Step-by-Step Guide to Heat Pump Rebates

Steps to complete during your heat pump rebate process.

Are you struggling with heat pump rebates? We're here to help!

Many homeowners find themselves grappling with the intricacies of rebate programs designed to promote eco-friendly choices and save money in the long run.

That's why we're here to lend a hand and guide you through this often confusing process. At Nova Heat Pumps, we understand your frustration and want to help.

How we can help you navigate the maze

At Nova Heat Pumps, we're committed to making your transition to an energy-efficient heat pump as smooth and cost-effective as possible. That's why we're pleased to offer you a Step-by-Step Rebate Guide to shed light on this often bewildering journey.

Here's what you can expect from our guide:

  • Step-by-Step Guidance: Our guide will provide a detailed roadmap of the application process.

  • Who to contact to book a Home Energy Assessment (this is not the same thing as a home assessment for a heat pump quote).

Let Nova Heat Pumps help maximize your rebates with our expertise in both Federal and Provincial Rebate programs.

DETERMINE WHAT REBATES YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR

Our rebate expert has put together a customer cheat sheet regarding the various rebate programs. Please note the rebate programs and amounts are subject to approval by Efficiency Nova Scotia and are subject to change without notice.

Home Energy Assessment (HEA) + Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) + Moderate Income Rebates (MIR)

  • Need an assessment before ANY installations or upgrades.

  • MUST apply on Efficiency Nova Scotia’s website. Apply now: https://www.efficiencyns.ca/programs-rebates/oil-to-heat-pump-affordability-program?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnPS-BhBxEiwAZjMF0ohuKuQTSBMK3bia5nTeJVgA9dWSurE1ssFI9lid6uLtqTCeUu1-vBoCEG0QAvD_BwE

  • MUST be pre-approved by Efficiency Nova Scotia prior to installations (OHPA/MIR only).

  • MUST meet all other eligibility requirements as well (income, primary residence, oil consumption, equipment on approved list).

  • HEA rebates potentially up to $5000 (qualifying upgrades).

  • OHPA rebates potentially up to $15,000 (qualifying upgrades). Home MUST be primarily heated using a non-electric fuel source heat and consume at least 500 litres in the previous 12 months. Electrically heated homes are not eligible.

  • MIR potentially up to $10,000 (qualifying upgrades and a free assessment). Home MUST be primarily heated using a non-electric fuel source heat and consume at least 500 litres in the previous 12 months. Electrically heated homes are not eligible.

  • Heat pump installations must heat the whole home (living space) for OHPA/MIR.

  • All installed equipment must be on the approved heat pump lists (all programs).

  • All installations must be completed by a certified Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (RACM).

  • Contractors can receive the advance payment up to $15,000 for the upgrades.

  • Customers can access the Canada Greener Homes Loan with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

  • Already installed eligible equipment on or after January 31, 2023, can still apply for the grant but this grant will be paid retroactively (must meet all program requirements).

    What does the customer journey look like?

  • Submit the Moderate Income Rebate application.

  • A navigator will reach out to you to provide a case number, rebate guide, installer acknowledgement, attestation form, advance payment form, and steps to book an assessment. Customers complete the OHPA advance payment form with help from their chosen contractor.

  • Wait for final approval from Efficiency Nova Scotia for OHPA before starting any upgrades.

  • Advance payment will be sent to the chosen contractor. Any balance owing to the contractor will be the responsibility of you (the homeowner).

  • Complete desired upgrades.

  • Book final assessment.

  • It will take up to 90-days for the HEA and MIR rebates to be processed after the final assessment.

Not Eligible for HEA and MIR:

  • Replacement heat pumps, functioning or non-functioning (OHPA can have a replacement).

  • Ducted, compacted ducted, mixed-ducted mini-splits.

  • Any equipment installed in unconditioned spaces (i.e.ductwork through unconditioned attic spaces).

  • If adding to an existing system the rebate would be calculated based on the added capacity.

Heating System Rebate (HSR) + Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA)

  • Program designed for customers to access OHPA WITHOUT having to complete a Home Energy Assessment.

  • There will be NO HEA + MIR top ups and NO access to the Canada Greener Homes Loan.

  • Homeowners can apply through the MIR application on Efficiency Nova Scotia’s website before any install.

  • Once a customer receives a call from a Navigator they can move forward with installation.

  • Submit the HSR and OHPA application along with the attestation form, photos, and final paid invoice.

  • NO income eligibility for this program.

  • Contractors can receive an advance payment up to $10,000 for the upgrades.

  • All installations MUST be completed by a certified Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (RACM).

What does the customer journey look like?

  • Customer submits the Moderate Income application.

  • A navigator will reach out to you to provide the case number, rebate guide, PDF version of Heating System Rebates - Oil to Heat Pump Affordability application. Customers complete the OHPA advance payment form with help from their chosen contractor.

  • Complete desired upgrades and submit the Heating System Rebates - Oil to Heat Pump Affordability application along with the attestation form, photos, and final paid invoices.

Not Eligible for HSR and MIR:

  1. Replacement heat pumps, functioning or non-functioning (OHPA can have a replacement).

  2. Ducted, compacted ducted, mixed-ducted mini-splits.

  3. Any equipment installed in unconditioned spaces (i.e. ductwork through unconditioned attic spaces). 

  4. If adding to an existing system the rebate would be calculated based on the added capacity.

HomeWarming (HW) + Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program (OHPA)

  • No charge upgrades for eligible customers.

  • For lower-income households.

  • Homeowners can apply with the HomeWarming application on Efficiency Nova Scotia’s website.

  • MUST be your primary residence and DON’T plan to sell soon.

  • New customers will be placed on a HomeWarming waitlist.

  • Assigned to a HomeWarming Contractor which will perform a free Home Energy Assessment will be completed for envelope upgrades.

  • Proposed envelope upgrades approved by Efficiency Nova Scotia first and then installed.

  • The customer will be assigned a Heat Pump contractor.

  • The proposed work will be approved and installed for the heat pump.

  • A final Home Energy Assessment will be completed once the work is completed.

  • All heat pump installations MUST be completed by a certified Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (RACM).

Past HomeWarming Participants:

  1. Homeowners can apply with the HomeWarming application on Efficiency Nova Scotia’s website.

  2. MUST be your primary residence and don’t plan to sell soon.

  3. The customer will be assigned a Heat Pump contractor.

  4. The proposed work will be approved by Efficiency Nova Scotia and installed. 

  5. A final Home Energy Assessment will be completed once the work is completed.

  6. All heat pump installations MUST be completed by a certified Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (RACM).

What does the customer journey look like?

  • Customer submits the HomeWarming application.

  • Customers placed on HomeWarming wait list (past participants skip to step 6).

  • New participant: Assigned to HomeWarming contractor. Assessment completed for upgrades.

  • Proposed upgrades approved by Efficiency Nova Scotia and installed.

  • Final assessment completed.

  • Assigned to a Heat Pump contractor.

  • Proposed work approved and installed.

COMPLETE THESE 5 REMAINING STEPS

  • Book your home energy assessment for $199 with a Registered Home Energy Advisors. Follow the link below to book a Home Energy Assessment through the Efficiency Nova Scotia Website with a registered advisor in your area.

  • Be sure to look out for the EnerGuide label and a Renovation Upgrade Report sent to you from your Registered Energy Advisor that is tailored to your home.

  • You have 12 months after your home energy assessment date to complete all upgrades.

    You can contact Nova Heat Pumps to book your Free Home Assessment to receive your heat pump quote.

    You can also book by visiting our online booking tool.

  • It is now time to book your heat pump installation.

    You can contact us to schedule your installation date.

    Please ensure payment options are determined ahead of time as payment is due once the installation is completed. We accept e-transfer, personal cheque, debit, and credit (transaction limits may apply).

    We also offer financing which must be discussed and approved prior to scheduling your installation.

  • Book your post-retro fit evaluation to get all paperwork finalized and ensure your upgrades meet criteria.

    Please ensure you have a copy of the invoice and receipt to submit to the energy advisor during the post-retrofit evaluation. The energy advisor will submit those documents on your behalf during this visit.

    Disclaimer - it can take up to 90 days to process all rebates. We do not process rebates, this is done through Efficiency Nova Scotia.

THANK YOU

Thank you for contacting Nova Heat Pumps, Plumbing, and Electrical Limited for all your heating and cooling needs. If you have any further questions please get in touch with us.

Please note - we do not fill out any rebate paperwork on behalf of our customers. This is solely the responsibility of the customer.