Upgrading your home heating system?

Check out the Home Energy Navigator program, a new regional service helping homeowners take the next step, regardless of where they are in their retrofit journey, and aiming to reduce barriers to completing a home energy retrofit. This service provides participants with free support from local energy experts, including:

  • Rebate navigation
  • Virtual home energy consultation
  • Quote reviews
  • Customized retrofit roadmap
  • And more!

If you have questions regarding rebate requirements or need support with deciding which upgrades are right for your home, reviewing quotes or filling out your rebate applications, you’re not alone! Participate in the program for free by filling out a registration form at www.homeenergynav.ca or calling 1.866.381.9995.

The Home Energy Navigator Program is a free program created by the CRD and local government partners in the capital region and informed by industry experts, including numerous local contractors. It is being executed by City Green Solutions, a local non-profit with decades of experience helping homeowners save energy.

Heat Pump Rebates

retrofits_tallThe CRD and a growing number of local municipalities are offering municipal top-up rebates to the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program.

Switch from a fossil fuel (oil, natural gas, or propane) home heating system to an electric air-source heat-pump and access:

Use the CleanBC Rebate Search Tool to find all the rebates that apply to you.

Heat Pump Group Purchase Rebate

CleanBC Better Homes is now offering a Heat Pump Group Purchase Rebate of up to $500 for homeowners switching from an oil, natural gas, or propane heating system to an eligible air source heat pump. The more homes that register and apply as a group using the same Group Code, the higher the rebate for each participant, so share this page with your friends!

Current CRD Group Code: GPR0160-EXP19/12/2022

This code expires on December 19, 2022. Note: Each group code can be used by a maximum of 30 participants and once full or expired, a new code will be issued. Check back here for a new code.

Here is how to take advantage of the Group Purchase Rebate (GPR):

  1. Register with the CRD Group Code at betterhomesbc.ca/gpr-register once you have installed your eligible heat pump.
  2. Apply to Clean BC Better Homes for all eligible rebates before the code expires. Don’t forget to enter your GPR Group Code in the Promo Code field of the application form. If you have multiple codes, include both separated by a comma in this field.
  3. Spread the word about the CRD Group Code. The more homes that install a heat pump and apply using the same code, the higher the rebate!

Participants must register with the complete Group Code (format GPRXXXX-EXPDD/MM/YYYY), have their heat pump installed, and submit applications for rebates within 6 months of their final installation invoice date. If you’re not quite ready to install a heat pump before the code expires, check back for a new code after this code expires.

If you have questions about the Group Purchase Rebate or other CleanBC rebates, please speak with an energy coach toll free at 1.844.881.9790 or use this contact form.

FAQ

Are other rebates available?

Yes, other rebates include:

Use the CleanBC Rebate Search Tool to find all the rebates that apply to you through the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Programs.

Questions? Contact an Energy Coach, a free coaching service offered through the program.

Interested in commercial buildings? CleanBC Better Buildings provides funding and capital incentives to encourage energy efficient design, construction and renovation for commercial buildings.

How do I access the municipal top-up rebates?

Go to CleanBC Better Homes, and see section How to Apply to:

  • Confirm your eligibility
  • Read the terms and conditions
  • Identify an eligible heat pump
  • Complete the online application form and upload all supporting documentation once the eligible heat pump is installed.

Only one application is needed for all incentives.

For additional assistance, contact a CleanBC Energy Coach:
Online
Toll free: 1.844.881.9790
Greater Victoria: 250.412.0489

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump takes heat energy from one place and moves it to another – just like a refrigerator. In summer, it moves heat out of the house, and in the winter it moves heat into the house – even if it’s cold outside. Learn more >>

Why upgrade to a heat pump?

  • Year-round comfort: A heat pump takes the place of both an air conditioner and a heating system, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
  • Maximum efficiency: When properly installed, a heat pump uses half to a third as much energy as electric baseboards or a gas furnace.
  • Climate Friendly: For an average home heated by natural gas, switching to a heat pump reduces your carbon footprint by about the same amount as not driving your car for 9 months of the year*.
  • Climate prepared: Heat pumps also work in reverse in the summer to provide cooling, or air conditioning. Regional climate projections have shown that our region is expected to experience more days above 25°C in the future.
  • Better indoor air quality: Most heat pumps provide air flow and dehumidification with options to add an enhanced filtration system to clean the air circulating through your home of indoor pollutants, dust, pollen, and other allergens.
  • Reduced community greenhouse gas emissions: In the capital region, heating, cooling, lighting and powering buildings is our community’s second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more >>
  • Reduced risk of an oil spill on your property: Homeowners with aging or under-maintained home heating oil tanks may have environmental and financial risks. Learn more and report a spill.

*If you are using BC grid electricity.

What do I need to know before removing an oil tank safely?

Oil tanks can represent a hazard to the local environment and a significant financial liability for you if they leak or spill. Cleanup costs for oil tank leaks are the responsibility of the homeowner, and your private home insurance likely does not cover these costs.

Before starting to remove an old home heating oil tank, or installation of a new tank, contact your local fire department to inquire about any permits and/or inspections required. It is also recommended to contact your home insurance company to inquire about the processes and requirements.

Can decommissioned oil tanks be recycled?

Oil tanks are metal, and as such, must be recycled once they are safely decommissioned. Once emptied of all oil and oil residue, home heating oil tanks can and must be recycled as scrap metal.

There are two types of residential heating oil storage tanks: above ground tanks (typically found in basements or outside of homes) and underground tanks (buried).

Hire a professional – this is not a do-it yourself job.

For more information and a list of disposal facilities, visit Myrecyclopedia.

What is the CleanBC Better Homes program?

CleanBC Better Homes is BC’s online hub for homeowners and businesses to access information, rebates and support to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in new and existing homes and buildings.

CleanBC Better Homes is funded by the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund. CleanBC Better Homes rebates are administered by BC Hydro, FortisBC and BC Housing.

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Not sure where to start? 

Get free, local, expert advice regardless of where you're at in your retrofit journey. 
Visit Home Energy Navigator 
Or call: 1.866.381.9995 

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