Nova Scotia Heat Pump Rebates 2026: Up to $10,000, and What Changed in July

Heat pump rebates in Nova Scotia shrank this summer. The federal oil-to-heat-pump grant closed on July 2, and the province halved its moderate-income top-up. Here’s what Efficiency Nova Scotia pays now, how the per-ton rebates work, and the order to do things in so you don’t lose them.

Quick answer: Any Nova Scotia homeowner can get up to $5,000 in Efficiency Nova Scotia rebates through a Home Energy Assessment, including $500 per ton for a central ducted heat pump or $300 per ton for a ductless mini-split. Moderate-income households heating with oil, propane or another non-electric source can add up to $5,000 more through the Moderate Income Rebate ($1,500 per ton ducted, $500 per ton ductless), for up to $10,000. Book the assessment before you install anything.

Key takeaways

• Home Energy Assessment rebates: up to $5,000 per home, any income, any heating type. Heat pumps earn $500 per ton (ducted) or $300 per ton (ductless).
• Moderate Income Rebate: up to $5,000 more, on top of the assessment rebates, if your income qualifies and your home isn’t mainly heated by electricity.
• What changed: the federal Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program closed to new applicants on July 2, 2026, and the provincial top-up dropped from $10,000 to $5,000.
• Order matters: the assessment comes first. Upgrades bought before your initial assessment don’t qualify.
• Lower incomes: HomeWarming can cover an assessment and upgrades at no cost.
• Coming in 2027: a new federal heat pump rebate of up to $10,000. It isn’t open yet.

See every province on our rebates and incentives page, or request a heat pump quote.

What heat pump rebates are available in Nova Scotia in 2026?

Sources: Efficiency Nova Scotia, Home Energy Assessment, its Home Energy Assessment Rebate Guide (August 2026) and Moderate Income Rebate page, checked October 28, 2026.

How much is the Efficiency Nova Scotia heat pump rebate?

Heat pump rebates are paid per ton of heating capacity, measured at the unit’s rated capacity at 47°F. One ton is 12,000 BTU per hour, and partial tons are pro-rated.

The equipment has to be on Efficiency Nova Scotia’s heat pump list and installed by a certified Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic. Rebates can’t add up to more than what you paid.

A worked example

These numbers show the arithmetic. They’re an example, not a quote.

• 3-ton central ducted heat pump, any income: 3 × $500 = $1,500 from the Home Energy Assessment.
• Same system, moderate income, oil-heated home: $1,500 plus 3 × $1,500 = $4,500 from the Moderate Income Rebate, for $6,000.
• 1.5-ton ductless mini-split, any income: 1.5 × $300 = $450, or $1,200 with the moderate-income rebate added.

Insulation, windows and other upgrades from your assessment report count toward the same $5,000 limits, so plan them together.

What changed in July 2026?

Two things, and they’re connected. First, the federal Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program used up its Nova Scotia funding and closed to new applicants on July 2, 2026. Second, the province’s Moderate Income Rebate top-up was designed to line up with that federal program, so when it closed, the maximum top-up was cut from $10,000 to $5,000 and the per-measure amounts were adjusted.

The Home Energy Assessment rebate maximum stayed at $5,000, and the two can still be combined for up to $10,000. Income limits didn’t change. If you applied before the change and haven’t been approved yet, Efficiency Nova Scotia says your rebate is assessed at the new levels.

Who qualifies for the Home Energy Assessment rebates?

Every Nova Scotia homeowner can take part, whatever their income or how they heat their home. The main conditions:

• You own the home, and it’s in Nova Scotia and connected to the grid (off-grid homes aren’t eligible).
• The home is at least six months old and you haven’t started the renovations yet.
• It’s livable, with a working automated heating system and no major construction under way.
• Most house types qualify: detached, semi-detached, townhomes, mobile homes on a permanent foundation and some small multi-unit buildings.
• Equipment is new and bought in Canada, and installed between your initial and final assessments.

The assessment costs $199. It’s free for households that qualify for the Moderate Income Rebate or HomeWarming.

Who qualifies for the Moderate Income Rebate?

You need to own the home, live in it as your primary residence, and heat it mainly with something other than electricity, such as oil or propane. Wood stoves don’t count as a primary heating source, and electrically heated homes aren’t eligible. Your household income also has to be at or under these limits (line 23600 minus line 43500 of your Notice of Assessment):

You must be pre-approved by Efficiency Nova Scotia before you start any upgrades.

How do you apply, step by step?

1. Moderate income? Apply first. Apply online for the Moderate Income Rebate and wait for approval before doing anything else.
2. Book your initial Home Energy Assessment with a Registered Energy Advisor from Efficiency Nova Scotia’s directory ($199, or free if you qualify).
3. Review your report. You’ll get an EnerGuide rating and a list of recommended upgrades.
4. Get quotes and install. Use a certified Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic and a heat pump from Efficiency Nova Scotia’s list. Keep every invoice and take photos of the work.
5. Book your final assessment within 12 months of the first one. The advisor checks the work and updates your rating.
6. Get your rebate cheque, which Efficiency Nova Scotia says to expect within 90 days of the final assessment.

Which heat pumps don’t qualify?

Under both programs, these aren’t eligible:

• Replacing a heat pump you already have, whether it works or not.
• Ducted, compact ducted and mixed-ducted mini-splits.
• Equipment installed in unconditioned space, such as ductwork running through an unheated attic.

If you already have a heat pump and add capacity, only the added tons count: new capacity minus the capacity removed.