submit your receipts (see note below). |
| March 2034 | Programme expected to close. |
How much
- $2,000 if your household is above the median income.
- Up to $10,000 if your after-tax household income is at or below the threshold for your province and household size.
- The actual amount depends on household income and the cost of the equipment installed. The formula isn't published.
Who qualifies
- Eligible equipment. The heat pump must be on the eligible product list, identified by its AHRI number(s). It should be able to heat your whole home; ask your contractor to confirm sizing.
- HVAC contractor. Bought from and installed by an HVAC contractor. No DIY.
- Owner and Canadian resident. It doesn't have to be your primary home; a rental or second home can qualify. Homes in Indigenous communities owned by the local Indigenous government also qualify.
- No previous federal heat pump funding at that address.
- One rebate per household, even if you own several properties.
- Receipts within 6 months, with the details listed in our retroactive checklist.
What doesn't matter
- Emergency or planned: both accepted.
- Your old system: you don't have to remove it or prove it broke down.
- Your current fuel: electricity (furnace or baseboard), natural gas, oil, propane, diesel, coal and wood all qualify.
- Energy audit: none required.
How income is checked
Take your 2025 tax return: line 23600 minus line 43500. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, do the same for them and add the two. When you apply for the higher amount you give your SIN and the CRA verifies it. Try our income checker.
Cautions from the government
- Gas-heated homes: switching may not lower your bill. Read our balanced guide.
- Scams: Environment and Climate Change Canada never goes door-to-door or makes marketing calls. How to spot a scam.
- Remote areas: certified installers may be scarce.
Still unknown or changing
- Exact portal opening date.
- How "up to $10,000" is calculated from cost.
- Rented or leased heat pumps may become eligible at launch. Details to come.
- When the 6-month receipt clock starts. The page says "within 6 months" without saying from when; we assume from installation until clarified (unverified).
- Stacking: the 8 October announcement said the rebate combines with provincial programmes. The 1 November page doesn't restate this.
- Speed: the 8 October announcement mentioned 24-hour approval and payment within five days. The 1 November page doesn't repeat it (not confirmed in the published rules).
Your eligibility will be judged on the rules in effect on the date your heat pump was installed. Follow our tracker for changes.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the National Heat Pump Rebate?
$2,000 for households above the median income, or up to $10,000 for households at or below the median after-tax income for their province or territory and household size. Actual amounts depend on income and the cost of the equipment.
Can I install now and claim later?
Yes. Eligible installs from 1 November 2026 can apply once the programme opens in early 2027. No payments are made until then, and funding is not guaranteed until an application is approved.
Is it one rebate per person or per household?
Per household. The government says only one rebate is available per household, even if you own more than one property.
Do I need to remove my furnace?
No. You do not need to remove your existing system or show that it broke down. Emergency and planned installs both qualify.
Do I need an energy audit?
No. No energy audit is required before or after installation.
When does the programme end?
It is expected to launch in early 2027 and close in March 2034.
Want a heads-up when the federal portal opens?
Reserve your spot