The $1,250 Attic + $10,000 Whole-Home Opportunity
In January 2026, the provincial Home Renovation Savings Program increased standalone attic insulation rebates to $1,250 for standard upgrades [1][2]. When integrated into a larger whole-home renovation, the Assessment Stream offers up to $10,000 in rebates for energy-efficient windows, doors, insulation, and heat pump water heaters [1][3]. By positioning a renovation as a "Net Zero Upgrade," homeowners can lower the net cost of the project. Homeowners searching for rebate expertise and energy-efficient upgrades are increasingly looking for contractors who understand these programs.
Why This Matters for Barrie Homeowners:
- •Standalone attic path: No energy assessment required—up to $1,250 back on attic insulation when you use a participating contractor [1][2]
- •Whole-home path: Pre- and post-retrofit energy assessments unlock up to $10,000 (electric/oil/propane/wood heat) or $5,000 (natural gas) for bundled upgrades [1][3]
- •Same reno, lower net cost: Windows, doors, insulation, and HVAC-related upgrades that qualify under the Assessment Stream can be framed as a Net Zero Upgrade
Source: Home Renovation Savings Program, homerenovationsavings.ca [1]; Attic Program Stream [2]; Assessment Stream terms [3]
Up to $1,250 — Standalone attic insulation rebate (2026); up to $10,000 — Assessment Stream for whole-home upgrades (electric/oil/propane/wood heat).
What Replaced HER+?
The Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) program closed to new applicants in February 2024 [4]. It has been replaced by the Home Renovation Savings Program, delivered by Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy and available at homerenovationsavings.ca [1].
The new program has two main paths:
- Attic Program Stream (no assessment) — Standalone rebates for attic, cathedral ceiling, or flat roof insulation [1][2]
- Assessment Stream — Whole-home rebates after a pre- and post-retrofit energy assessment, covering insulation, windows, doors, air sealing, and heat pump water heaters [1][3]
Both streams are available to Ontario homeowners who meet eligibility criteria (Enbridge Gas customers or connection to the Ontario electricity grid, primary heating type, and eligible housing type) [1][2][3].
Source: Home Renovation Savings Program [1]; Enbridge Gas, Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (program closed) [4]
Standalone Attic Rebates in 2026
The Attic Program Stream does not require a home energy assessment. As of early 2026, the maximum rebate for standard attic insulation upgrades is $1,250 (e.g. increasing from R-12 or less to R-50) [1][2]. Rebate tiers vary by existing insulation level (e.g. lower amounts for homes already above R-12). Cathedral ceiling or flat roof insulation has separate maximums [2].
Eligibility [1][2]: - Own your home; eligible housing types include single/semi-detached, row/townhome (excluding stacked), mobile home on permanent foundation - Be an Enbridge Gas customer (natural gas heat) OR be connected to the Ontario electricity grid (electricity, oil, propane, or wood heat) - New builds (occupied six months or less) and stacked townhouses do not qualify
Requirements [1][2]: - Use a participating contractor from the program's contractor list—your contractor completes the application and installs the insulation - Installation and documentation must meet program deadlines (e.g. work completed by November 30, 2026; documentation entered by applicable dates) - 100% of the total roof assembly area being upgraded must be insulated to qualify
Source: Home Renovation Savings Program – Attic [1][2]; Attic Program Stream terms and eligibility [2]
You must use a participating contractor from the program list to receive the attic rebate. Work started with a non-participating contractor may not qualify.
The Assessment Stream: Up to $10,000
The Assessment Stream requires a pre-retrofit home energy assessment before starting work and a post-retrofit assessment after upgrades are completed [1][3]. You must install at least two qualified measures to receive rebates [3].
Rebate caps [3]: - Up to $10,000 — Homes primarily heated with electricity, oil, propane, or wood (and connected to the IESO-controlled grid) - Up to $5,000 — Homes primarily heated with natural gas (Enbridge or other)
Eligible upgrades (examples; amounts per program rules) [1][3]: - Windows and doors: $100 per rough opening (ENERGY STAR certified) - Heat pump water heater: $500 (ENERGY STAR certified) - Insulation: Attic, wall, foundation, etc. (up to program maximums) - Air sealing: Up to $250
A $600 rebate is available to offset the cost of the energy assessments once at least two upgrades are completed [1][3]. Post-retrofit assessments must be completed within 180 days of the initial assessment or by December 31, 2026, whichever comes first; post-audits must be scheduled by November 30, 2026 [3].
Source: Home Renovation Savings Program – With Assessment [1]; Assessment Stream terms and eligibility [3]
Schedule your pre-retrofit energy assessment before starting any work. Rebates are only available when at least two qualified measures are installed and the post-retrofit assessment is completed.
Positioning a "Net Zero Upgrade"
A whole-home renovation that includes energy-efficient windows, doors, insulation, and HVAC-related upgrades (such as a heat pump water heater) can be positioned as a Net Zero Upgrade—aligning with the Assessment Stream and lowering the net cost for the client.
How it works: - Bundle at least two qualified measures (e.g. attic insulation + windows, or windows + heat pump water heater) so the project qualifies for Assessment Stream rebates [3] - Use ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors, and heat pump water heaters where required by the program [1][3] - Complete the pre- and post-retrofit energy assessments through a registered energy advisor; the $600 assessment rebate helps offset that cost [1][3]
Contractors who understand the Home Renovation Savings Program and can guide clients through eligibility, participating products, and documentation are well positioned to win projects where homeowners want to maximize rebates and reduce net spend.
Stacking With Other Incentives
The Home Renovation Savings Program rebates can apply to the same property as other incentives—for example, Barrie ARU grants or Simcoe County forgivable loans for a legal suite. The energy rebates apply to the primary dwelling's efficiency upgrades (attic, windows, doors, etc.); ARU funding applies to the secondary unit.
Important: Program rules may require that amounts received from other assistance be accounted for (e.g. rebates may not apply to costs already reimbursed elsewhere). Confirm with the program or your energy advisor when stacking multiple incentives [1][3].
Practical takeaway: Plan whole-home energy upgrades to Assessment Stream or Attic Stream rules, apply for other municipal incentives where you qualify, and keep clear documentation for each program.
Next Steps
Step 1: Confirm eligibility - Check homerenovationsavings.ca for current eligibility (homeownership, heating type, housing type, Enbridge or IESO grid connection) [1][2][3]
Step 2: Choose your path - Attic only: Use the Attic Program Stream; no assessment required; book a participating insulation contractor [1][2] - Whole-home: Book a pre-retrofit energy assessment with a registered energy advisor; choose at least two qualified upgrades; complete work and post-retrofit assessment [1][3]
Step 3: Use participating contractors and products - Attic rebates require a contractor from the program's participating list [2] - Assessment Stream upgrades must meet program specs (e.g. ENERGY STAR where required) [3]
Step 4: Document and submit - Your contractor or energy advisor typically submits documentation; keep copies of receipts and program confirmations
Why work with a specialist?
We help Barrie homeowners plan whole-home energy upgrades and navigate the Home Renovation Savings Program. Whether you're doing attic insulation only or a full Net Zero-style renovation, we can align your project with rebate rules and connect you with the right assessments and contractors.
Ready to lower your net cost with rebates?
Contact us for a free consultation. We'll discuss your goals and how the Attic Stream and Assessment Stream can apply to your project.
References
[1] Home Renovation Savings Program, "Welcome to savings," homerenovationsavings.ca. https://www.homerenovationsavings.ca/
[2] Home Renovation Savings Program, "Seal in comfort with attic insulation," homerenovationsavings.ca. https://www.homerenovationsavings.ca/without-assessment/attic
[3] Home Renovation Savings Program, "Bundle upgrades and save," homerenovationsavings.ca. https://www.homerenovationsavings.ca/with-assessment
[4] Enbridge Gas, "Home Efficiency Rebate Plus," enbridgegas.com (program closed to new applicants Feb 2024). https://www.enbridgegas.com/ontario/rebates-energy-conservation/home-efficiency-rebate-plus
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