Better Homes Hamilton Pilot Program
Run by City of Hamilton · Also called BHH
The Better Homes Hamilton Pilot Program offered homeowners and landlords interest-free loans of up to $20,000 for heat pumps, insulation, air sealing and more in Hamilton, Ontario. It closed to new applications on February 1, 2024; see what replaced it below.
Better Homes Hamilton Pilot Program is closed to new applications
It stopped accepting applications on February 1, 2024. If you already applied, follow up with City of Hamilton directly. If you’re planning work now, these programs are open and cover the same upgrades.
The full story, with dates and every program that replaced it: what to use now that BHH has closed.
- Last verified October 12, 2026OpenProvincialOntario
Home Renovation Savings Program
Ontario's main home-retrofit rebate program. You can claim single upgrades such as a heat pump, attic insulation, solar with a battery, a smart thermostat or ENERGY STAR appliances without an energy assessment, or do an assessment and two or more upgrades for envelope rebates.
$12,000
max rebate
Rebate - Last verified October 12, 2026OpenProvincialOntario
Energy Affordability Program
Income-qualified Ontario electricity customers can get free energy upgrades. These range from free saving kits to a full home visit that can include new appliances, insulation, draft-proofing and, for electric or oil-heated homes, a cold-climate heat pump.
Free
Free upgrade - Last verified October 12, 2026OpenUtilityOntario
Home Winterproofing Program
Income-qualified households heated by Enbridge natural gas can get a free home energy assessment, plus free insulation, draft-proofing and a smart thermostat where needed.
Free
Free upgrade - Last verified October 12, 2026OpenProvincialOntario
Peak Perks
Get $75 for enrolling an eligible smart thermostat that controls central air or a heat pump, then $20 for each year you stay enrolled. On a few hot weekday afternoons, your cooling is adjusted slightly.
$75
max rebate
Rebate
At a glance
| Maximum amount | $20,000 CAD (2026)Up to $20,000 at 0% (closed) |
|---|---|
| Funding type | Interest-free loan |
| Status | Closed |
| Who can apply | Homeowners, Landlords |
| Energy assessment required | No |
| Income-tested | No |
| Closed | February 1, 2024 |
| Where | Hamilton, Ontario |
| Level | Municipal |
| Run by | City of Hamilton |
| Official page | hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/environmental-stewardship/environmental-plans-strategies/hamiltons-climate-2 |
| Last verified | |
| Verified by | Rebate Researcher, RebateHub |
| Confidence | HighEvery figure matches the official program pages. |
Better Homes Hamilton Pilot Program. RebateHub.ca, https://rebatehub.ca/rebates/on-better-homes-hamilton#key-facts. Last verified October 12, 2026. Official source: https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/environmental-stewardship/environmental-plans-strategies/hamiltons-climate-2
What you can get
| Upgrade | What you get | Up to |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-interest retrofit loanUp to $20,000Pilot closed February 1, 2024. | Up to $20,000 | $20,000 |
How it works
Better Homes Hamilton was a pilot that offered interest-free loans of up to $20,000 per home, repaid as a special charge on the property tax bill over 10 or 15 years, with an optional 30% advance to pay contractors. It focused on switching homes from gas, oil or propane to electric heating, with work such as insulation, air sealing and cold-climate heat pumps.
The pilot aimed to fund about 50 homes, with up to $1 million in total. Applications opened December 1, 2023 and closed February 1, 2024, and all applicants have been told the outcome. No new intake has been announced.
Who qualifies
- Owners (including landlords) of a detached or semi-detached house or townhome in Hamilton, with property taxes in good standing (pilot criteria).
How applications worked
Step 1: Closed to new applicants. Check the City's Better Homes Hamilton page for any future intake.
Step 2: Meanwhile, apply to Home Renovation Savings for rebates.
Still planning the upgrade? Get up to 3 quotes
Free, no obligation. We pass your request to up to 3 independent installers who serve your area and, where a program requires it, are registered with it.
- 1. Your project
- 2. Your contact details
- Installers checked against your program’s contractor list, where it has one
- Installers pay us, never you
- Sent to up to 3 installers who serve your area. We don't sell or rent lists.