Ontario homeowners looking to improve their homes and cut energy costs have two government-funded opportunities to save money and finance home improvements such as new doors and windows. The Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program and the Canada Greener Homes Loan. These programs offer financial support for making homes more energy-efficient, helping homeowners reduce monthly bills while contributing to Canada’s climate goals.
The Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program provides rebates for energy-saving upgrades such as insulation, air sealing, windows and doors, and heating and cooling systems. This program focuses on enhancing a home’s overall energy performance and comfort.
The Canada Greener Homes Loan offers interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to help cover the cost of major retrofits, including heat pumps, solar panels, high-efficiency windows and doors, improved insulation, and more. What makes this program even more appealing is that you can use the interest-free loan to cover the costs of renovations made while taking advantage of the Ontario program. This means you not only benefit from sizable rebates but can also finance the remaining costs over ten years with zero interest.
To qualify for either program, the home must be the applicant’s primary residence. For the Greener Homes Loan, applicants must have a good credit history, submit quotes for planned upgrades, and complete both a pre-retrofit and post-retrofit energy evaluation through a registered energy advisor. The two programs complement each other in several ways, one of the best being that the cost of the energy evaluation is eligible for a substantial rebate under the Ontario program. Typically, the initial assessment costs $600 or less and the follow-up $300 or less; however, the Ontario program offers a $600 rebate, significantly reducing the homeowner’s out-of-pocket expense.
All upgrades must be completed by approved contractors, and you’ll need to submit receipts and verification documents once the work is done. It’s important to confirm that your contractor is approved and to keep all records organized throughout the process.
These programs won’t be available forever so act fast. To get started, schedule your pre-retrofit energy assessment, which identifies where your home is losing energy and recommends improvements. Once that’s completed, you can apply for the Greener Homes Loan to finance the upgrades. From assessment to renovations and reimbursement, the entire process may take several months — so good planning, clear understanding of the programs, and patience are key.
These programs offer a rare opportunity to make home renovations and upgrades more affordable. Ontario homeowners who act now will not only improve their comfort and property value but also lock in long-term energy savings. What’s more, these improvements reduce household emissions, making a lasting positive impact on the environment for generations to come.
