The Clean Home Heating Initiative, a collaboration between Enbridge Gas and the Government of Ontario, offered financial incentives of up to $4,500 to homeowners in select cities who installed hybrid heating systems. These systems aim to lower energy consumption, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Program Availability and Update
- The program was available in Ajax, Barrie, London, Peterborough, Pickering, St. Catharines, Sault Ste. Marie, and Whitby.
- As of February 23, 2024, all funding has been allocated, and no new applications are being accepted.
- Homeowners who met all eligibility criteria and installed a qualifying electrical heat pump and smart thermostat before the deadline will receive a rebate between $3,000 and $4,500, depending on the type of air-source heat pump installed.
- The incentive cheques will be mailed within 90 days after the application is approved.
Hybrid Heating System Benefits
A hybrid heating system consists of an electric heat pump with smart controls paired with a condensing natural gas furnace. The system automatically switches between electricity and natural gas for optimal efficiency.
Key Benefits:
- Energy Efficiency: Smart controls switch between gas and electricity based on efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Cost Savings: Optimizing energy use reduces long-term heating and cooling expenses.
- Carbon Footprint Reduction: Hybrid systems cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30%.
- Resilience: Having two heating sources ensures homeowners can rely on both gas and electricity, depending on availability and cost.
How Hybrid Heating Works
- During Summer: The air-source heat pump cools the home by drawing heat from indoors and moving it outside, operating more efficiently than traditional air conditioners.
- During Spring, Fall, and Winter: The heat pump extracts heat from outside and moves it indoors. If temperatures drop too low, the condensing natural gas furnace automatically activates to maintain comfort.
- Smart Energy Management: The system switches between the heat pump and gas furnace based on outdoor temperatures and electricity rates to keep energy costs low.