My furnace just died: what to do now

Emergency checklist

  1. Safety first. Smell gas or CO alarm sounding? Leave the house and call 911 or your gas utility.
  2. Keep pipes from freezing. Use safe electric space heaters, open cabinet doors under sinks, let taps drip, close off unused rooms.
  3. Get a diagnosis. Ask a licensed technician whether it is repairable and for a written quote for both repair and replacement.
  4. Get pre-approval BEFORE you install. Most programs (Ontario HRS, BC CleanBC, NL, Nova Scotia, federal portal) require approval before work. Installing first can disqualify you.
  5. Ask for a heat pump quote, not just a furnace. A heat pump also replaces your air conditioner, which is handy if your AC is old too (details). Make sure the model is on the eligible product list and get the model numbers in writing.
  6. Check the federal rebate. The National Heat Pump Rebate promises 24-hour approval but is not open yet (expected early 2027). If you must replace now, ask about temporary heat or a short-term repair.
  7. Check your province. Use the calculator.
  8. Keep every document: quote, approval, invoice, proof of payment, removal of old equipment.

Quebec: LogisVert failure-replacement caveat

Hydro-Québec's LogisVert participant guide lists "the replacement of a heat pump following an equipment failure, whether covered by a warranty or insurance" as ineligible. Confirm with Hydro-Québec before replacing a failed heat pump. Nova Scotia also excludes replacement heat pumps, and Manitoba excludes replacing an existing heat pump system.

Sources: www.canada.ca · www.hydroquebec.com

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FAQ

Can I get the federal heat pump rebate if my furnace already died?

Yes, that is the program's main purpose, but it is not open yet. Approval is promised within 24 hours once the portal launches.

Should I install first and apply later?

No. Most programs require pre-approval before installation.

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Not a government website. nationalheatpumprebate.ca is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, or any provincial program. Amounts can change; always confirm with the official program before buying or installing. We may earn a referral fee from installers.