Electrical Energy Management Features HVAC & Plumbing Net Zero News Product Product or Solution Residential
Cool savings, warm homes: Ontario’s Energy Affordability Program offering free air-source heat pumps

January 24, 2024 – To help income-eligible residents of Ontario living in electrically heated homes lower their energy costs, Save on Energy is offering free, cold-climate air-source heat pumps to qualifying Ontario households through its Energy Affordability Program.

Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, and can reduce costs by up to 50% when switching from an electric furnace or baseboard, explained Tam Wagner, director, Demand-Side Management, at Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).

Residents of Ontario—including those living in grid-connected First Nations—who are responsible for paying their monthly electricity bill as a homeowner or renter, and reside in an electrically heated home, may qualify for this and other free home upgrades through the Energy Affordability Program.

The type of energy efficiency upgrades a qualifying household may receive depends on household income level from the previous year and how many people live in the household, or on receipt of a qualifying government or energy-support benefit. Residents of social housing may also be eligible.

In addition to cold-climate air-source heat pumps—which have a two-year free maintenance warranty and a 10-year equipment and labour warranty—qualifying households may also be eligible for other free energy efficiency upgrades offered through the Energy Affordability Program, including replacement appliances, window air-conditioners, lighting, weatherstripping, attic and basement insulation, and smart thermostats.