Is the Enbridge HER+ Heat Pump Rebate Dead? What Ontarians Can Claim (2026 Guide)

Ontario homeowners are deeply confused about heat pump rebates. For over a year, the widely popular Enbridge Home Efficiency Plus (HER+) program served as the primary vehicle for landing up to $10,000 in energy‑efficiency cash back. However, since its abrupt, over‑subscribed intake closure, many GTA residents falsely believe that government incentives for switching to energy‑efficient HVAC units have completely vanished.

The reality? Substantial heat pump rebates remain highly active across Ontario through a restructured system. The province now directs homeowners to the Home Renovation Savings Program, operated in partnership with Save on Energy:
https://www.saveonenergy.ca/homerenovationsavings

If you are a homeowner in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, or York Region looking to replace an aging furnace or AC unit, here is the exact breakdown of the active 2026 programs, real eligibility criteria, and how to maximize your cash back.

The Shift: From HER+ to the Home Renovation Savings Program

While the federal Canada Greener Homes Grant and the joint Enbridge HER+ pipelines are officially closed to new applicants, their structural successor is the Home Renovation Savings Program, operated in collaboration with Save on Energy.

The funding matrix is no longer a one‑size‑fits‑all model. Your maximum payout depends entirely on how your home is currently heated and your household income bracket.

Active 2026 Ontario Heat Pump Rebate Streams

• Electrically Heated Homes (Save on Energy) — Up to $7,500 — Must replace baseboard heaters or an electric furnace with an ENERGY STAR certified cold‑climate air‑source heat pump.
• Gas Heated Homes (Enbridge / Save on Energy) — Up to $2,000 — Must install an eligible centrally ducted cold‑climate heat pump alongside an approved smart thermostat.
• Energy Affordability Program (Income‑Qualified) — Up to 100% Free — Tailored for low‑to‑moderate‑income households; covers the complete cost of a new heat pump system if the current setup qualifies.

Full rebate details and current eligibility rules can be reviewed directly through Save on Energy:
https://www.saveonenergy.ca/homerenovationsavings

Central vs. Ductless: Which System Qualifies in the GTA?

Before calling a local mechanical contractor, you must match the rebate requirements to your home's structural layout.

[YOUR CURRENT SETUP]
→ Central Ducted Furnace → Needs: Central Heat Pump (Up to $2,000)
→ Baseboard / No Ducts → Needs: Multi‑Zone Ductless Mini‑Splits (Up to $7,500)
→ Income‑Qualified Stream → Needs: Energy Affordability Assessment (Free)

Centrally Ducted Heat Pumps: If your home uses standard ductwork and an old gas furnace, you can switch to a hybrid system. The heat pump handles heating down to roughly -10°C, and your furnace acts as a backup for extreme GTA winter drops. This path qualifies for the $2,000 tier.

Ductless Multi‑Zone Mini‑Splits: Perfect for downtown Toronto century homes (like older semi‑detached builds in Leslieville or The Annex) that rely on radiators or electric baseboards. Installing an eligible ductless cold‑climate multi‑split system can trigger the higher $7,500 rebate tier, provided the primary heating baseline was completely electric.

3 Traps That Will Disqualify Your Rebate Application

The administration process for Ontario energy rebates is notoriously rigid. If you miss a single technical checkbox, your application will be instantly rejected.

Trap 1: The "Unmatched" AHRI Matchup
Every eligible heat pump outdoor condenser must be officially paired with a specific indoor coil and furnace combination. This is verified by an AHRI Certificate number. If your contractor installs an outdoor unit from Brand A and a coil from Brand B that aren't certified together, you get $0 back.

Trap 2: Skipping the Smart Thermostat Requirement
For gas‑to‑hybrid conversions, the program mandates the installation of a qualifying smart thermostat capable of optimizing the switch‑over temperature between the heat pump and the gas backup.

Trap 3: Hiring an Unregistered HVAC Contractor
You cannot buy a heat pump online, install it yourself, or hire an unverified handyman. The rebate network requires installation by an HRAI‑certified professional with active liability insurance and valid Ontario TSSA registration.

Financial Reality Check: What Do These Systems Actually Cost?

According to the GTA Trades Daily Pricing Index, installing a comprehensive, tier‑one cold‑climate central heat pump system in a standard 2,000 sq. ft. GTA home typically ranges between $9,500 and $14,500, depending on brand tier (Mitsubishi, Daikin, Carrier) and electrical panel readiness.

The Real Out‑of‑Pocket Math (Example Scenario)

• Average Central Installation Cost: $11,000
• Save on Energy Rebate Incentive: -$2,000
• Immediate Local Utility Credit: -$250
• Net Investment Cost: $8,750

When compared to a standard entry‑level central AC replacement (roughly $4,500 to $6,000 in the GTA), the rebate effectively bridges the price gap, allowing you to secure a system that reduces your winter carbon footprint and lowers monthly energy bills.

Ready to gather accurate estimates? Review our vetted list of the Best HVAC Contractors in Toronto or check out our complete April 2026 GTA Heating & Cooling Price Guide before signing a contract.