Canada’s Greener Homes programs aimed to help homeowners reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through grants, loans, and tax incentives for home retrofits. While the original federal grant program closed to new applications in 2024, provincial programs, utility rebates, and federal loans continue to provide financial support for energy-efficient home upgrades.
What Was the Canada Greener Homes Grant?
The Canada Greener Homes Grant was a federal program that provided up to $5,000 in grants to homeowners who made eligible energy efficiency improvements to their homes, plus up to $600 for energy audit costs.
How It Worked (for historical reference)
- Pre-retrofit energy audit: A registered energy advisor from NRCan conducted a baseline EnerGuide evaluation
- Complete eligible retrofits: Based on advisor recommendations, homeowners upgraded insulation, windows, doors, heat pumps, etc.
- Post-retrofit audit: Advisor confirmed improvements were completed
- Claim the grant: Homeowners received a grant of $125–$5,000 depending on the upgrade type and extent
Eligible Upgrades Under the Greener Homes Grant
- Insulation (attic, basement, walls)
- Windows and doors
- Air source heat pumps
- Ground source heat pumps
- Solar photovoltaic panels
- Thermostats
- Draft proofing and air sealing
- Domestic hot water heating
The grant closed to new applications on February 27, 2024. Existing approved applicants can still claim grants for work completed before the deadline.
The Canada Greener Homes Loan
Alongside the grant, the Canada Greener Homes Loan offered interest-free loans of $5,000–$40,000 for eligible retrofits, repayable when the home is sold or transferred.
Key features:
- 0% interest for the loan term
- Repayment due when the home is sold, transferred, or the loan term ends
- Required EnerGuide evaluation before and after
- Combined with provincial programs for maximum incentive
Check the Natural Resources Canada website for current loan application status.
Current Federal Incentives (2026)
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program
Homeowners currently using oil, propane, or wood for primary heating may qualify for grants of $2,500–$10,000 to switch to a heat pump, depending on household income. This program specifically targets heating fuel replacement — one of the most impactful retrofit upgrades for emissions reduction.
Canada Greener Homes Loan (Interest-Free)
If available in your area, the interest-free loan remains one of the best financing tools for retrofits. Even without the grant, a 0% loan for $40,000 worth of retrofits is exceptional financing compared to a home equity line of credit.
Provincial Retrofit Incentive Programs (2026)
| Province | Program | Who Administers | Typical Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (Enbridge) | Enbridge Gas | $300–$10,000+ |
| British Columbia | CleanBC Home Energy Improvement | BC Energy Regulator | Varies by upgrade |
| Alberta | Energy Efficiency Alberta programs | Province | Varies |
| Quebec | Rénoclimat | Transition énergétique Québec | Up to several thousand |
| Nova Scotia | Efficiency Nova Scotia rebates | Efficiency NS | Varies |
| New Brunswick | Home Energy Efficiency Programs | NB Power | Varies |
Always check directly with your utility or provincial energy agency — programs change frequently, and some are income-tested or depend on your current heating fuel.
What Retrofits Save the Most Energy (and Money)?
Based on Natural Resources Canada EnerGuide data, these retrofits typically provide the best combination of energy savings and grant/rebate eligibility:
| Retrofit | Typical Energy Saving | Typical Cost Before Incentives |
|---|---|---|
| Air source heat pump | 25–50% of heating costs | $5,000–$15,000 |
| Attic insulation upgrade | 10–20% of heating/cooling | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Windows and doors | 5–15% of heating/cooling | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Air sealing and draft proofing | 5–15% | $500–$3,000 |
| Solar PV panels | Offsets electricity use | $15,000–$30,000 |
EnerGuide Home Evaluation: Still Required
For any federal or most provincial programs, you still need an EnerGuide evaluation by a registered energy advisor (REA). This:
- Establishes a baseline energy consumption rating for your home
- Identifies which retrofits will have the greatest impact
- Provides a post-retrofit rating confirming improvement
Evaluation costs: $400–$600. This cost may be partially reimbursed by programs and is also claimable under the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit in some circumstances.
The Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit
While not specific to energy retrofits, the federal Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC) provides a 15% non-refundable tax credit on eligible renovation costs up to $50,000 when adding a secondary dwelling unit for a qualifying relative (senior or person with a disability). This tax credit does not replace the Greener Homes programs but can be combined with energy efficiency upgrades if the retrofit qualifies.
Key Takeaways
- The Canada Greener Homes Grant closed to new applications in February 2024
- The Canada Greener Homes Loan (interest-free, up to $40,000) may still be available — check NRCan
- Provincial retrofit programs and utility rebates continue to be available across most provinces
- Heat pumps, insulation, and air sealing typically provide the best return on energy efficiency investment
- An EnerGuide evaluation by a registered energy advisor is required for most federal and provincial programs
Related: Canada Housing Benefit · Canada Training Credit · Tax Benefits and Credits Hub · Home Buying Process Hub