If you have been waiting for the “perfect time” to upgrade your attic insulation, 2026 is officially the year.
For years, accessing government rebates meant paying hundreds of dollars upfront for a home energy audit before you could even touch a bag of insulation. That hurdle is gone. Under the newly updated Home Renovation Savings Program (partnership between Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy), Ontario homeowners can now receive up to $1,250 in rebates for topping up their attic—completely audit-free.
At Therm-O-Comfort, we want to ensure you don’t leave this money on the table. Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 rules, the deadline, and how to maximize your ROI.
The Big Change: Higher Rebates, Less Paperwork
As of January 2026, the rebate maximum for the “standalone attic stream” increased from $1,000 to $1,250. This stream is designed for homeowners who want to do a single, high-impact upgrade without renovating their entire house.
The best part? No pre-work or post-work energy assessment is required. This saves you roughly $600 in audit fees and weeks of scheduling delays. You simply hire a participating contractor, have the insulation installed, and submit the proof.
How Much Can You Get?
The rebate amount depends on your attic’s current insulation level. The program is designed to target homes that are losing the most heat.
- Tier 1 (The Big Saver): If you have R-12 or less (roughly 3-4 inches of old insulation) and you upgrade to R-50, you qualify for the maximum $1,250 rebate.
- Tier 2: If you have between R-13 and R-25 and upgrade to R-50, you qualify for $1,000.
- Tier 3: If you have between R-26 and R-35 and upgrade to R-50, you qualify for $800.
Note: Rebates are capped at 50% of the total project cost.
Am I Eligible?
To qualify for this specific stream, you must meet a few basic criteria set by Enbridge Gas and the IESO:
- Heating Source: You must be an Enbridge Gas customer heating with natural gas, OR an Ontario resident heating with electricity, oil, propane, or wood.
- Home Type: The home must be a detached, semi-detached, or row townhome.
- The Installer: You must use a “Participating Contractor.” (DIY installations do not qualify for this specific rebate).
Why Cellulose is the “Secret Weapon” for this Upgrade
To hit that R-50 target, you need a material that fills every gap, void, and odd corner of your attic. This is where Therm-O-Comfort’s loose-fill cellulose outperforms traditional batts.
Because our insulation is blown in, it forms a seamless blanket over your existing insulation (regardless of whether you currently have fiberglass, rock wool, or wood chips). It creates a custom fit around pot lights, plumbing stacks, and trusses, stopping the air leakage that steals your heat.
Pro Tip: Beyond the heat savings, our borate-treated cellulose provides a passive barrier against pests—a common attic nuisance in Ontario. Learn more about our manufacturing process here.
Important Deadline: November 30, 2026
While the program has been extended, the current funding window is set to expire on November 30, 2026. However, we strongly advise against waiting until the fall.
Every year, we see a “rush to the finish” in October and November. Contractors get booked up, and administrative processing times slow down. By booking your attic top-up in the Spring or Summer, you secure your spot and start saving on your air conditioning bills immediately.
How to Apply
- Check Your Attic: Pop your head up the hatch. If you can see the floor joists, you likely have less than R-25 and are a prime candidate for the full rebate.
- Find a Contractor: You need a professional installer to ensure the work meets the Save on Energy safety standards (ensuring baffles are installed for soffit ventilation).
- Install & Save: Once the work is done, your contractor typically handles the rebate submission for you. You receive the cheque in the mail roughly 8-12 weeks later.
Ready to Stop Heating the Neighbourhood?
Adding insulation to your attic is widely considered the #1 return on investment for home energy upgrades. With the government covering up to $1,250 of the cost, the payback period is faster than ever.
If you need help finding a certified installer in St. Thomas, London, or the surrounding area who uses high-quality Therm-O-Comfort products, we can help point you in the right direction.
Disclaimer: Rebate amounts and program terms are subject to change by Enbridge Gas and the IESO. Information is current as of January 2026. Please verify the latest eligibility on the official program website.