Making your home more energy efficient doesn’t just lower your utility bills — it can also save you money on your mortgage through CMHC premium refunds, government incentive programs, and better property value. Here’s every financial incentive available in 2026.
CMHC Green Home premium refund
The CMHC Green Home program refunds a portion of your mortgage insurance premium when your home meets energy efficiency standards.
How it works
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Buy or build an energy-efficient home | Must be CMHC-insured (less than 20% down) |
| 2. Get an EnerGuide evaluation | Licensed energy advisor assesses the home |
| 3. Meet the energy threshold | EnerGuide 82+ (15% refund) or 86+ (25% refund) |
| 4. Submit to CMHC | Your lender submits the EnerGuide report and application |
| 5. Receive your refund | CMHC refunds a portion of your insurance premium |
Refund amounts
| EnerGuide Rating | Premium Refund | Example on $500K Mortgage (5% Down) |
|---|---|---|
| 82–85 | 15% | $3,000 |
| 86+ | 25% | $5,000 |
| ENERGY STAR / R-2000 / LEED | 25% | $5,000 |
How much the premium refund saves you
| Mortgage Amount | Down Payment | CMHC Premium (4.0%) | 25% Refund |
|---|---|---|---|
| $400,000 | 5% ($21,053) | $16,000 | $4,000 |
| $500,000 | 5% ($26,316) | $20,000 | $5,000 |
| $600,000 | 10% ($66,667) | $18,600 | $4,650 |
| $700,000 | 10% ($77,778) | $21,700 | $5,425 |
CMHC premium rates (for reference)
| Down Payment | CMHC Premium Rate |
|---|---|
| 5%–9.99% | 4.00% |
| 10%–14.99% | 3.10% |
| 15%–19.99% | 2.80% |
Who qualifies
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Mortgage type | CMHC-insured (down payment under 20%) |
| Property type | New build or existing home that meets standards |
| Certification | EnerGuide evaluation by licensed advisor, or recognized certification |
| Application deadline | Within 24 months of mortgage funding |
Canada Greener Homes Loan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | Interest-free loan for energy-efficient home improvements |
| Amount | Up to $40,000 |
| Interest rate | 0% |
| Repayment term | Up to 10 years |
| Eligible improvements | Insulation, windows, heat pumps, solar panels, EV charging |
| Requirement | Pre- and post-renovation EnerGuide evaluation |
Eligible improvements
| Improvement | Typical Cost | Typical Energy Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Air source heat pump | $5,000–$15,000 | 30%–50% reduction in heating costs |
| Ground source (geothermal) heat pump | $20,000–$40,000 | 50%–70% reduction in heating costs |
| Attic insulation | $1,500–$4,000 | 10%–20% reduction in heating costs |
| Basement insulation | $3,000–$8,000 | 10%–15% reduction in heating costs |
| Windows and doors | $5,000–$20,000 | 10%–20% reduction in heating costs |
| Solar panels | $15,000–$30,000 | 30%–100% reduction in electricity costs |
| Drain water heat recovery | $500–$1,500 | Reduces hot water costs |
| EV charger installation | $1,500–$3,000 | Enables electric vehicle charging |
Provincial and municipal incentives
| Province | Program | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate | Up to $5,000 for insulation, air sealing, and windows |
| BC | CleanBC Better Homes | Rebates for heat pumps ($3,000–$6,000), insulation, windows |
| Quebec | Rénoclimat | Rebates for energy improvements; up to $20,000 |
| Alberta | Clean Energy Improvement Program | On-bill financing for solar, insulation, heat pumps |
| Nova Scotia | HomeWarming | Free upgrades for low-income homeowners |
| Manitoba | Efficiency Manitoba | Rebates for insulation, heating, and appliances |
| New Brunswick | Total Home Energy Savings | Rebates for insulation and heating upgrades |
| Saskatchewan | SaskEnergy | Rebates for high-efficiency furnaces and insulation |
Programs change frequently. Check your province’s energy efficiency program website for current availability and amounts.
How energy efficiency affects home value
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| EnerGuide rating | Homes with higher ratings sell for 2%–6% more in some markets |
| Solar panels | Increase home value by $10,000–$20,000 (varies by market) |
| Heat pump | Increasingly valued as buyers seek lower operating costs |
| Energy audit documentation | Provides buyers with confidence in the home’s efficiency |
| Utility cost savings | Lower monthly costs make the home more affordable to buyers |
Making the financial case
New home purchase (CMHC refund)
| Factor | Standard Home | Energy-Efficient Home |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $550,000 | $565,000 (+$15,000 for upgrades) |
| CMHC premium (5% down) | $20,900 | $21,470 |
| CMHC Green Home refund | $0 | -$5,367 |
| Annual utility savings | $3,600 | $2,400 (saves $1,200/year) |
| 10-year utility savings | $0 | $12,000 |
| Net cost of efficiency | — | $15,000 − $5,367 − $12,000 = −$2,367 (you come out ahead) |
Existing home renovation (Greener Homes Loan)
| Factor | Value |
|---|---|
| Heat pump installation | $12,000 |
| Greener Homes Loan (0%) | $12,000 over 10 years = $100/month |
| Heating cost reduction | $150/month |
| Net monthly benefit | +$50/month from day one |