Zero-Interest Heat Pumps: Canada's Greener Homes Loan
The Canada Greener Homes Loan program is officially ending and will no longer accept new applications after October 1, 2025, with no indication from the federal government that it will be reinstated or replaced by an identical national program in the immediate future.
Program Status After October 1st
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Applications must be submitted before October 1, 2025; the program portal will be closed after this date.
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There is no guarantee that even approved applications submitted close to the deadline will be processed, as program funding is nearly depleted.
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If a homeowner has already applied and met all requirements before October 1, their loan will still be honoured, but no new applications will be accepted.
Replacement or Similar Programs
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As of late September 2025, there is no federal announcement of a direct replacement or extension for the Canada Greener Homes Loan applicable to all Canadians.
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Efficiency Canada and many industry groups are lobbying for the government to recapitalize or reinstate a similar program in 2025, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
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A new low-income stream has recently launched targeting vulnerable Canadians, but this does not replace the universal, middle-class program like Greener Homes.
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Homeowners may still be able to access provincial, municipal, and utility incentive programs for energy efficiency upgrades. These vary by region and can offer grants, rebates, or loans for specific retrofit activities (e.g., solar, insulation, heat pumps).
What Homeowners Can Do
Nova Scotia residents still have access to several substantial home energy efficiency incentive programs beyond the soon-to-close Canada Greener Homes Loan. Most supports are run by Efficiency Nova Scotia, with additional help for low- and middle-income households and specific rebates for new home construction and heating system upgrades.
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Key Programs Available
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Home Energy Assessment Program (Efficiency Nova Scotia):
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Up to $5,000 in rebates for qualifying upgrades including heat pumps, insulation, windows, doors, and more.
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Moderate-income households may qualify for additional rebates, potentially totaling up to $15,000, and households switching from oil heating can receive up to $30,000 in combined rebates via federal and provincial programs.
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Heating System Rebates (Efficiency Nova Scotia):
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Rebates up to $1,600 for centrally-ducted heat pumps and up to $800 for ductless mini-splits. Applications who install in the last 180 days are eligible.
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Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) Program:
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Up to $15,000 for low- and middle-income households to switch from oil to electric heat pumps, covering install, equipment, and removal of the oil tank.
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Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP):
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Provides $600 per household to help with heating costs for qualifying low-income Nova Scotians (application period: October 2025 – March 2026).
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HomeWarming Program:
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Free energy assessments and upgrades for income-qualified homeowners, including insulation, draft proofing, and heating options.
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EnergyForward New Homes Program:
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Up to $25,000 in incentives for new energy-efficient home builds. Registration must be before or within 30 days of building permit issuance.
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Free Energy Efficiency Products:
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All residents can get free installation of energy-saving products like LED lights and smart thermostats. Additional products may be available for income-qualified households.
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Application Info and Important Dates
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The final application deadline for most 2025 heating and energy rebates is December 31, 2025, for current program cycles.
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Rebates and program eligibility sometimes change, so reviewing Efficiency Nova Scotia's official website for the latest details is recommended.
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Nova Scotia remains among the most supportive provinces for energy-efficient home renovations, with strong local and federal coordination despite the sunset of the Canada Greener Homes Loan.
Kyle B.
“Great company! Excellent, professional and high quality service
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Nicholas H.
Right from the beginning every step of the process dealing with Discovery Efficiency was very enjoyable for myself as a customer. Cameron was highly professional in everything he did; from answering all my questions to the work preformed I couldn’t be happier! If you want top quality service and products at very competitive prices from a trust worthy local business, look no further!