Guides · Homeowner Questions
Ontario homeowner questions, answered in plain English
Thirty short answers on the questions that decide real projects: rebates, pre-approval, cold-weather performance, hydro bills, switching off oil, ductless systems, rental water heaters, well water and standby power.
Checked October 26, 2026 · Start with the question closest to your decision, then follow it to the full guide or checker.
Rebates and approval
What is the new federal heat pump rebate, and who can qualify in Ontario?
Federal program eligibility
Question 2Do Ontario heat pump rebates need pre-approval before installation?
Highest-converting rebate rule
Question 3Can I stack the Ontario and federal heat pump rebates?
Stacking and total rebate estimate
Question 4How much rebate can I get for a heat pump in Ontario?
Rebate amount by fuel and tonnage
Question 5When and how is the Ontario heat pump rebate paid?
Payment timing and claim process
Question 6What happens if I install before my rebate pre-approval?
Risk warning and prevention
Costs and decisions
How much does it cost to install a heat pump in Ontario?
Installed cost ranges
Question 8What size heat pump does my house need?
Sizing and load calculation
Question 9Is a heat pump cheaper to run than a furnace in Ontario?
Operating cost comparison
Question 10Repair or replace: when is a furnace not worth fixing?
Repair versus replacement decision
Question 11How long should a heat pump last in Ontario?
Lifespan and maintenance expectations
Cold weather and bills
Do cold-climate heat pumps work at −30°C in Ontario?
Cold-climate operation
Question 13Why does my heat pump run all the time in cold weather?
Troubleshooting normal versus abnormal operation
Question 14What is auxiliary heat, and why can it raise my hydro bill?
Aux heat explanation and hydro cost
Question 15Why did my electricity bill go up after installing a heat pump?
Bill diagnosis
Question 16Should backup heat be electric or propane?
Backup heat decision
Switching from oil
Can I add a heat pump to my existing oil furnace?
Corrected pairing rule and full switch
Question 18How much does it cost to switch from oil to a heat pump?
Oil switch total cost
Question 19What happens to my oil tank when I switch to a heat pump?
Oil tank removal process and safety
Question 20What rebates are available for oil-heated homes in Ontario?
Oil-home rebate stack
Ductless heat pumps
How much does a ductless mini-split cost in Ontario?
Ductless cost by number of heads
Question 22Ductless or ducted: which heat pump fits my home?
Ductless versus ducted decision
Question 23How many ductless heads do I need?
Ductless zoning and head count
Water heaters and wells
How can I get out of a water heater rental in Ontario?
Water heater rental exit process
Question 25How is a water heater rental buyout price calculated?
Buyout schedule calculation
Question 26Is tankless or a regular tank cheaper over 10 years?
Ten-year water heating cost comparison
Question 27What water treatment does a well home usually need?
Well testing and treatment sequence
Generators and electrical
What size standby generator does my house need?
Generator sizing and essential loads
Question 29How much does a standby generator cost installed in Ontario?
Standby generator installed cost
Question 30Do I need a 200-amp panel for a heat pump or generator?
Electrical panel and load calculation
Need your own number?
The question pages explain the rules. The rebate checker applies your fuel, town and home size to estimate what your project could receive.
Check Your Rebate