Upgrading your attic insulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce heating costs in an Ottawa home, but the upfront expense stops many homeowners from moving forward.
The Home Renovation Savings Program, delivered by Enbridge Gas, helps offset that cost. For attic insulation, that can mean up to $1,250 back depending on your starting insulation level and the work completed.
The first question most homeowners have is whether their home qualifies.
Here is how eligibility works under the Enbridge-delivered program, what your attic needs to reach, and what you can expect in terms of rebate amounts.
To see full program details and how the rebate works, visit our attic insulation rebate page.
Home Renovation Savings Program (Enbridge Gas)
Attic insulation rebates in Ottawa are available through the Home Renovation Savings Program, delivered by Enbridge Gas in partnership with Save on Energy.
This program includes a pathway for attic insulation upgrades that does not require a home energy assessment, provided the work is completed by an approved contractor and meets the program’s insulation and coverage requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, your home must meet all of the following conditions:
You Must Own the Home
This program is available to homeowners only. Renters are not eligible. Owners of rental properties may qualify.
Heating System and Utility Connection
Your home must meet one of these conditions:
- Be heated primarily with natural gas and have an active Enbridge Gas account
- Or be connected to Ontario’s electricity grid and heated with electricity, oil, propane, or wood
Note: Homes connected to Cornwall Electric are on the Hydro Quebec grid and are not eligible unless they are primarily heated with Enbridge natural gas.
Eligible Types of Homes
- Single detached homes
- Semi-detached homes
- Row houses and townhomes
- Mobile homes on a permanent foundation
Note: Stacked townhomes are not eligible.
The Home Must Not Be a New Build
The home must be occupied for more than six months. New construction does not qualify.
Previous Participation in the Program
If your home has already received an attic insulation rebate through Enbridge Gas or Save on Energy, it is not eligible to receive it again.
Attic Upgrade Requirements
To qualify for the rebate, the attic must be upgraded to at least R-50, and the upgrade must cover the entire roof assembly area. Partial upgrades do not qualify.
In Ottawa’s climate, the recommended insulation level for long-term performance is closer to R-60, but the program threshold is based on reaching at least R-50.
Rebate Amounts for Attic Insulation
Rebates are based on your attic’s current insulation level before the upgrade.
Standard Attics
| Current R-Value | Required Upgrade | Maximum Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| R-12 or less | Upgrade to R-50 | $1,250 |
| Greater than R-12 to R-25 | Upgrade to R-50 | $1,000 |
| Greater than R-25 to R-35 | Upgrade to R-50 | $800 |
Cathedral Ceilings and Flat Roofs
| Current R-Value | Required Upgrade | Maximum Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| R-12 or less | Upgrade to R-20 | $650 |
| R-25 or less | Upgrade to R-28 | $750 |
Cost cap: The rebate is limited to the lower of the maximum incentive or 50% of the total project cost after tax.
How to Find Out Your Current Insulation Level
Most homeowners do not know their attic’s R-value, and that is completely normal.
A rough way to estimate:
- Fiberglass or cellulose insulation is typically R-3 to R-3.5 per inch
- Around 10 to 12 inches of insulation usually falls below modern standards
- Reaching R-50 to R-60 generally requires 16 to 20 or more inches, depending on the material
An approved contractor will confirm your current R-value during an assessment and determine the exact upgrade required.
Approved Contractor Requirement
The work must be completed by a contractor approved under the program. The contractor must be registered with the program, the installation must meet program standards, and the rebate must be submitted through that contractor. Work completed by a non-approved contractor will not qualify, even if the insulation meets all technical requirements.
Ottawa Insulations is one of the approved contractors in the Ottawa region authorized to complete the work and submit the rebate on your behalf.
Confirming Your Eligibility
The most reliable way to confirm whether your home qualifies is to have your attic assessed. Ottawa Insulations can measure your current insulation level, confirm whether your home meets program requirements, complete the upgrade to program standards, and handle the rebate submission.
To get started, visit our attic insulation rebate page or book a free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to be an Enbridge customer to qualify?
Yes, if your home is heated with natural gas. If you heat with electricity, oil, propane, or wood, your home must be connected to Ontario’s electricity grid. Cornwall Electric customers do not qualify unless they use Enbridge natural gas.
What insulation level does my attic need to reach?
For standard attics, the minimum is R-50. In Ottawa, R-60 is recommended for better long-term performance. For cathedral ceilings and flat roofs, the required levels range from R-20 to R-28 depending on your starting point.
How much can I receive in rebates?
Up to $1,250 for standard attics, depending on your starting insulation level. The rebate is capped at 50% of the total project cost after tax.
Do I need a home energy assessment?
No. The without-assessment pathway allows attic insulation upgrades without an energy audit, as long as the work is completed through an approved contractor.
Can I qualify if my attic already has some insulation?
Yes. Many homes still qualify because their current insulation level is below R-35, which falls within the eligible upgrade range.
What happens if I use a contractor who is not approved?
The rebate will not be issued, even if the insulation work meets all technical requirements.
Can I apply if my home has already received this rebate?
No. Homes that have previously received an attic insulation rebate through Enbridge Gas or Save on Energy are not eligible to receive it again.
