If you still heat your home with oil, it’s your last chance to review your options. Natural Resources Canada lists July 31, 2026, as the last day to apply to the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program. If you are planning a heat pump upgrade, this is not the kind of program to leave until the last minute. Equipment selection, eligibility confirmation, contractor availability and paperwork all take time.
Here, we explain the initiative and the steps to get started before it’s too late.
How the Canada Greener Homes Initiative Has Changed
The OHPA program falls under the broader Canada Greener Homes Initiative, which was created to help Canadians lower energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In previous years, many homeowners knew it through the Canada Greener Homes Grant (and loan), which helped fund eligible retrofits such as insulation, windows, smart thermostats and heat pumps.
That grant is now closed. The Canada Greener Homes Loan is also closed to new applications, although previously approved applications are not affected.
What remains are more specific programs based on your home, income, location and current heating system. For instance, homeowners’ heating with oil may qualify for OHPAP, while low-to-median-income households may also qualify for support through the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program.
What the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program Covers
The Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program is focused on one main goal: helping eligible households move away from oil heating and install an eligible electric heat pump system.
A heat pump can both heat and cool your home, which makes it especially useful for Ontario homeowners. In the summer, it works like an efficient air conditioner. In the winter, it can reduce how much your existing heating system needs to run, depending on the type of heat pump, home design and local climate.
Funding levels and delivery details vary by province and territory. In some areas, eligible homeowners may receive up to $10,000. In participating co-delivery provinces and territories, funding may be higher or delivered differently, including direct installation in some cases.
Deadline Details Differ Among Provinces
The last day to apply for the federal Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program is July 31, 2026 After the application deadline, you will have until January 31, 2027 to submit your required documents, with the program officially closing on March 31, 2027.
Note that dates and delivery models can vary depending on your province or territory (for example, in Ontario, applications are routed through the Energy Affordability Program, and in Nova Scotia, the deadline was adjusted to July 2, 2026.
Please note that in Cornwall, Ontario, residents on the Cornwall Electric (Hydro-Québec) grid are excluded from standard Ontario provincial heat pump programs because these are funded by the Ontario grid and Enbridge Gas.
Criteria to Review Before the July 31 Deadline
To avoid delays, homeowners should confirm eligibility before making decisions or starting work. In general, the OHPA Program is designed for homeowners who:
- Own the home where the upgrade will take place
- Currently heat the home with oil
- Meet the program’s income requirements
- Install an eligible heat pump system
- Follow the required application process before installation
- Provide all required documents by the program deadlines
The most important thing to remember is that heat pump rebate programs are process-driven. Starting the installation before receiving the proper approval can put funding at risk. If you are unsure whether your home, income, existing heating system or equipment choice qualifies, confirm before moving ahead.
What Is Still Available in Canada for the Rest of 2026?
Ontario homeowners may still have access to energy-efficiency incentives through the Home Renovation Savings program, delivered by Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy with support from the Ontario Government.
This program includes rebates for heat pumps, insulation, smart thermostats, solar panels and other energy-efficient upgrades. Heat pump rebates may be available up to $12,000, depending on the type of system and the home’s existing heating source.
For low-to-median-income households, the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program may also provide no-cost recommended retrofits through participating provincial or territorial partners. This program is delivered through selected organizations, not by individual homeowners applying directly to the federal government.
British Columbia homeowners can access substantial incentives through CleanBC Better Homes in partnership with BC Hydro and FortisBC. Eligible households can qualify for thousands of dollars in direct heat pump rebates, plus an additional multi-upgrade bonus up to $2,000.
In Quebec, Hydro-Québec directly manages heat pump financial assistance through the LogisVert Efficient Homes Program, completely removing heat pump rebates from the legacy provincial Rénoclimat system.
Alberta also uses an innovative Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) model via the Clean Energy Improvement Program to make retrofits affordable. Instead of traditional upfront financing, property owners in participating municipalities can access low-interest, long-term financing to install heat pumps and solar arrays.
Upgrade Your Home’s Energy Environment with ClimateCare
Rebate programs can be valuable, but they can also be confusing. The right path depends on your current heating system, your home, your eligibility and the equipment you plan to install. Your local ClimateCare member can help you understand your options and navigate the application process with ease.
Contact your local ClimateCare today to discuss your heat pump upgrade and make sure you are prepared before the July 31, 2026 Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program deadline.
