Nova Scotia Heat Pump
Rebates & Incentives
Find your best path to rebates or affordability programs, with official links and scam-resistant guidance.
Last verified: 2026-10-09 · Review due: 2026-10-29
Government of Canada · Announced October 8, 2026
National Heat Pump Rebate
Announced, not open
Up to $10,000 for eligible below-median-income households; $2,000 for other eligible homeowners. Canadian Press reports an early-2027 launch and intended fall-2026 retroactivity. The exact dates, income thresholds and retroactive rules remain unpublished in the official sources reviewed.
The announced federal rebate requires no energy audits. Separate provincial programs may require assessments. Provincial stacking is announced; do not budget for a guaranteed combined rebate or assume a purchase today qualifies.
Which Nova Scotia program should I check?
For installation or efficiency upgrades, check the provincial pathways with the administrator before buying. For help paying heating bills, check HARP. The new federal rebate is announced but applications are not open. Program rules checked 2026-10-09.
| Program and official source | What it supports | Income basis | Assessment and timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) | Existing oil-to-heat-pump application files | Existing-file criteria are confirmed by the administrator. | Follow the conditions in your existing approval. Closed to new applicants July 2, 2026; contact Efficiency NS about an existing file. |
| HomeWarming | Approved efficiency upgrades at no charge | Income-tested; use the administrator’s current household-size table. | The program assesses the home and selects approved work. Apply through the program before arranging upgrades. |
| Moderate Income Rebate | Higher rebates for qualifying upgrades | Income and household-size rules apply; check the current income definition. | Confirm the required Home Energy Assessment and approval steps. Confirm intake, eligible equipment and approval before purchasing. |
| Home Energy Assessment | Assessment and qualifying efficiency upgrades | Standard pathway; income-based top-ups have separate rules. | Confirm pre- and post-upgrade assessment requirements. Arrange the required assessment before installation. |
| Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) | $400 heating-bill assistance for eligible renters or owners | 2025 net income: $30,000 if living alone, $45,000 for a household, or qualifying benefits. Other conditions apply. | Heating-bill support; not an installation rebate. Apply October 1, 2026–March 31, 2027. |
| National Heat Pump Rebate | Announced cold-climate heat pump support; final eligibility rules pending. | Below-median-income category announced; exact thresholds unpublished. | Announced as audit-free. Applications not open; early 2027 is reported launch timing. Provincial conditions remain separate. |
An income label, program cap or installer’s promise does not establish eligibility. Use the official source for the current income calculation and approval process. We do not accept government applications.
Find your next step
Choose a starting point. The program administrator confirms eligibility, funding and the work you can begin.
OHPA closed to new applicants on July 2, 2026. Existing applicants should contact Efficiency Nova Scotia about their application.
Our source review is due. Please check the official pages for current rules.
HeatPumpsNovaScotia.ca is an independent consumer resource. We are not a government agency, not Efficiency Nova Scotia, and not a contractor.
- Official rules and funding amounts are determined by program administrators.
- We do not accept applications or guarantee rebate approval.
- Always verify eligibility on official program sites before purchasing.
- If an official source conflicts with our guide, the official source is correct.
Source audit stamp
Last source verification run: 2026-10-09.
The dates above show our latest review and next review deadline. If a government or program administrator page conflicts with this guide, the official page is authoritative.
Current Nova Scotia program pathways
Source-backed details with official links for each program.
Check your program before starting work
Assessment and approval requirements depend on the program. OHPA is closed to new applicants. Confirm your pathway with Efficiency Nova Scotia before signing a contract.
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA)
OHPA closed to new applicants on July 2, 2026. Existing applicants should contact Efficiency Nova Scotia about their application.
HomeWarming
No-charge assessments and approved efficiency upgrades for eligible lower-income homeowners. Apply through the program before arranging work. Upgrade recommendations depend on the home and program approval.
Moderate Income Rebate
Eligible homeowners may receive up to $5,000 in Moderate Income Rebate top-ups, which can be combined with up to $5,000 through Home Energy Assessment for a total maximum of $10,000 for qualifying upgrades. These are program caps, not a guaranteed heat pump payment. Confirm the current intake, heating-system requirements, equipment list and approval process directly before buying.
Home Energy Assessment
This pathway uses a home energy assessment to identify eligible upgrades. Confirm the required pre- and post-upgrade visits, timing, equipment and rebate amount with the program before starting work.
Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP)
Heating-bill support for eligible Nova Scotians who rent or own and directly pay for home heat. The announced 2026–27 application window runs from October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. This supports heating bills; it is not a heat pump installation rebate. Confirm current income requirements and apply on the provincial website.
Need financing?
Check Municipal Clean Energy Financing (PACE)
Clean Energy Financing (PACE-style financing) is offered in participating Nova Scotia towns and municipalities and is administered by Clean Foundation. If eligible, you may receive upfront financing and repay your municipality over time (program terms vary by municipality).
Before you buy: Confirm the rebate path first
Many rebate problems happen because the homeowner installs first and tries to "figure out rebates later".
- Use official program pages for eligibility and steps
- Get everything in writing: model numbers, AHRI number, invoice details, and permits
- If an installer claims they are "with Efficiency NS" or "guarantees rebates", treat that as a red flag
Typical paperwork you will be asked for
Exact requirements vary by program, but these items come up repeatedly.
- Full indoor and outdoor model numbers (exact)
- AHRI reference number (when applicable)
- Proof of primary residence and home ownership (some programs)
- For existing OHPA files, any oil-purchase records requested by the administrator
- CRA Notice of Assessment pages needed for income checks (program-specific)
- Final paid invoice with install address, date, and contractor info
- Photos where required by the application or attestation
Permits and electrical work: ask before you sign
Heat pump installs can trigger electrical work. Clarify who pulls permits and what is included.
- Ask if an electrical permit is required for your install and who is responsible
- If a contractor pressures you to skip permits, do not proceed
Red flags to avoid
- "Rebate guaranteed" or "we are affiliated with Efficiency NS"
- Pressure to sign financing immediately
- Requests for full payment upfront before any paperwork is confirmed
- No written quote with model numbers and scope
- Door-to-door pitches offering "free inspections" tied to deposits
Door-to-door “free inspection” deposit requests
Teams are knocking on doors claiming a government-mandated inspection and asking for cash/e-transfer deposits. No government agency is mandating door-to-door heat pump inspections. Do not pay at the door; verify the business in the directory and request a written quote with permits.
Report a ScamFake “Efficiency NS Preferred Partner” badges in ads
Some Facebook/Marketplace ads are using Efficiency NS logos without being registered. Cross-check the business name in the directory and with Efficiency NS before booking. Ask for their registration number and written quote with model numbers.
Report a ScamUpfront full payment before permits
Unlicensed installers are demanding full e-transfer before pulling permits. Reputable installers invoice after milestones and provide permit details. If pressured, decline and use verified installers only.
Report a ScamRebate-Ready Checklist
Ensure your installer includes these in the quote so you do not get stuck later.
- Full indoor and outdoor model numbers
- AHRI Certified Reference Number (if applicable)
- Confirmation of cold-climate rating and eligible listing
- Electrical permit plan (who pulls it, what it covers)
- Load calculation plan (how the system will be sized for your house)
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