Updated July 24, 2026: Heat pump rebate amounts, eligibility rules and contractor requirements can change. Confirm all requirements with the official program before purchasing equipment or starting installation.
Heat pump rebates BC programs may provide financial support for eligible homeowners replacing electric, natural gas, propane, oil or wood heating systems. Depending on the program, household income, home type, existing heating source and selected equipment, current rebates may range from $1,500 to $13,000 or more when eligible add-ons are included.
The advertised maximum is not the amount every homeowner receives. Each program has its own rules for property type, primary heating source, household income, equipment efficiency, contractor registration, heat-load calculations, pre-approval, permits and application deadlines.
The most important step is to identify the correct program before signing a contract. Starting installation under the wrong program can reduce or completely eliminate rebate eligibility.
This guide explains the main residential heat pump rebate programs available in British Columbia as of July 2026. Bernoulli Heating and Cooling does not administer these programs and cannot guarantee rebate approval. Final eligibility and payment decisions belong to the applicable program administrator.
How Much Are Heat Pump Rebates in BC in 2026?
As of July 2026, the main residential rebate programs include:
| Program | Who It May Serve | Current Maximum Heat Pump Support |
|---|---|---|
| CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program | Income-qualified households in eligible ground-oriented homes | Up to $13,000 for eligible heat pump upgrades |
| Energy Savings Program for condos and apartments | Income-qualified residents of eligible electrically heated units | Up to $5,000 |
| BC Hydro Home Renovation Rebate Program | Eligible ground-oriented homes primarily heated by electricity | $4,000 for eligible whole-home heating or $1,500 for partial-home heating |
| BC Hydro Condo and Apartment Rebate Program | Eligible electrically heated condo and apartment units | Up to $2,250 |
| Energy Conservation Assistance Program | Eligible income-qualified households | Free program-selected upgrades, which may include a heat pump |
These amounts are maximums. The actual rebate may be lower and cannot normally exceed the eligible invoiced cost of the upgrade.
Additional support may be available for:
- Electrical-service upgrades
- Ventilation improvements
- Health and safety work
- Northern BC installations
- Completing multiple energy upgrades
- Heat pump water heaters
Not every add-on is available under every program or income level.
Heat Pump Rebate Programs in BC: Quick Comparison
| Requirement | Energy Savings Program | Home Renovation Rebate | Condo and Apartment Rebate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income qualified | Yes | No, but income-qualified households are directed to ESP | No for standard program; separate income-qualified offer available |
| Pre-registration or approval | Required before installation | Generally application after completion | Pre-approval required before purchasing equipment |
| Primary heating source | Electricity, gas, propane, oil or wood, depending on pathway | Primarily electricity | Electricity |
| Required contractor network | Energy Savings Program Registered Contractor | Home Performance Contractor Network member | Program-qualified contractor requirements apply |
| Self-installation eligible | No | No | No |
| Heat-load calculation | Required for applicable system types and pathways | Required for whole-home rebate | May be required depending on equipment and program rules |
| Existing heat pump replacement | Generally not eligible as a primary heat pump upgrade | Replacing an existing heat pump is not eligible | Program-specific rules apply |
The program names are similar, but their rules are not interchangeable. A contractor registered for one program may not automatically qualify for another.
Check 1: Understand the CleanBC Energy Savings Program
The CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program provides enhanced rebates based on household income.
Eligible ground-oriented homes may include:
- Detached houses
- Townhouses
- Row homes
- Duplexes and other eligible multiplex homes
- Manufactured or mobile homes that meet program conditions
Eligible primary heating sources may include:
- Natural gas
- Propane
- Oil
- Electricity
- Wood
The available amount depends on the heating source being replaced, income level and selected heat pump configuration.
Income Levels
The Energy Savings Program uses household size and combined pre-tax annual income to determine the rebate level.
For applications received on or after July 6, 2026, the income limits include:
| Household Size | Level 1 Maximum Income | Level 2 Maximum Income | Level 3 Maximum Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $51,100 | $63,900 | $102,100 |
| 2 people | $63,600 | $79,500 | $127,200 |
| 3 people | $78,200 | $97,700 | $156,300 |
| 4 people | $94,900 | $118,600 | $189,800 |
| 5 people | $107,600 | $134,500 | $215,200 |
| 6 people | $121,400 | $151,700 | $242,700 |
| 7 or more | $135,100 | $168,900 | $270,200 |
Level 3 heat pump rebates apply only to certain ground-oriented homes switching from natural gas, propane or oil to an electric heat pump.
Ground-Oriented Heat Pump Maximums
Depending on the existing heating fuel and income level, eligible equipment may include:
- Central ducted heat pumps
- Three-head multi-split systems
- Two-head multi-split systems
- Two separate single-head systems
- Single-head mini-split systems
- Dual-fuel ducted heat pumps
- Air-to-water heat pumps
- Combined space and water heating heat pumps
For some fossil-fuel conversion pathways, current maximums include:
| System Type | Income Level 1 | Income Level 2 | Income Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central ducted or three-head multi-split | Up to $13,000 | Up to $7,000 | Up to $3,500 |
| Two-head multi-split or two single-head systems | Up to $11,000 | Up to $5,500 | Up to $1,000 |
| Single-head mini-split | Up to $5,500 | Up to $4,500 | Up to $1,000 |
| Dual-fuel ducted heat pump | Up to $12,000 | Up to $5,000 | Up to $3,000 |
The exact table that applies depends on the existing fuel, utility territory and equipment design. Do not use this summary as an approval calculation.
How the Energy Savings Program Works
- Review the current eligibility requirements.
- Pre-register with the program.
- Receive an eligibility code and rebate report.
- Choose an Energy Savings Program Registered Contractor.
- Select eligible equipment.
- Complete the installation within the code-validity period.
- The registered contractor submits the required documentation.
- The rebate is deducted according to program rules, and the homeowner pays the remaining eligible amount.
Eligibility codes issued under the July 2026 rules are generally valid for three months. If the installation is not completed during that period, the homeowner may need to reapply.
Review current requirements through the official CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program.
Check 2: Review the BC Hydro Home Renovation Rebate
The Home Renovation Rebate Program is intended primarily for eligible ground-oriented homes currently heated with electricity.
Qualifying electric heating may include:
- Electric baseboards
- An electric forced-air furnace
- Electric radiant floors or ceilings
- Another eligible electric primary heating system
The existing electric system generally must have enough capacity to heat at least 50 percent of the home through the heating season.
Current Heat Pump Rebate Amounts
| Upgrade Type | Current Rebate |
|---|---|
| Whole-home heat pump | $4,000 |
| Partial-home heat pump | $1,500 |
Whole-Home Heating Requirement
For the $4,000 whole-home rebate, the heat pump must be designed to meet 100 percent of the home’s heating requirement at -5°C.
A heat-load calculation and supporting report are required.
Partial-Home Heating Requirement
For the $1,500 partial-home rebate, the installed heat pump must meet at least 50 percent of the home’s heating requirement.
This option may fit homes where:
- A ductless system serves the main living area
- Existing electric baseboards remain in some rooms
- The heat pump is intended to reduce rather than completely replace electric resistance heating
- The home layout does not support practical whole-home distribution
Home Size Rules
Homes larger than 1,200 square feet must generally install a multi-split or central system to qualify under the current heat pump rebate requirements.
Additional Bonus Rebates
Homeowners completing multiple eligible renovations may qualify for:
- A $300 Two Upgrade Bonus
- A Home Energy Improvement Bonus ranging from $750 to $2,000 for qualifying projects with three eligible upgrades and EnerGuide evaluation requirements
Bonus programs have separate timing, evaluation and documentation requirements.
Review the official BC Hydro heat pump rebate requirements.
Check 3: Use the Correct Condo or Apartment Program
Individual condo and apartment units are generally not eligible for the standard ground-oriented Home Renovation Rebate Program.
There are two main condo pathways.
Income-Qualified Condo and Apartment Rebates
The Energy Savings Program offers income-qualified rebates for eligible condo and apartment units primarily heated with electricity.
Current maximum amounts include:
| Income Level | Maximum Heat Pump Rebate |
|---|---|
| Income Level 1 | Up to $5,000 |
| Income Level 2 | Up to $4,000 |
The home must meet income and property-value requirements. Pre-registration is required before installation.
Standard Condo and Apartment Rebate Program
Eligible owners of electrically heated condo or apartment units may qualify for up to $2,250 through the BC Hydro Condo and Apartment Rebate Program.
This program may apply to:
- Individual strata condominium units
- Equity co-op apartment units
- Eligible multiplex units in buildings with six or more units
- Individual units in purpose-built rental buildings
Pre-approval is required before purchasing equipment.
Strata Approval Is Separate
Rebate approval does not replace strata approval.
The strata corporation may request:
- Outdoor-unit location drawings
- Sound data
- Equipment specifications
- Condensate drainage details
- Wall-penetration details
- Electrical information
- Contractor insurance
- Permit information
- An alteration agreement
Do not purchase equipment until both program and strata requirements are understood.
Review the official Condo and Apartment Rebate Program.
Check 4: Determine Whether You Qualify for a Free Heat Pump Program
The Energy Conservation Assistance Program provides free energy evaluations, coaching and selected upgrades for eligible income-qualified households.
Possible upgrades may include:
- Heat pumps
- Insulation
- Draft proofing
- Bathroom ventilation
- Connected thermostats
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Other weatherization improvements
This is different from a standard rebate.
Under the Energy Conservation Assistance Program:
- The program evaluates the home
- The program determines which upgrades are offered
- The program selects the products
- The program manages contractor installation
- The homeowner does not choose an unrestricted equipment package
The program is subject to available funding and may operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Homeowners who want to select their own contractor and eligible equipment may prefer the Energy Savings Program.
Review current information through the official Energy Conservation Assistance Program.
Check 5: Confirm the Home’s Primary Heating Source
The existing heating source is one of the first questions on a rebate application.
Programs may classify the home as primarily heated by:
- Electricity
- Natural gas
- Propane
- Oil
- Wood
- A combination of systems
The system used most often is not always the only factor. The program may review whether the installed heating equipment has enough capacity to heat the required portion of the home.
Electric Baseboard Homes
Electric baseboard homes may qualify for:
- The Home Renovation Rebate Program
- The Energy Savings Program if income qualified
- Condo and apartment programs where applicable
- The Energy Conservation Assistance Program where eligible
Gas, Propane or Oil Homes
Homes switching from fossil-fuel heating to an electric heat pump may qualify for enhanced Energy Savings Program rebates when income and property requirements are met.
Dual-fuel heat pump pathways may remain available for some fuel types and utility territories, but the rebate level and equipment requirements differ.
Wood-Heated Homes
Wood-heated homes may qualify under selected Energy Savings Program pathways.
Program rules may require the backup system to remain electric or wood. Fossil-fuel backup may not qualify for certain wood-to-heat-pump offers.
Existing Heat Pump Homes
Replacing an existing heat pump, adding another heat pump or adding an indoor head to an existing system is generally not eligible under major primary-system rebate pathways.
Do not assume that an old or failed heat pump automatically qualifies for a replacement rebate.
Check 6: Review Income and Property-Value Limits
Income-qualified programs consider the combined pre-tax income of adults living in the household.
The calculation may include:
- The homeowner
- A spouse or partner
- Adult children
- Other adult household members
Dependent household members are included in household size but may be treated differently for income reporting.
Some Energy Savings Program pathways also apply a maximum assessed property value.
Property-value rules can differ between:
- Ground-oriented homes
- Condo units
- Purpose-built rental units
- Equity co-op units
A recently purchased home or high mortgage balance does not change the assessed-value test. The program uses the applicable BC Assessment information.
Confirm both income and property-value eligibility before requesting quotes based on an enhanced rebate.
Check 7: Select Rebate-Eligible Heat Pump Equipment
A heat pump can be legal to install and still be ineligible for a specific rebate.
Programs may require:
- Equipment listed on an approved product list
- A variable-speed compressor
- A valid AHRI-certified matched-system reference number
- Minimum SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings
- Minimum heating capacity at low outdoor temperatures
- A qualifying number of indoor units
- A maximum or minimum connected-capacity ratio
- Approved indoor and outdoor equipment combinations
Home Renovation Rebate Efficiency Requirements
Current BC Hydro requirements include:
- A variable-speed compressor
- AHRI certification covering all applicable indoor and outdoor components
- HSPF2 Region IV of at least 8.5
- SEER2 of at least 15.2
Older rating equivalents may also appear in program documentation.
Match Every Component
The eligible combination may include:
- Outdoor heat pump
- Indoor air handler
- Indoor coil
- Gas furnace in a dual-fuel system
- Each ductless indoor unit
A qualifying outdoor unit connected to an unlisted indoor combination may make the complete installation ineligible.
Do Not Purchase Equipment Too Early
Equipment lists can change. Confirm the exact model combination and program pathway before paying a deposit or authorizing an order.
Check 8: Verify the Contractor’s Program Registration
A contractor may be licensed and experienced but still not be registered with the rebate program required for the project.
Energy Savings Program
The installation must be purchased, supplied and installed by a contractor registered and approved for the applicable Energy Savings Program upgrade.
Home Renovation Rebate Program
Heat pump installation must be completed by a member of the Home Performance Contractor Network.
Why Contractor Status Matters
The contractor may be responsible for:
- Confirming equipment-list eligibility
- Completing the heat-load calculation
- Providing required invoice details
- Submitting documents
- Obtaining or coordinating permits
- Following program installation standards
- Registering the matched equipment
Ask the contractor to identify the specific program for which the company is registered.
Do not rely only on a website logo, verbal statement or screenshot. Verify the contractor through the program’s current contractor-search tool.
Check 9: Complete the Required Heat-Load Calculation
A heat-load calculation estimates the home’s heating and cooling requirements using building and climate data.
The calculation may consider:
- Floor area
- Ceiling height
- Insulation
- Window area and orientation
- Air leakage
- Foundation conditions
- Local outdoor design temperature
- Solar heat gain
- Duct losses
For the BC Hydro whole-home heat pump rebate, the system must meet the home’s full heating requirement at -5°C. The contractor must provide the required load-calculation summary and report.
Energy Savings Program heat pump pathways may also require program-approved heat-load documentation.
A load calculation completed only after the equipment has been installed defeats the main purpose of sizing. It should help select the system before installation.
The equipment’s published capacity at relevant temperatures should be compared with the calculated heating load.
Pre-Registration and Pre-Approval Rules
Some programs require approval before equipment is purchased or installed.
Energy Savings Program
Applicants must pre-register and receive an eligibility code before starting the upgrade.
Under current July 2026 rules, the code is generally valid for three months.
Condo and Apartment Rebate Program
Pre-approval is required before purchasing heat pump equipment.
Home Renovation Rebate Program
The standard BC Hydro program generally uses a post-installation application process, but the homeowner must still confirm eligibility before starting.
Waiting until the installation is finished to read the program rules is an efficient way to discover that a model, contractor or property type did not qualify.
Required Documents and Application Deadlines
Keep complete records from the beginning of the project.
Common documents include:
- Detailed contractor invoice
- Proof of payment
- Equipment model numbers
- AHRI reference number
- Heat-load calculation
- Heat-load summary form
- Permit numbers
- Utility account information
- Income documentation
- Property-ownership information
- Landlord consent form
- Strata approval
- Photographs of installed equipment
- Contractor registration information
Invoice Requirements
The invoice may need to show:
- Customer name and installation address
- Contractor legal name and contact details
- GST number
- Invoice date
- Equipment model numbers
- Installation cost
- Labour and material details
- Rebate amount
- Balance paid by the homeowner
Under the Energy Savings Program, the contractor invoice may need to show the rebate deducted from the amount owed.
Application Deadline
Home Renovation Rebate applications and supporting documents must generally be submitted within six months of the invoice date.
Other programs use different deadlines. Follow the date stated in the current approval, code or program terms.
Electrical, Ventilation and Health-and-Safety Add-Ons
A heat pump project may require related work before the main installation can proceed.
Possible Energy Savings Program add-ons include:
- Electrical-service upgrades
- Ventilation systems
- Bathroom fans
- Health and safety corrections
Electrical-Service Upgrade Rebates
Current maximum amounts under applicable ground-oriented Energy Savings Program pathways may include:
| Income Level | Maximum Electrical-Service Upgrade Rebate |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Up to $5,000 |
| Level 2 | Up to $3,500 |
| Level 3 | Up to $1,500 |
The electrical work must be connected to the qualifying upgrade and meet program requirements.
Do not assume a panel replacement is automatically covered. The program may require proof that the upgrade is necessary for the eligible heat pump project.
Northern Top-Ups
Eligible homes in designated northern areas may qualify for additional heat pump or electrical support.
Location, utility connection and equipment rules apply.
Common Reasons Heat Pump Rebates Are Denied
Rebate problems often begin before installation.
Common causes include:
- Starting work before required pre-registration
- Buying equipment before condo-program pre-approval
- Using a contractor who is not registered with the required program
- Installing equipment that is not on the eligible-product list
- Using an unmatched indoor and outdoor equipment combination
- Replacing an existing heat pump under a program that excludes replacement
- Adding an indoor head to an existing system
- Submitting incomplete income information
- Exceeding the property-value limit
- Missing the application deadline
- Failing to provide the heat-load calculation
- Missing model numbers or AHRI information on the invoice
- Installing a single-zone system where the program requires multi-zone or central equipment
- Not obtaining required permits
- Applying to two programs for the same primary heating upgrade
One Primary Heating Rebate
Homeowners generally cannot receive multiple primary heating-system rebates for the same upgrade through overlapping CleanBC, BC Hydro, FortisBC or income-qualified programs.
A rebate questionnaire or contractor estimate showing several possible programs does not mean they can all be combined.
Rebates Cannot Exceed Eligible Cost
The final rebate cannot normally exceed the eligible cost shown on the invoice and paid for the upgrade.
An advertised $13,000 maximum does not create a $13,000 payment for a project with a lower eligible cost.
Heat Pump Rebate Checklist for BC Homeowners
Complete these steps before installation:
- Identify the home type.
- Confirm the primary heating source.
- Check whether the household is income qualified.
- Review any property-value limits.
- Choose the correct rebate program.
- Complete required pre-registration or pre-approval.
- Confirm the contractor is registered with that program.
- Complete the heat-load calculation where required.
- Verify every indoor and outdoor model number.
- Confirm the AHRI matched-system reference.
- Check the current eligible-product list.
- Confirm equipment efficiency and low-temperature capacity.
- Review permit requirements.
- Get a detailed written proposal.
- Confirm which rebate documents the contractor will provide.
- Keep invoices, approvals, permits and payment records.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Questions to Ask the Contractor
- Which rebate program applies to this home?
- Are you registered with that specific program?
- Is this exact matched system currently eligible?
- What is the AHRI reference number?
- Is a heat-load calculation included?
- Does the proposed system qualify for whole-home or partial-home heating?
- Are electrical upgrades included?
- Who obtains the permits?
- Who submits the rebate documents?
- What happens if the program changes before installation?
Planning a Rebate-Eligible Heat Pump Installation
A rebate should support a good system design, not replace it.
The installation should still be based on:
- The home’s heating and cooling loads
- Low-temperature equipment performance
- Ductwork or indoor-unit layout
- Electrical capacity
- Outdoor-unit location
- Defrost drainage
- Noise and service access
- Backup-heating strategy
- Commissioning requirements
Choosing a system only because it produces the largest rebate can lead to poor room coverage, oversized equipment, unnecessary indoor units or a design that does not match the home.
Use the official Better Homes BC rebate finder to review current programs before making a purchase.
Heat Pump Estimates in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley
Bernoulli Heating and Cooling provides heat pump installation assessments for ducted, ductless, multi-zone, full-electric and dual-fuel systems.
We review the existing heating source, home layout, heating and cooling requirements, ductwork, electrical capacity, outdoor-unit location and installation scope before preparing a proposal.
Rebate availability is not guaranteed. Customers should confirm program eligibility, contractor requirements and equipment approval directly through the applicable official program.
New heat pump installation estimates are free. Diagnostic appointments for existing equipment are $135.
Call 604-518-4438 or email heatingbernoulli@gmail.com to arrange an assessment.
Explore local heat pump installation guides:
Heat Pump Rebates BC: Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the heat pump rebate in BC in 2026?
Current rebates range from $1,500 for some partial-home installations to as much as $13,000 for qualifying income-based ground-oriented home upgrades. Condo, apartment, electrical and free-upgrade programs have separate maximums.
Can I get a $13,000 heat pump rebate?
Only qualifying households and projects receive the maximum amount. Eligibility depends on income, property value, existing heating source, home type, equipment, contractor registration and program rules.
Is there a $4,000 BC Hydro heat pump rebate?
Yes. Eligible electrically heated ground-oriented homes may qualify for $4,000 when the heat pump meets the whole-home heating requirements. A $1,500 partial-home option is also available.
Do condos qualify for heat pump rebates?
Yes. Eligible electrically heated condo and apartment units may qualify for up to $2,250 through the standard program or up to $5,000 through the income-qualified Energy Savings Program.
Do I need approval before installing a heat pump?
It depends on the program. The Energy Savings Program requires pre-registration, and condo programs require pre-approval before purchasing equipment. The Home Renovation Rebate Program normally uses a post-installation application, but eligibility should still be confirmed before work begins.
Does the contractor have to be registered?
Yes. Major rebate programs require installation by a contractor registered with the applicable program or contractor network. A general HVAC licence alone may not satisfy the rebate rules.
Can I install the heat pump myself and receive a rebate?
No. Self-installed heat pumps are not eligible under the main residential rebate programs.
Can I receive a rebate for replacing an old heat pump?
Most primary-system rebate pathways do not cover replacement of an existing heat pump or adding equipment to an existing heat pump system.
Can I combine CleanBC and BC Hydro heat pump rebates?
Homeowners generally cannot receive more than one primary heating-system rebate for the same upgrade through overlapping programs. Some add-ons or renovation bonuses may be available when all separate rules are met.
Do I need a heat-load calculation?
A heat-load calculation is required for the BC Hydro whole-home heat pump rebate and for applicable Energy Savings Program pathways. It is also recommended for every heat pump installation.
What happens if my contractor installs an ineligible model?
The rebate may be denied even if the heat pump operates correctly. Verify the complete matched-system model numbers and approved-product listing before installation.
Does a heat pump rebate cover an electrical-panel upgrade?
Some income-qualified Energy Savings Program participants may qualify for electrical-service upgrade support. Eligibility, maximum amounts and required documentation depend on the program level and project.
Are heat pump rebates guaranteed?
No. Rebate amounts and funding can change, and final approval depends on meeting all program requirements and submitting complete documentation on time.
How long do I have to apply?
Home Renovation Rebate applications generally need to be submitted within six months of the invoice date. Other programs use different approval periods and deadlines.
Can renters qualify for a heat pump rebate?
Some programs allow renters to apply when utility-account and landlord-consent requirements are met. The installed equipment normally remains with the property.