Heat Pump Rebates in Simcoe Muskoka: What You Actually Qualify For (2026)

If you've been researching heat pump rebates in Ontario, you've probably run into a mess of outdated information, programs that no longer exist, figures that don't apply anymore, and conflicting numbers. The rebate landscape changed significantly in 2026, and a lot of what's online is simply wrong now.

Here's the current, accurate picture for Simcoe Muskoka homeowners: what's actually available, what's closed, and how much you can realistically expect based on how your home is heated.

First, what's CLOSED (so you don't waste time)

Two programs you'll still see referenced everywhere are no longer accepting new applications:

• The Canada Greener Homes Grant closed in February 2026. If you see content promoting it, that content is out of date.
• The Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) is closed to new applicants. Enbridge now directs homeowners to the current program below.

If a rebate guide is telling you to apply for either of these, it hasn't been updated. That's exactly why we put this together.

The main program in 2026: Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP)

The primary heat pump rebate in Ontario right now is the Home Renovation Savings Program, delivered by Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy with support from the Government of Ontario. This is the one that matters for almost everyone.

The key thing to understand: how much you qualify for depends on how your home is currently heated. It's not based on income. It comes down to whether you heat with natural gas or with something else.

If you heat with natural gas (Enbridge customer)

• Cold-climate air-source heat pump: up to $2,000 ($500 per ton)
• Ground-source (geothermal) heat pump: $3,000 flat

If you heat with electricity, oil, propane, or wood

• Cold-climate air-source heat pump: up to $7,500 ($1,250 per ton)
• Ground-source (geothermal) heat pump: up to $12,000

That difference is significant, and it's good news for many Simcoe Muskoka homes. Because a lot of properties in our region, especially outside the gas network in Muskoka and rural areas, heat with oil, propane, or electricity, those homes qualify for the higher rebate tiers. If you're heating with oil or propane, you're looking at the top end of what's available.

A couple of things worth knowing

• The program is active through November 2026 (verify the current deadline when you apply, as these can be extended or adjusted).
• For a single heat-pump upgrade, an energy audit is often no longer required, which saves you roughly $600 in upfront assessment costs compared to previous years.
• A participating contractor and written pre-approval are generally required before installation, so the order of operations matters, don't buy first and apply later.

What about oil-to-heat-pump specifically?

If you're currently heating with oil, you're in one of the best positions for savings, and there have been programs specifically aimed at helping oil-heated homes switch. We've written about this in more detail in our guide to the oil-to-heat-pump transition for Ontario homeowners. For many oil-heated Simcoe Muskoka homes, the combination of a high rebate and much lower running costs makes switching genuinely worthwhile.

Stacking and financing

Depending on your utility and situation, some homeowners can combine the HRSP rebate with other utility incentives. And for the portion that isn't covered, financing and lease-to-own options can spread the remaining cost into manageable monthly payments. We can walk you through what's available, see our financing options for more.

How to actually claim it (the right order)

The single most common mistake is doing things in the wrong order. To make sure you don't lose your rebate:

1. Talk to a participating contractor first (like us) before you commit to anything.
2. Get the required pre-approval before installation, most rebates require this in advance.
3. Choose a qualifying, ENERGY STAR cold-climate heat pump sized correctly for your home.
4. Have it professionally installed by the participating contractor.
5. Submit the paperwork to claim your rebate.

Buying equipment before you've been pre-approved is the fastest way to disqualify yourself, so start with a conversation.

We'll help you figure out exactly what you qualify for

Rebate programs are confusing on purpose, sometimes it feels that way, and the amount you qualify for genuinely depends on your specific home and heating source. Rather than guess from a generic online figure, we'll tell you exactly what applies to your situation.

Simcoe Muskoka Home Comfort installs qualifying cold-climate heat pumps across the region, including heat pump installation in Barrie and Orillia, and we'll help you navigate the rebate process so you actually get the money you're entitled to.

Contact SMHC today for a free assessment and a clear answer on what you qualify for.

Rebate details current as of 2026 and subject to change. Program amounts, eligibility, and deadlines are set by the administering bodies (Enbridge Gas / Save on Energy / Government of Ontario), verify current details before applying.