How To Use Home Energy Rebates For Smart Thermostat Installation

Table of Contents

Introduction — smart thermostat rebate Canada and energy rebate devices

If you’re in Canada and thinking about lowering your heating bills, a smart thermostat is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. Fortunately, several programs now offer financial help — from federal initiatives to utility and municipal rebates — to reduce the upfront cost of these devices. In this guide I’ll walk you through how smart thermostat rebate Canada programs work, how to find and claim energy rebate devices, which models and vendors are common, and real-life steps to install and save.

(Short roadmap: what rebates exist, who’s eligible, how to apply, installation tips, real-life examples, and a checklist you can use today.)

Why choose a smart thermostat?

A smart thermostat learns your schedule, helps avoid heating or cooling empty rooms, responds to weather forecasts, and can be controlled from your phone. Put simply: it’s a small device that often pays for itself in energy savings — and rebates make the payback even faster.

Benefits at a glance:

Lower heating and cooling bills (by improving efficiency).
Remote control and scheduling from a phone.
Integration with HVAC systems and sometimes with utility demand-response programs.
Often eligible for rebates and on-bill credits.

Which rebates and programs are available in Canada right now?

Rebates and programs change by province, utility, and city. Below are the major programs and the kinds of offers you can expect in 2025 — always confirm details with the program before you buy.

Canada Greener Homes (federal) — small smart-thermostat grant
The Canada Greener Homes Initiative lists smart/programmable thermostats among eligible retrofits, with grant amounts for replacing manual thermostats (e.g., a modest grant such as ~$50 reported). This federal program has gone through changes over recent years, so check the Natural Resources Canada page for the most current eligibility and deadlines. (natural-resources.canada.ca)
Utility programs / provincial initiatives (examples)
- Enbridge Gas / Save on Energy (Ontario) — programs in 2025 have offered about $75 rebates or instant discounts for qualifying smart thermostats and have transitioned some offerings to Home Renovation Savings (HRS) branded options. If you live in Ontario, watch Enbridge / Save on Energy / HRS pages for details. (enbridgegas.com)
- FortisBC and other utilities run “connected thermostat” rebates with eligibility rules (often requiring licensed installation for certain programs). (fortisbc.com)
- Smaller municipal or regional utilities (example: Red Deer, Kitchener) sometimes provide local rebates or on-bill credits ($50–$75 typical). Check your city/utility page. (reddeer.ca)
Peak demand / enrollment programs
Some programs give a one-time payment to enroll plus small annual payments for participating in demand-response initiatives (e.g., Peak Perks / EcoShift). These usually require you to enroll your thermostat in a program that allows small temporary adjustments during peak grid events. (saveonenergy.ca)

Bottom line: typical smart thermostat rebates in Canada range from about $25–$75 per thermostat, with some municipal or program-specific offers higher or bundled with other services.

Which smart thermostat models qualify?

Most rebate programs require the thermostat to be ENERGY STAR certified or on an approved devices list. Common brands that appear across Canadian programs:

Ecobee — Toronto-founded company; many Canadian programs list ecobee models as eligible. (Ecobee models often appear on utility eligible lists.)
Google Nest — widely recognized brand; some older Nest models were eligible in past programs (verify current model eligibility).
Honeywell / Resideo — some utility lists include supported Honeywell smart thermostats.
Other compatible smart thermostats that meet ENERGY STAR or the specific program list.

Always check the program’s eligible-device list before you buy. If a retailer advertises an instant rebate, confirm the model number against the program list. (Programs may restrict eligibility to particular model numbers or to ENERGY STAR versions.) (homerenovationsavings.ca)

Who is eligible for smart thermostat rebates?

Eligibility varies, but common rules include:

Homeowners (primary residence) — many programs target homeowners, though some utilities offer rebates for rental properties or multi-unit buildings with landlord consent.
Account holder — the rebate often requires the utility account holder to apply (so renters sometimes need landlord cooperation).
Device requirements — must be an eligible model (ENERGY STAR or on the program list).
Installation rules — some rebates require licensed contractor installation (FortisBC and other programs sometimes restrict self-installation).
Timing — most post-purchase programs require you to submit documentation within a set window (e.g., 30–60 days after purchase).

Check your local utility’s fine print before buying to avoid surprises. (fortisbc.com)

Step-by-step: How to claim a smart thermostat rebate in Canada

Use this 6-step workflow to maximize your chance of getting the rebate without headaches.

Step 1 — Check national and local programs
Search Natural Resources Canada and your provincial/municipal utility pages (e.g., Enbridge, FortisBC, Save on Energy, local city pages). Bookmark the rebate page and note deadlines, eligible models, and required documents. (natural-resources.canada.ca)

Step 2 — Confirm device eligibility
Before buying, open the program’s “eligible devices” list and match the exact model number. If in doubt, call the rebate program or retailer.

Step 3 — Decide installation pathway

If self-installing: verify your model and whether the program allows self-installation (some programs mandate licensed installation).
If hiring a contractor: ask for an itemized invoice that lists the thermostat model and installation date (this is often required for rebates).

Step 4 — Buy from an approved retailer (if needed)
Some instant-rebate offers appear at specific retailers or require buying through program partners. Save receipts and ensure the receipt shows model number and purchase date.

Step 5 — Submit the rebate application
Complete the online form, upload your receipt/invoice, and any required enrollment screenshots (for enrollment-based programs). Watch the timeframe — many rebates require submission within 60 days of purchase.

Step 6 — Enroll/activate and keep records
Activate and connect the thermostat to Wi-Fi, enroll in any utility programs if needed (e.g., Peak Perks), then keep copies of your application confirmation and invoice.

Programs may provide on-bill credits or direct-deposit rebates; check the processing timeline. (homerenovationsavings.ca)

Real-life example — how a Toronto family saved on heating

Sanjay and Priya in Toronto replaced a manual thermostat with an Ecobee SmartThermostat in early 2025. Steps they followed:

Checked the Enbridge/HRS page and found a $75 instant rebate for qualifying models. (enbridgegas.com)
Bought the eligible Ecobee model from a retailer offering the instant rebate.
Self-installed the thermostat (their model allowed self-install), connected to Wi-Fi, and registered with Ecobee and the Peak Perks enrollment portal. (saveonenergy.ca)
They received the instant $75 discount at checkout and started seeing lower gas usage during shoulder seasons.

Result: Their gas heating bills dropped noticeably in spring and fall; combined with the instant rebate, payback time was under two heating seasons for their household.

Local vendors and installers — where to buy and who to call

Depending on your city, you can buy smart thermostats from big-box retailers, online stores, and local HVAC contractors. A few vendor/brand tips that are often relevant in Canada:

Ecobee — official online store, many Canadian HVAC dealers carry Ecobee and some utilities list Ecobee as eligible.
Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s (Canada) — often offer models that qualify for instant rebates.
Local HVAC contractors — many utilities require or prefer licensed contractors for installation; check contractor lists published by the rebate program or ask your utility for certified partners.
Municipal programs — city-run programs sometimes list partner installers who can perform free or subsidized installs for income-eligible programs (e.g., winterproofing initiatives). (toronto.ca)

Tip: ask your contractor to include model numbers on the invoice and to note whether installation meets program conditions.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Buying the wrong model — don’t assume any “smart thermostat” qualifies. Match the model number to the program’s approved list. (homerenovationsavings.ca)
Missing deadlines — many programs require applications within 30–60 days of purchase or completion of post-retrofit evaluation; keep digital copies and timestamps. (natural-resources.canada.ca)
Self-installation rules — some rebates require licensed installation — check program rules before you assume you can DIY. (fortisbc.com)
Scams and misinformation — when in doubt, use official utility or government sites (watch for third-party ads promising rebates; verify against official pages). (enbridgegas.com)

How smart thermostats interact with other rebates and upgrades

If you plan bigger retrofits (insulation, heat pumps, windows), federal and provincial programs may bundle or stack rebates. For example, the Greener Homes Initiative has historically supported multiple home energy upgrades and sometimes required pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations to access grant funds. If you’re doing larger work, consider:

Getting a pre-retrofit EnerGuide assessment (if required) so your home qualifies for larger grants. (natural-resources.canada.ca)
Checking whether small-device grants (like a thermostat) are still available if you’re already applying for larger rebates — rules differ by program and date. (Skyfire Energy)

Enrollment programs and small ongoing payments

Many utilities run enrollment or demand response programs where enrolling your thermostat can earn you a one-time payment and small annual credits for participating. These programs help utilities manage peak demand by temporarily adjusting setpoints during high-use events. If comfortable with occasional small adjustments, enrollment can add to your savings. Examples: Peak Perks, EcoShift. (saveonenergy.ca)

Energy savings expectations — realistic numbers

Savings depend on your home, climate, and existing thermostat. Typical ranges you may see:

Minor savings if replacing a recently installed programmable thermostat.
Larger savings (5–15% on heating/cooling) if replacing an old manual thermostat and combining with better scheduling and the thermostat’s smart features.
Combine smart thermostat use with good insulation and efficient HVAC practices for best results.

Important: utilities sometimes publish estimated savings based on pilot data; check your local program for their numbers.

Quick checklist — what to do right now

Visit Natural Resources Canada and search your province/utility for smart thermostat rebates. (natural-resources.canada.ca)
Check eligible-device lists (match exact model numbers). (homerenovationsavings.ca)
Decide DIY vs contractor install; if contractor required, get a licensed installer and a detailed invoice. (fortisbc.com)
Save receipts and apply within the program’s deadline (usually 30–60 days). (homerenovationsavings.ca)
Consider enrolling the thermostat in your utility’s demand-response program for extra savings. (saveonenergy.ca)

Final tips — make the most of your smart thermostat purchase

Use native scheduling features and the mobile app to set eco-temperatures while away.
Link the thermostat to weather-based settings (many models adjust based on forecast).
If you have a heat pump, be sure to buy a thermostat compatible with heat-pump controls.
Keep firmware updated — manufacturers push efficiency updates and bug fixes.
Join utility programs (if offered) to get extra rebates or on-bill credits.

Resources and links (where to confirm details)

Natural Resources Canada — Canada Greener Homes Initiative (eligible retrofits & grant amounts). (natural-resources.canada.ca)
Enbridge Gas / Save on Energy / HRS (Ontario smart thermostat programs and HRS transition). (enbridgegas.com)
FortisBC — connected thermostat rebate details and installation rules. (fortisbc.com)
Local municipal pages — examples for Red Deer, Kitchener, Toronto winterproofing. (reddeer.ca)
Peak Perks / Save on Energy enrollment programs. (saveonenergy.ca)

Closing — hands-on savings without surprises

Smart thermostats are a practical, relatively low-cost way to reduce energy bills and increase comfort. With smart thermostat rebate Canada offers and energy rebate devices available through utilities and municipal programs, it’s worth checking the eligible models and deadlines today. Follow the checklist, confirm the eligible model, save your receipts, and install or hire a licensed pro when the rebate requires it — that’s the surest way to convert a small rebate into reliable long-term savings.