Your Go-To Incentives in Nova Scotia
Canada Greener Homes Grant
Think of this as your “biggest helper.” The federal government will back you with an interest-free loan up to $40,000 so you can tackle insulation, swap out old windows and doors, install a heat pump—or even add solar panels on your roof. Just remember: they need a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation to get the ball rolling (and a post-retrofit check to release the funds).
Home Energy Assessment & Rebate Program
Run by Efficiency Nova Scotia, this one’s a favorite for many of my neighbors. If your household income qualifies, you could snag up to $10,000 back on insulation, air sealing, and more. Even if you don’t hit the income-qualified tier, there are still solid rebates for homes that are at least six months old and haven’t already started a renovation.
Oil-to-Heat-Pump Affordability Program
Ditch that aging oil furnace and embrace an electric heat pump—and Efficiency Nova Scotia chips in up to $15,000 to make the switch. You’ll thank yourself every winter when your home feels evenly warm and your heating bills drop.
Your Energy Rebate Program (YERP)
Whether you’re a homeowner, a landlord, or part of a condo corporation paying Nova Scotia Power bills, YERP offers varying rebates on high-efficiency furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, or extra insulation. It’s a versatile program that can fit a lot of different upgrade plans.
SolarHomes Rebate
If you’re ready to catch some rays, Efficiency Nova Scotia will rebate you $0.30 per watt—up to $3,000—when you install solar panels through an approved installer. A valid Home Energy Assessment might be required, but once that’s done, the sunshine pays you back.
2. How These Incentives Stack Up
| Program | Type | Max Incentive | Best Suited For | Start Here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Greener Homes Grant | Loan | $40,000 | Major retrofits: insulation, windows, heat pumps | natural-resources.canada.ca |
| Home Energy Assessment & Rebates | Rebate | $10,000+ (income) | Insulation, air sealing, moderate-income support | efficiencyns.ca |
| Oil-to-Heat-Pump Program | Rebate | $15,000 | Swapping from oil heating to heat pump | efficiencyns.ca |
| Your Energy Rebate Program (YERP) | Rebate | Varies | High-efficiency equipment on Nova Scotia Power | gov.ns.ca/YERP |
| SolarHomes Rebate | Rebate | $3,000 | Residential solar installations | efficiencyns.ca/solarhomes |
3. Tips from Folks Who’ve Done It
- Stack ’Em Wisely: Yes, you can combine federal and provincial help—Greener Homes plus Efficiency NS rebates is a powerful one-two punch. Just double-check that you’re not getting reimbursed twice for the exact same upgrade.
- Plan for the Audit: Nearly every program needs an EnerGuide Home Evaluation before you start—book that first so you don’t ding your timeline later.
- Expect a Little Wait: Provincial rebates usually land in your account about 4–6 weeks after you submit paperwork and verification. Federal loan proceeds come after your post-retrofit inspection, so plan your cash flow accordingly.
- Landlords & Condos Aren’t Left Out: YERP shines here—property owners and condo corporations can apply, too. Just make sure your Nova Scotia Power account is in good standing.
4. FAQ You’ll Actually Use
Q: Can I tap into more than one program for the same project?
A: Absolutely. Most homeowners mix and match—just read each program’s guidelines to avoid double-dipping on the same upgrade.
Q: What if I rent out my house or own a condo building?
A: YERP has you covered. Federal grants are for owner-occupied homes only, but provincial rebates often extend to landlords and condo corporations.
Q: Where do I find trustworthy contractors?
A: Efficiency Nova Scotia’s online “Find a Contractor” tool lists pre-qualified pros who already understand the rebate requirements—no guesswork needed.
Q: Is all this paperwork worth it?
A: Trust me, yes. A small bit of extra planning up front means big savings on your energy bills—and that comfy, even warmth is priceless.
