The breakdown
No assessment needed — attic & cathedral ceiling
Attic, from ≤R-12
Must reach R-50 minimum across 100% of the roof assembly.
Attic, from R-12–25
Attic, from R-25–35
Cathedral ceiling / flat roof
Assessment required — walls, foundation, crawlspace
Exterior wall
To at least R-20 across 100% of exterior wall area.
Foundation / basement wall
Basement slab
Insulate 50%+ with minimum R-3.5 addition.
Foundation header
Insulate 80%+ with minimum R-20 addition.
Crawlspace wall
Crawlspace ceiling
A separate measure from the crawlspace wall — both can be claimed.
Exposed floor
The attic pays more here than on the no-assessment path
If you're already booking an assessment for other upgrades, do your attic insulation through this tier instead of the no-assessment path above — it pays more for the identical work: up to $1,500 for attic (vs. $1,250 on the no-assessment path) and $780 for cathedral ceiling/flat roof (vs. $750/$650).
Both insulation and air sealing are also eligible measures under the Better Homes Ottawa loan, if you want to finance the remainder after rebates.
How to claim it
- For attic: confirm eligibility, pick a participating insulation contractor, get it installed, contractor submits the application
- For walls/foundation: book an energy assessment first, then follow the assessment-path steps
Browse HVAC, solar, and electrical installers near Ottawa →
Common questions
What insulation rebates are available in Ottawa?
Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program covers attic, wall, and basement insulation, plus air sealing, usually as part of a broader retrofit. Amounts depend on the scope of work and typically run a few thousand dollars.
Do I need an energy audit first in Ottawa?
Yes. Ontario requires a pre-retrofit home energy assessment before insulation work qualifies, so the auditor can confirm the upgrade and measure the improvement afterward.
Next steps
View all Ottawa rebate programs → or check the official Home Renovation Savings Program site → for the current source of truth.