Unlock Savings with 2026 Window Rebates Ontario: Stay Energy-Efficient & Cost-Effective

In 2026, Ontario homeowners can receive $100 back per eligible window and door rough opening upgrades. They can apply for the Home Renovation Savings Program (available until November 2026) and the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (to be updated in 2026).

As homeowners face rising energy costs and increasing environmental concerns, the importance of making energy efficiency improvements becomes more apparent, and window upgrades are among the most favored. ENERGY STAR-certified windows can significantly reduce heat loss during winter and minimize heat gain in summer, thus lowering heating and cooling costs and creating a more comfortable indoor environment, at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

As such, if you're looking for more details about window rebates Ontario, keep reading! This article covers all the essentials.

Key Takeaways

• IMPORTANT UPDATE 2026: The Canada Greener Homes Loan does not accept applicants anymore as of October 1, 2025.
• The Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) and the Canada Greener Homes Grant no longer accept applicants in 2026.
• In 2026, you may be eligible to apply for the Home Renovation Savings Program and the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program, which will be launched in 2026.
• You may also be eligible to apply for eco programs designed for CMHC-insured homes and the HST/GST New Housing Rebate/Ontario New Housing Rebate.
• ENERGY STAR-certified windows, doors, and skylights are essential for rebate program qualification, as they significantly contribute to energy conservation.
• While this article focuses on Ontario provincial and federal programs, individual municipalities and utility providers may offer additional rebates. Check with your local city and utility provider.

Ontario's 2026 Window Rebate Programs

In 2026, homeowners in Ontario may be eligible for two major programs: the Home Renovation Savings Program and the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program. Toronto homeowners can also apply for the Home Energy Loan program.

Before discussing more about the 2026 programs available for Ontario homeowners, please note that the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus Program (HER+), the Canada Greener Homes Grant, and the Canada Greener Homes Loan are no longer accepting applicants.

Here's a quick fact list for the window rebate Ontario programs we'll discuss below:

1. Home Renovation Savings Program

According to IESO News, the Home Renovation Savings Program was launched on January 28, 2025. It is part of the 2025-2027 Electricity Demand Side Management Program Plan delivered by the IESO, under the Save on Energy brand. This program aims to invest $10.9 billion over 12 years in energy efficiency - the largest investment of this kind in Canadian history. It will rebate homeowners up to 30% of their energy-efficient renovations and improvements, which include windows and doors.

It is believed that by 2036, this energy strategy, which encourages homeowners to invest in energy-efficient renovations, will help ratepayers save $12.2 billion in electricity system costs. According to Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, "[t]his investment reflects our government's determination to build a resilient energy system that powers economic growth and strengthens communities across the province."

Due to high demand, the Home Renovation Savings Program has been extended through November 2026. Furthermore, as of August 2025, due to homeowner demand, the Home Renovation Savings Program now incorporates a streamlined attic insulation option.

How Much Can You Receive by Applying for HRSP?

The Home Renovation Savings Program offers homeowners the possibility to receive:

• $600 rebate for a home energy assessment
• Up to $7,700 for insulation
• $100 for each qualified window and door rough opening
• Air sealing: up to $250
• $500 for qualified heat pump water heaters
• Up to $12,000 rebate for heat pump units (replacement of existing heat pump system)
• Up to $10,000 rebate for solar panels and battery storage
• Up to $1,000 for attic insulation
• $75 for smart thermostats
• Up to $200 for appliances

Who Can Apply for the Home Renovation Savings Program?

IMPORTANT UPDATE: At first, only homeowners who used electricity to heat their houses were eligible for the Home Renovation Savings Program. As of February 2025, homes with oil, propane, and wood heating are eligible for the Home Renovation Savings Program as well.

Here are the eligibility criteria for the Home Renovation Savings Program:

• You must be an Enbridge Gas customer and primarily use a natural gas furnace or boiler to heat your home; or
• You must be connected to the Ontario electricity grid and use electricity, oil, propane, or wood to heat your home.
• You must own a detached house, semi-detached house, row house, townhome, or a condominium.
• You must have occupied the house for at least 6 months.
• You must not have started the renovations yet.

To be eligible for the window and door rebate offered by the Home Renovation Savings Program, you must install:

• at least three window rough openings or
• one door rough opening or
• one skylight rough opening or
• one sliding door rough opening

All the window units must be ENERGY STAR-certified to qualify for this window rebate program in Ontario.

2. Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program

The Canada Greener Homes Grant stopped accepting new applicants in 2024 and officially closed on December 31, 2025. As of July 2025, the Canada Greener Homes Grant delivered $1.77 billion to 369,732 households. The average per project was $4,455, Ontario leading with more than 160,000 grants worth $740 million.

The Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CGHAP) aims to replace the Canada Greener Homes Grant in 2026. It is backed by a budget of $800 million over five years. It is designed for low-to-median income homeowners. The exact income thresholds for Ontario will be announced in 2026. Moreover, both homeowners AND tenants can apply for CGHAP.

This program will follow a "direct install" model, which means that the selected organizations will handle the costs and logistics related to planning and delivering retrofits. This means you won't need to pay out of your pocket.

To participate in the program, you will have to submit an application relevant to your specific province or territory - in this case, Ontario. All the relevant links will be available in 2026 on the official website.

3. Home Energy Loan Program for Toronto Homeowners

Home Energy Loan Program is a City of Toronto program that offers low-interest financing for energy retrofits, including windows.

Toronto homeowners can receive a loan of up to $125,000 with an interest rate of 3.08%-4.67%, depending on terms, for up to 20 years.

To be eligible for the Home Energy Loan Program:

• You must own a detached, semi-detached, row house, duplex, triplex, or any low-rise residential building, which has at most 3 storeys and 6 units.
• All property owners must participate in the program.
• In the last 3 years, you must not have had more than 3 instances of a utility account or property tax being 60 days past due.
• If your property is subject to a mortgage, you must have written consent from the mortgage lender.

Other Programs You Can Apply For

Besides the three programs mentioned above, you may be eligible for various federal and provincial incentives, as well as two programs for CMHC-insured homes.

1. Programs for CMHC Insured Homes

CMHC-insured homes can benefit from two CMHC programs:

• The CMHC Eco Improvement program, which offers homeowners a refund of 25% on their CMHC mortgage loan insurance premium if they complete energy-efficient renovations that cost at least $20,000 to recently purchased homes.
• The CMHC Eco Plus program, which offers homeowners who are CMHC-insured a 25% partial premium refund if they are buying a newly built energy-efficient home that has never been occupied. As of July 8, 2025, the CMHC Eco Plus is only available for newly built homes that have an energy efficiency certificate. If you do not have an energy efficiency certificate, you can schedule an energy assessment with a Natural Resources Canada-qualified energy advisor.

You can apply for both programs within 2 years of the closing date of your mortgage by downloading and completing an application form.

2. Canada Greener Homes Loan

Update 2026: Canada Greener Homes Loan does not accept applicants as of October 1, 2025.

The Canada Greener Homes Loan was designed to offer financial help to homeowners who want to make their homes more energy-efficient. This interest-free loan helped finance eligible retrofits recommended by energy advisors.

The maximum loan amount for window replacements was $40,000.

3. The HST/GST New Housing Rebate + Ontario New Housing Rebate

While the HST/GST New Housing Rebate is not designed for window replacement projects, Ontario homeowners undertaking extensive interior renovations may qualify for federal and provincial rebates under these programs.

The federal HST/GST rebate applies to new homes or substantial renovations (replacing 90% or more of the home's interior), while the Ontario New Housing Rebate provides additional provincial relief for similar new construction or major renovation projects.

However, these require comprehensive gut renovations, not just window upgrades bundled with air sealing or insulation.

For most homeowners, simply replacing windows, the Home Renovation Savings Program (above) is the relevant option.

Understanding ENERGY STAR Models & Certifications

ENERGY STAR-certified windows are approximately 20% more energy efficient than standard models. For doors, this percentage stands at 15%. This can help you reduce utility bills.

Before choosing the right model, it is important to know that different climate zones require different labels to ensure the maximum energy-efficient upgrades.

If you want to compare Energy Star-certified models and their energy efficiency criteria, you can do so on the official website of the Natural Resources Canada department. The product database mentions not only the U-factor and the Solar Heat Gain of all products but also an energy rating, which reflects the balance between heat transfer, air leakage, and solar gain. The higher the energy rating, the slower the heat transfer.

Magic products are present in the database as well under the CTW(NuView/Magic Window) brand name. Most of our windows have a 30+ energy rating, some reaching a rating of 48, thus being included in the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient database. Our sliding glass doors have made it to the Most Efficient list as well.

Choosing ENERGY STAR's most efficient models, like Magic's, can help you receive window rebates while saving more energy. These models can help you prevent condensation and eliminate drafts, making your home both more comfortable and energy efficient.

Navigating the Application Process

Even though the advantages of energy-efficient upgrades are evident, the rebate application process can be a bit overwhelming. This process highly depends on the program you're applying for and its eligibility criteria. For example, you may have to find a registered energy advisor who can help you complete the application process, complete a thorough home examination, and provide upgrade recommendations.

During a pre-retrofit energy assessment, the energy advisor will take photos and measure various required areas, as well as conduct a test to identify any air leakage that must be dealt with. Afterwards, they will develop a personalized plan that will improve your home's energy efficiency and help you qualify for rebate programs and incentives.

Furthermore, the post-retrofit evaluation shows the home’s energy cost savings and greenhouse gas emissions reduction from the completed retrofits.

For more information on how to apply for window rebate in Ontario, check our comprehensive guide on this topic.

Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Window Rebate in Ontario

Even though the Home Renovation Savings Program offers generous rebates, many homeowners make costly mistakes that result in rejections or reduced rebate amounts. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Starting Work Before Your Pre-Retrofit Assessment

One of the most critical mistakes is beginning any renovation work before completing your pre-retrofit assessment and receiving program approval.

Once you start work, you become ineligible for rebates, regardless of whether you're pursuing single or bundled upgrades. The program requires documentation that the assessment was completed before any installations began.

Always schedule your energy assessment first, receive approval, and only then hire your contractor and begin work.

Installing Non-ENERGY STAR Certified Windows

Your windows must be ENERGY STAR certified to qualify for any rebate. Installing standard or non-certified windows, even if they are energy-efficient, will disqualify your project.

Before purchasing any windows, confirm that they are on the official NRCan ENERGY STAR product database (mentioned above). Keep all ENERGY STAR labels on windows and doors until your post-retrofit evaluation is complete.

Partial Window Replacement Won't Qualify

Full-frame window replacement is mandatory. This means the entire window unit, including the frame, must be replaced. Glass-only replacement, sash replacement while keeping the existing frame, window reglazing, or adding window film do not qualify for rebates.

The program requires complete window units to ensure proper thermal performance and air sealing. Confirm with your contractor that they will be replacing the entire frame.

Improper Installation or Air Sealing

To qualify for Ontario window rebates, homeowners must hire professionals to install ENERGY STAR-certified windows. In fact, poor installation is a common reason for post-retrofit assessment failures. Windows must be professionally installed with proper air sealing and weatherproofing at the window-wall interface.

The post-retrofit assessment includes a thorough inspection of installation quality. If the energy advisor finds air leaks, improper framing, or inadequate sealing, you may not receive your full rebate or could be denied entirely. Therefore, always hire qualified contractors familiar with program requirements.

Missing the Program Deadline

The Home Renovation Savings Program's extended deadline is November 30, 2026. Your pre-retrofit assessment must be completed before this date, and all post-retrofit evaluations must be finished by the deadline as well.

Mark this date on your calendar and plan your project timeline accordingly. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Skipping Post-Retrofit Assessment Documentation

After your installation is complete, you must schedule a post-retrofit assessment with your energy advisor. This assessment verifies that the work was completed to specifications and calculates your energy savings. Without this assessment, your rebate claim cannot be processed. Keep all documentation, including invoices and ENERGY STAR labels.

Install the Most Energy-Efficient Windows with Magic!

If you are looking for ENERGY STAR-certified windows that are manufactured specifically to withstand the weather in Ontario and minimize your energy consumption, you can book a free consultation with Magic! One of our specialists will tell you everything there is to know about Magic windows and glass doors, which are among the most energy-efficient in Canada! This way, you will be able to make an informed decision in regard to whether our products are a good addition to your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a government grant for window replacement in Canada?

In 2026, you may be eligible for the Home Renovation Savings Program and the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program if you want to improve energy efficiency in your home by replacing windows.

Are there any rebates for windows in Ontario?

The Ontario government offers two major rebate programs that include windows: the Home Renovation Savings Program and the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program.

How much rebate can you get when changing windows in Ontario in 2025?

Through the Home Renovation Savings Program, you can get $100 per window opening (minimum 3 windows required), plus additional rebates if bundling with other upgrades like air sealing ($250) or home insulation (up to $7,700). Toronto residents can also access the Home Energy Loan Program, which finances window projects up to $125,000 at 3.08%-4.67% interest over up to 20 years.

What is the $5,000 rebate program in Ontario?

The $5,000 rebate program in Ontario is the Canada Greener Homes Grant, but it does not accept applicants anymore.

What are the benefits of energy-efficient windows and doors?

The benefits of energy-efficient windows and doors include reduced energy use and carbon footprint, living in a healthier and more comfortable home, and saving money.

Who is eligible for the Ontario rebate 2025?

Ontario homeowners who own a detached house, semi-detached house, row house, townhome, or condominium and have lived there for at least 6 months are eligible for the Home Renovation Savings Program, regardless of whether they heat with electricity, natural gas, oil, propane, or wood. The Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (launching 2026) will serve low-to-median income homeowners and tenants, with specific income thresholds to be announced.

Can you claim new windows on your taxes in Ontario?

In Ontario, you cannot claim window replacement as a direct tax deduction. However, if your windows are part of a substantial renovation (90% or more of your home's interior), you may qualify for federal HST/GST rebates and Ontario provincial rebates.

How long does it take to receive my rebate?

It takes approximately 8-16 weeks to receive your rebate after your energy advisor submits your complete application. Processing times vary based on program volume and whether additional documentation is requested.

Is replacing just broken glass eligible for a rebate?

Usually, no, replacing just the broken glass is not eligible for a rebate. Most programs require full unit replacement in existing openings. Replacing only glass, sashes, or door slabs without addressing the frame typically does not qualify.

What if I use an air source heat pump or ground source heat pump; can I bundle those with windows?

Absolutely. Heat pumps are among the highest-value rebate items available. Combining a cold climate air source heat pump or ground source heat pump installation with window replacements, solar panels, battery storage, and water heaters can unlock greater savings across your entire project.

Are there rebates for smart thermostats or water heating upgrades?

Yes. Smart thermostats, heat pump water heaters, and other efficiency measures are eligible under current programs. Bundling them with your window project can help you save energy across multiple systems while maximizing total rebate value.