2026 Rénoclimat Grant: Up to $4,500 for Window and Patio Door Replacement • October 2026 Update
Updated: Oct 27
Planning to replace your home’s windows or patio doors? Quebec’s Rénoclimat program introduced significant changes on October 1, 2026, making financial assistance more accessible to homeowners.
The two biggest changes? The grant has doubled from $150 to $300 per eligible window opening, up to a maximum of $4,500. In addition, homeowners are no longer required to complete pre-retrofit and post-retrofit energy evaluations to qualify for the window replacement grant.
However, the program also introduces stricter energy efficiency requirements, meaning that not all replacement windows qualify.
Please note: This article applies specifically to single-family homes. Eligibility requirements and financial assistance amounts may differ for other types of residential buildings.
1. What Changed in October 2026?
The updated Rénoclimat program introduces several important changes:
Higher financial assistance: $300 per eligible opening, compared with $150 previously.
Maximum grant: Up to $4,500 for single-family homes
No mandatory energy evaluations: Pre-retrofit and post-retrofit evaluations are no longer required for the window replacement grant.
Stricter window requirements: Products must be ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient certified.
Exterior entry doors: No longer eligible.
Sliding patio doors: Remain eligible if they meet the updated requirements.
Simplified application process: Homeowners apply after installation and must retain supporting documentation.
The increase in financial assistance, combined with the removal of mandatory energy evaluations, makes the updated program more straightforward for homeowners planning eligible window replacements.
2. How Much Is the Rénoclimat Grant for Windows?
$300 Per Eligible Opening, Maximum $4,500
Under the updated program, homeowners can receive $300 for each eligible window or sliding patio door opening replaced, up to a maximum of $4,500 per eligible home. For example, replacing five eligible window openings could provide $1,500 in financial assistance, while replacing 15 eligible openings could provide the maximum $4,500 grant.
What if your home has more than 15 windows?
You can still replace all your windows. However, the maximum financial assistance remains $4,500.
Important: The Grant Is Calculated Per Opening, Not Per Window
Financial assistance is calculated based on the number of existing rough openings replaced, not the number of individual window sections or glass panes.
For example:
Single window: One window installed in an existing opening = $300.
Bay or bow window: Multiple window sections within one existing opening = $300, not $900.
Sliding patio door: One eligible patio door installed in an existing opening = $300.
3. Which Windows and Doors Qualify for Rénoclimat?
ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient Certification Is Now Required
As of October 1, 2026, replacement windows must be officially certified ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient (Les plus écoénergétiques in French).
Under the previous program, standard ENERGY STAR® certified windows could qualify. This certification alone is no longer sufficient.
Understanding Energy Ratings and U-Factors
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) evaluates window energy performance using several measurements, including:
Energy Rating (ER) Measures overall energy performance, considering heat loss, solar heat gain, and air leakage. Higher is better.
U-Factor Measures how easily heat passes through a window. Lower is better.
The relevant ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient performance criteria include:
Energy Rating (ER): 40 or higher; OR
U-Factor: 1.05 W/m²·K or lower.
Important: Meeting one of these performance thresholds does not automatically guarantee eligibility for Rénoclimat financial assistance. The window model and its glazing configuration must be officially recognized as ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient and appear in Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) official list of certified products.
You can verify this designation using the product’s NRCan reference number through the official certified product search tool.
Natural Resources Canada: Searchable Product List
ENERGY STAR® Windows (including Most Efficient models): Search Certified Windows
ENERGY STAR® Sliding Glass Doors (including Most Efficient models): Search Certified Sliding Glass Doors
Do You Need Triple-Glazed Windows to Qualify?
Eligibility depends on the specific window’s official ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient certification, not simply the number of glass panes. A triple-glazed window is not automatically eligible.
Our recommendation: Before signing your contract, confirm that the exact windows being ordered are ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient certified and that their NRCan reference numbers are included in your documentation.
Are Sliding Patio Doors Eligible?
Yes. Sliding glass patio doors remain eligible for the $300 grant per opening, provided they meet the required ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient certification and installation criteria.
Are Exterior Entry Doors Eligible?
No. Exterior entry doors, including steel entrance doors, are no longer eligible under the updated window replacement measure.
What Is Not Eligible?
The following do not qualify for the new window replacement grant:
Exterior entry doors.
Glass-only replacement (sealed glass units or thermopanes).
Sash-only replacement.
Windows installed in newly created openings.
Windows installed as part of a new home addition.
Eligible replacement windows and sliding patio doors must be professionally installed within existing rough openings.
4. How to Apply for the Rénoclimat Grant
Energy Evaluations Are No Longer Mandatory
One of the most significant changes is the removal of mandatory pre-retrofit and post-retrofit energy evaluations for the updated window replacement measure. Homeowners can proceed with eligible renovations without first scheduling an energy evaluation.
However, supporting documentation is still required.
Step 1: Choose Eligible Products
Before ordering, confirm that your selected windows or sliding patio doors meet the ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient requirements. Ask your contractor to identify the NRCan reference numbers for the exact products being installed.
Step 2: Have Your Windows Professionally Installed
Eligible products must be installed within existing rough openings by a qualified contractor holding the appropriate RBQ licence.
Step 3: Keep Your Supporting Documents
Homeowners should retain the documentation required to support their application, including:
1. ENERGY STAR® certification labels for the installed products.
2. NRCan reference numbers identifying the exact windows or patio doors.
3. Detailed invoices and/or contracts identifying the products, installation work, and contractor.
4. The contractor’s completed and signed compliance attestation.
5. Municipal property assessment information and any additional documents requested by Rénoclimat.
Tip: Create a dedicated folder for your renovation project and keep all documents together until your application has been fully processed.
Step 4: Submit Your Application After Installation
Homeowners must submit their application after the eligible renovation work has been completed. Applications must be submitted within 12 months of completing the work, subject to the program’s final deadline of March 31, 2029.
Important: The New Application Portal Is Under Development
As of October 2026, the Quebec government is developing the online application portal for the updated Rénoclimat program. Although the portal is not yet available, homeowners do not need to postpone otherwise eligible renovations while waiting for it to open.
In the meantime, it is important to preserve all required documentation and verify that the products and installation meet the program’s requirements. Remember: The 12-month application deadline is calculated from the completion date of the renovation work, not from the date the application portal becomes available.
For the latest information, consult the official Quebec government Rénoclimat website.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace only a few windows and still qualify?
Yes. You do not need to replace every window in your home. Financial assistance is calculated based on the number of eligible existing openings replaced.
Can I replace more than 15 windows?
Yes. However, the maximum grant remains $4,500 per eligible home., equivalent to 15 eligible openings.
Can I replace my windows in phases?
Yes. Multiple applications may be permitted for eligible window replacement projects, subject to the program’s cumulative financial assistance limits and application requirements.
Do I need triple-glazed windows?
The exact window model and glazing configuration must be officially ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient certified.
Are patio doors eligible for the grant?
Yes. Eligible sliding glass patio doors qualify for the same $300 grant per existing opening as replacement windows.
What if I already had a Rénoclimat evaluation before October 1, 2026?
Projects initiated under the previous program may be subject to transitional provisions. Homeowners with an existing file should confirm the applicable requirements directly with Rénoclimat.
Why Expert Installation Is Key to Real Performance
Choosing energy-efficient windows is only part of the equation. Proper installation is equally important to achieving their intended performance. At Innovation Portes et Fenêtres, we specialize in residential window and door replacement throughout Montreal’s West Island.
Our founder and lead installer, Rudy Moskun, brings over 27 years of hands-on experience and remains personally involved in every project, from the initial consultation and measurements to the final installation.
With more than 4,000 window and door replacements completed, our family-owned company combines high-quality, Quebec-made products with experienced, owner-led installation. We help homeowners choose window configurations suited to their homes, energy-efficiency goals, and applicable grant requirements.
Rudy Moskun - Founder & Master Installer
Planning a Window Replacement Project in Montreal’s West Island?
Whether you’re replacing a few windows or planning a larger renovation, understanding the updated Rénoclimat requirements can help you make informed decisions before ordering.
At Innovation Portes et Fenêtres, we can help you explore your window replacement options and identify products that meet your needs.
Contact our team to discuss your residential window replacement project.
Friendly disclaimer:
This article provides a general overview of the Rénoclimat window replacement program changes introduced on October 1, 2026. Program requirements, eligible products, financial assistance amounts, and application procedures are subject to change.
Grant eligibility and approval are determined by the Quebec government. Financial assistance is not guaranteed. For official requirements and current updates, consult the Quebec government’s Rénoclimat participant guide and website. Product certification can be verified through Natural Resources Canada’s Certified Product Search.
Rénoclimat – Official Program Information:
Participant's Guide (only available in french) :
