Installing a heat pump can make your home more comfortable and help save on heating costs; however, it can be a large expense for some families. Luckily, there are rebates available in Nova Scotia. The amount of rebate you get will be determined by your household income, whether you own your home, and the heating system you already have. Knowing what is required can help to identify the correct rebate for your project.
1. Understand the Eligibility Requirements Before Replacing Your Heat Pump
Before looking at what funding is available to you, it is important to know the basic criteria for the Nova Scotia Moderate Income Rebate (MIR) scheme. This provides funding to eligible households who plan to make their homes more energy efficient, including eligible heating system upgrades.
If you’re looking for heat pump replacement services, you can find out if you’re eligible for funding early on.
To be eligible for the Moderate Income Rebate, you need to satisfy the following criteria:
- You need to own the home that will be upgraded.
- The property is your principal place of residence
- All fuel used for primary heating is not electric (furnace oil, natural gas, or propane). A wood stove is not a primary heating source.
- Your total household income will not exceed the maximum amount for your household size.
2. Check the Current Household Income Limits
Income is one of the most important factors when applying for the Moderate Income Rebate. Efficiency Nova Scotia calculates eligibility using household size and after-tax income rather than relying on one universal income threshold.
The current published household income limits are
| Household Size | Maximum Income |
| 1 person | $37,260 |
| 2 people | $77,050 |
| 3 people | $98,900 |
| 4 people | $120,750 |
| 5 or more people | $126,500 |
Using this table, you can identify if your household falls into the moderate-income band. If there are 5 or more people in your household, use the 5 or more figure.
3. Understand Which Rebates Can Be Combined
Eligibility for the Moderate Income Rebate may allow access to further financial support. Homeowners can receive support from two provincial programs to help lower costs of eligible energy improvements.
The funding available is
Moderate Income Rebate: Up to $5,000 in rebates for eligible improvements.
Home Energy Assessment (HEA): Up to $5,000 in rebates for eligible improvements recommended.
This can give you up to $10,000 in funding; however, the amount you receive will depend on the eligible improvements you complete, rebate rates, and conditions.
4. Gather the Documents Needed to Prove Eligibility
Once you know what you need your income to be, you can begin completing the required documents. This will make the application run smoothly.
Efficiency Nova Scotia requires 2 pieces of supporting documentation. These are:
Proof of Household Income
A recent Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) must be provided for each household member aged 18 years or older. This will show household members’ income and taxes.
T4 slips and T1 income tax returns will not be accepted.
Proof of Homeownership
A recent copy of a property tax bill or property tax assessment notice must be provided. This must clearly show the full name and civic address of the homeowner.
5. Plan Your Heat Pump Upgrade Around Program Requirements
As well as understanding the rebates available, homeowners should also consider the condition of their system, the heating needs of the property, and the suitability of the upgrade. Some rebates will require you to have a Home Energy Assessment or pre-approval from a program before you begin the installation. It is important to confirm if this is required for your project.
Homeowners looking into upgrading their systems can speak to an experienced heat pump installer to help understand what is required for their property and what the next steps are.
6. What If Your Household Does Not Meet the Income Limits?
Not qualifying for the Moderate Income Rebate does not necessarily mean you have to give up on financial assistance. Nova Scotia has other programs that can help homeowners improve energy efficiency.
The Home Energy Assessment program remains available to homeowners across the province, regardless of household income. It provides an assessment of the property’s energy performance and identifies improvements that may qualify for rebates.
Low-income households may be eligible to participate in the Efficiency Nova Scotia HomeWarming program that provides you with no-cost energy efficiency retrofits. The retrofit can include adding insulation, sealing drafts, and heating improvements depending on your property.
7. Make Your Next Home Upgrade More Affordable
Nova Scotia’s rebate programs provide different opportunities for homeowners depending on their household income and property requirements. The Moderate Income Rebate offers up to $5,000 in additional support, while combining it with eligible Home Energy Assessment rebates can increase potential assistance to $10,000.
For homeowners researching replacement options, Mada Construction is another resource to consider when planning a heating system upgrade. A little preparation now can help you make better financial decisions and invest in a more comfortable, energy-efficient home.