If you live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, and want to stay warm, cool, and eco-friendly throughout the year, we have some excellent news for you. When you install a new heat pump in your home, the province of British Columbia has introduced exciting initiatives that can help you save money, minimize your environmental impact, and improve your living comfort.
In this post, the team at The Comfort Group will look at what the BC Heat Pump Rebate is, how it works, and how you can use it to upgrade your home HVAC system while saving money. Are you ready to embrace an ecologically friendly and affordable method of staying cozy in your home? Let’s get right into it!
What grants are available for heat pumps in BC?
Not only are homeowners in British Columbia eligible to receive grants from the province, but they may also be eligible for federal rebates as well. Let’s take a closer look at some of the grant amounts you can apply for when installing a new heat pump in your home:
*Please note that the grant eligibility, savings amounts, etc. may change. Please always check official government websites for updated information related to provincial grants
Canada Greener Homes Initiative
- Grants ranging from $125 to $5,000
- To get a portion of your eligible home conversion costs reimbursed up to $600
- As a max payment for your total pre- and post-retrofit expenses AND EnerGuide assessment
- Interest-free financing of up to $40,000 with a 10-year repayment term to assist you with your new home renovations.
Upon applying for the grant, you are going to need to present proof of ownership, such as your property tax number, as well as proof that the home is your primary place of residence, such as a government-issued ID with a street address or a utility statement. It is also worth mentioning that only one homeowner per household may apply for a grant.
How much is the rebate for heat pumps in BC?
There are also several heat pump rebates available for British Columbian homeowners that can further aid in alleviating the initial installation costs associated with installing this type of HVAC system into your home. Here is a closer look at the possible saving you may be eligible for:
CleanBC Better Homes
- Savings of up to $9,000 are possible.
- Citizens of British Columbia who live in a qualifying home and have housing utility file with BC Hydro, FortisBC, or a local utility company
- Within six months of the invoice’s due date, the application must be submitted for reimbursement.
- Must select a heat pump from the qualified product list, which you can find directly on the CleanBC Better Homes website
Similar to the federal rebates available, homeowners will also need to ensure they meet the criteria for the provincial rebates, which you can find listed below:
- The house must be a primary residence
- It must be a minimum of 12 months old.
The residence must be of one of the following listed below:
- Single-family dwelling (detached)
- A secondary suite in a single-family residence (a detached dwelling) with its own utility measurement.
- A mobile home that is permanently fixed. (Please see the CleanBC Better Homes website for complete requirements).
- If in a duplex, triplex, townhome, or row home, each unit must have its own gas and/or electrical power meter. Utility accounts must be set up in the name of the resident or the homeowner. Please note that strata corporation utility account names will not be approved.
Homes must be heated with the following:
- FortisBC natural gas, propane, or electricity
- BC Hydro electricity
- Natural gas from Pacific Northern Gas
- Wood
- Other fuel sources
Keep in mind that beyond the criteria listed for homeowners, you will also need to partner with an eligible HVAC company, like The Comfort Group, to oversee the heat pump installation process.
What are the new home rebates in BC?
Moreover, if you’re planning on building a new home, CleanBC’s Better Homes New Construction Program offers up to $15,000 in rebates for the development of new, highly efficient residences that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
New Construction Program
The grant program is available to licensed home developers, owner contractors permitted through BC Housing, and Indigenous communities building a new home within the province. Homeowners must complete their construction project within a year of receiving the prior authorization email.
It should be noted that, at present, the new homes rebate program has been fully subscribed to. This means that to be enrolled in the program waitlist, applicants must submit a pre-registration form. If a pre-qualified program participant withdraws or fails to fulfill the program’s criteria, the remaining funds will be distributed to the next candidate on the waitlist.
BC Income Qualified Program
Homeowners in British Columbia whose total household earnings fall below a certain threshold may qualify for additional funding. The initiative provides increased discounts to make energy-saving home improvements less expensive. Just note that before renovations begin, you must pre-register for this program and wait for confirmation before starting any projects.
Some of the improvements available through this program include:
- Heat pump installations
- Insulation improvements
- The installation of new windows and doors
- Heat pump water heaters
- Supplementary reimbursements are offered for essential ventilation, health and safety, and electric panel enhancements.
Municipal Rebate Top-ups
Different municipalities throughout the province may also provide various local top-ups. When homeowners move from a fossil fuel heating system, additions may be offered to cover additional upgrades such as heat pumps, heat pump water heating systems, and electric power improvements.
As the leading experts in heating, cooling, and energy-efficient solutions, The Comfort Group is here to guide you through the ins and outs of these fantastic programs so you can upgrade your indoor comfort.
As such, if you’re interested in making upgrades to your home, just know that you can reach out to our team of professional and qualified HVAC personnel at any time! You’ll be happy to know that additional discounts and financing options are available when you partner with our team, so make sure to book a consultation appointment with a home comfort advisor to learn more!
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