Canada Greener Homes Loan: $40,000 at 0% Interest
Federal interest-free financing for home energy retrofits. No income test. Cover what the Ontario Home Renovation Savings rebate does not. Pay back over 10 years.
The loan at a glance
What the loan can pay for
Eligible upgrades match the same list NRCan uses for the Canada Greener Homes Initiative. Your pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation determines which apply to your home.
| Eligible upgrade | Notes |
|---|---|
| Heat pump (air-source, ground-source, ductless) | Most popular upgrade. Combine with Home Renovation Savings $12K rebate. |
| High-efficiency furnace and boilers | Must meet specified efficiency thresholds. |
| Insulation (attic, wall, foundation, exposed floor) | Improvements must be verified by post-retrofit EnerGuide. |
| Windows and doors (ENERGY STAR certified) | Whole-house upgrades qualify for largest loans. |
| Water heating (heat pump water heater, solar) | $500 stackable rebate via Home Renovation Savings. |
| Renewable energy (solar PV, solar thermal) | Often the largest single-line item in the loan. |
| Air sealing | Required as part of insulation upgrades typically. |
| Smart thermostat | Only when installed alongside another qualifying upgrade. |
Who qualifies
You DO qualify if
- • You own a Canadian primary residence
- • You complete a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation
- • You install one or more upgrades from the eligible list
- • You complete a post-retrofit EnerGuide to verify improvements
- • You can repay the loan over 10 years (no income test, but normal lending standards apply)
You do NOT qualify if
- • Rental properties (some exceptions for owner-occupied multi-units)
- • Commercial buildings (separate commercial programs)
- • Upgrade not on the eligible list (e.g. cosmetic renovations)
- • No pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation completed
How to apply
The loan is administered by Natural Resources Canada. EcoFrost handles the contractor side, you handle the NRCan portal submission.
Pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation
Book a NRCan registered energy advisor. Cost $400 to $600 in the GTA. Evaluation identifies which upgrades qualify and your home's baseline EnerGuide rating.
Get an EcoFrost quote
Bring the EnerGuide report. We quote the recommended upgrades, confirm they qualify, and provide the contractor documentation you need for the loan application.
Submit your NRCan loan application
Apply through the Natural Resources Canada portal with the EnerGuide report, contractor quote, and recommended upgrade list. NRCan reviews and issues pre-approval within 4 to 8 weeks.
Installation
EcoFrost completes the qualifying upgrades. We hold the project file with all invoices, equipment serials, and warranty documentation needed for post-retrofit verification.
Post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation
Same energy advisor returns to verify the upgrades. Improved rating confirms eligibility for full loan amount.
Loan disbursement
NRCan disburses the loan amount. Repayment is 10 years at 0% interest. Some borrowers use the loan as a bridge until rebate cheques arrive.
Stacking with Ontario rebates
The Loan is the financing engine; rebates are the discount. Pair them to minimize out-of-pocket cost on a heat pump retrofit.
- Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program: up to $12,000 cash rebate on the heat pump
- This loan: finances the remaining $0 to $40,000 of the project at 0% over 10 years
- Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program: additional grant for income-qualified households
- Oil-to-Heat-Pump Affordability Program: additional grant for oil-to-HP conversions
Frequently asked questions
What is the Canada Greener Homes Loan?+
How much can I borrow?+
Is there an income test?+
What upgrades qualify?+
Can I combine this loan with provincial rebates?+
How long does the application process take?+
Does EcoFrost handle the paperwork?+
Use the loan + $12K rebate together
EcoFrost handles your contractor documentation. We coordinate with your registered energy advisor and make sure your retrofit qualifies for the loan and every applicable rebate.