Quick quiz: how a heat pump works
Ten questions on the machine itself. Tap an answer to see why.
What closed, and when
| Program | What it paid | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Home Heating System Rebates | Heat pump rebates for any homeowner | Closed Dec 31, 2025 |
| Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) | Up to $10,000 federal + $5,000 provincial for oil-heated homes | Closed to new applicants July 2, 2026 |
| Moderate Income Rebate top-up | Was up to $10,000 | Cut to up to $5,000 after OHPA ended |
| Canada Greener Homes Grant and Loan | Federal grant and interest-free loan | Both closed |
If you applied to OHPA and are on the standby list, Efficiency Nova Scotia says it will keep reviewing files if more money becomes available. Being on the list doesn't guarantee funding.
A new federal rebate is coming
OHPA is closed, but on October 8, 2026, Ottawa announced a new federal heat pump rebate: up to $10,000 for households below the median income and $2,000 for other eligible homeowners. Ottawa expects it to open in early 2027. Ottawa says it can be combined with provincial programs. It is not open yet, and the income line has not been published. What we know so far.
Canada’s new heat pump rebate is worth up to $10,000. Get an email the day it opens
The old rebate closed. Ottawa’s new one opens in early 2027, and we’ll tell you the day it does.
- Up to $10,000
- if your household earns below the median income
- $2,000
- for other homeowners who qualify
Stack it with the Nova Scotia rebate open today
Ottawa says you can combine them. Each program has its own rules. Amounts are the most you can get.
Applications open early 2027
Join the launch alert
- Launch-day email, with what to do first
- Who qualifies for the $10,000, once Ottawa says
- A short hello now, so you know it worked
Know someone with old heating? Send them this.
Only emails about this rebate. No spam, no sales calls. Unsubscribe anytime.
Read everything we know so far Official page: canada.ca
Heat pump rebates you can still get in Nova Scotia
| Who | Ductless mini-split | Centrally ducted | Max total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any homeowner (Home Energy Assessment) | $300 per ton | $500 per ton | Up to $5,000 across all upgrades |
| Moderate income, not electric heat (add-on) | +$500 per ton | +$1,500 per ton | Up to $10,000 with HEA |
| Lower income (HomeWarming) | Free upgrades, which can include a heat pump | Free | |
A "ton" is a heat pump size. One ton is 12,000 BTU per hour. So a 2-ton ductless unit is $600 through the Home Energy Assessment, or $1,600 if you also qualify for the Moderate Income Rebate.
Important limits: replacing an existing heat pump doesn't qualify. Ducted mini-splits don't qualify. The installer must be a certified refrigeration mechanic, and the model must be on Efficiency Nova Scotia's list.
Free heat pumps in Nova Scotia: who qualifies?
There's no program just for seniors. The free option is HomeWarming, which is based on income, not age. You must own your home and live in it year-round. After-tax household income limits:
- 1 person: $30,187
- 2 to 4 people: $57,075
- 5 or more people: $79,163
A free energy advisor visit decides what you get. It may be insulation and draft-proofing, and sometimes a heat pump. Efficiency Nova Scotia warns of long wait times.
If your income is a bit higher, look at the Moderate Income Rebate. The limit is $37,260 for 1 person up to $126,500 for 5 or more. Homes heated mainly with electricity can't use it.
What to do next
- Check your income against HomeWarming and the Moderate Income Rebate. If you qualify, apply first.
- Book a Home Energy Assessment ($199, or free if approved for an income program) before any work starts.
- Get quotes. Compare top-rated local installers, ranked by Google reviews — free for homeowners: Halifax · Cape Breton.
- Finish within 12 months and book your final assessment. Cheques usually come within about 90 days.
Common questions
Is the Efficiency Nova Scotia heat pump rebate still available?
Yes, through a Home Energy Assessment: $300 per ton for ductless and $500 per ton for ducted heat pumps. The older Home Heating System Rebates closed December 31, 2025.
Can seniors get a free heat pump in Nova Scotia?
Not because of age. HomeWarming gives free upgrades to lower-income homeowners of any age. The after-tax income limit is $30,187 for one person.
Is the oil to heat pump grant still open?
No. OHPA closed to new applicants on July 2, 2026, after its money was used up.
Related reading
- Nova Scotia home energy rebates 2026
- Nova Scotia heating rebate payment dates and status check
- What is HARP? The $400 heating rebate explained
- Halifax heat pump rebates
- Cape Breton heat pump rebates
- Nova Scotia heat pump water heater guide
Sources, checked September 26, 2026: Home Heating System Rebates (closed), OHPA, Moderate Income Rebate, HomeWarming, Home Energy Assessment Rebate Guide (Aug 2026), NRCan.
