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Savings On Energy Efficient Home Upgrades
Whether it’s for a major renovation or construction project, or a simple cost-saving comfort upgrade, FortisBC’s rebates could make your project more affordable.
As a Technical Safety BC licensed contractor, all of us here at Hillcrest Plumbing & Heating are ready to help you find the best upgrade for your home and get maximum rebate savings.
In this guide, we’ve outlined the 14 rebates currently available to residents in Metro Vancouver, including the latest ones for 2023.
Keep in mind that rebates are available in other regions and from other utilities providers, so – even if you don’t live in Metro Vancouver – you should check to see what’s available in your area before you start an upgrade, renovation, or new construction project.
FortisBC Rebates in Metro Vancouver: How To Get Them
FortisBC’s rebates can help you saved thousands on energy efficiency upgrades in your home.
With that being said, getting them does take a bit of research, organization, and planning — but it’s absolutely worth the effort.
While the specifics vary slightly for some rebates, there are 5 basic steps you need to follow:
- Check the general eligibility requirements to make sure you qualify
- Figure out which rebates are right for the project(s) you have in mind
- Check the specific rebate requirements to make sure you still qualify (a lot of people miss this!)
- Select a Technical Safety BC licensed contractor to help you plan and complete your project
- Submit your rebate application online
Tip: Whether it’s digital or on paper, create a place to keep track of dates, documents, invoices, model numbers, and all the documentation related to your project. You’ll need them to successfully receive your rebate savings!
Need a hand figuring out which rebates and equipment are right for your project?
Our experts can help you choose upgrades that make sense for your household’s needs and provide you with a free estimate for budgeting. As licensed contractors, they can even complete the installation for you on any plumbing or heating project. Call us or send us a message online to get started!
What’s New In 2023?
As of early April, FortisBC hasn’t introduced any brand-new residential rebates for this year, although it has extended a number of existing ones until the end of the year, including several that were originally set to expire at the end of March.
Updated: Rebate Terms & Conditions
On April 1, 2023, FortisBC updated most of its rebates’ requirements and terms and conditions.
The changes weren’t extensive, but they may affect you if you’ve begun speaking to a contractor but haven’t received a dated invoice yet.
If you’re working with a contractor already, it’d be a good idea to (politely) ask if they’ve heard about the updated terms and conditions and if there are any changes that will affect your project or budget.
If you’re still at the planning stage of a renovation or construction and are using the old document as a reference, the updated terms and conditions document is now available on the FortisBC website.
Extended: Connect to Gas Program
Extended to December 31, 2023
Originally launched in October of 2022, this program has been extended from March 31st to the end of the year. It allows eligible homes to receive up to $3700 in rebates by replacing an oil or propane primary heating system.
Extended: Natural Gas Wall Furnace Rebate
Extended to December 31, 2023
Also launched in October of 2022, this rebate offers up to $2600 in rebate savings on qualifying installations of natural gas direct vent wall furnaces as well as natural gas water heaters.
Extended: FortisBC New Home Program
Extended to December 31, 2023
Offering up to $10,000 in savings on new home constructions, this program is meant to offset some of the cost of building a home that complies with the BC Energy Step Code.
FortisBC Rebates and Offers At Hillcrest Plumbing & Heating
We offer the following select rebates in collaboration with FortisBC:
- Up to $1000 on your Natural Gas Water Heater
- Save up to $1500 Combination Heating and Hot Water System
- Up to $1000 on a New Natural Gas Furnace or Boiler
- $2500 on your Natural Gas Water Heater (Income Qualified)
- $3000 on a New Natural Gas Furnace or Boiler (Income Qualified)
Complete List of Residential Fortis Rebates in Vancouver, BC
Natural Gas Hot Water Heater Rebate
Hot water heaters should be replaced every 7 to 10 years. If you notice signs of a failing water heater, such as water leaks, or rust and sediment build-up, it may be a good time to take advantage of the new FortisBC Gas Water Heater rebate. You could receive up to $1000 in rebates if you are eligible.
In order to qualify, you must be a FortisBC natural gas customer, who is replacing a residential water heater. Your application has to be submitted within 6 months of your invoice. And lastly, the new water heater that you choose must be ENERGY STAR approved, here is a list of the approved models to choose from.
For those looking to replace a hot water storage tank, you could receive up to $200 in rebates. However, for those looking to switch to condensing tankless models or condensing storage tanks, you are eligible for up to $1000 in rebates.
Applying for your rebate is easy, but you must include supporting documents such as proof of payment as well as the new appliances model number.
Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating Exclusive: Claim your rebate and get your new hot water heater with Hillcrest Plumbing!
Natural Gas Hot Water Heater Rebates (Income Qualified)
Those that are income-qualified can receive up to $2500 in rebates when they switch to a natural gas water heater that is ENERGY STAR certified. Proof of income is required for applicants looking to benefit from this program.
If you are looking to replace a water storage tank, there is up to $500 available in rebates. For those looking to upgrade to condensing tankless models or condensing storage tanks, the full $2500 is available in rebates. Learn more about the application process and eligibility on the FortisBC website.
Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating Exclusive: Claim your rebate (income qualifying) and get your new hot water heater with Hillcrest Plumbing!
Natural Gas Furnace Rebate
If it’s time to replace your old natural gas furnace, or you are looking to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model, this rebate could help save you up to $1000.
You could qualify for this program if you are a natural gas customer with FortisBC and the existing furnace that you are looking to replace must be 10 years or older. The rebate only applies if you install an ENERGY STAR furnace with a two-pipe direct vent system.
You can find out whether or not the furnace you are interested in is eligible by entering the model number on the Fortis information page. It’s best to submit your rebate application as soon as possible, but applications can be submitted up to 6 months after the invoice.
The rebate amount can be up to $1000, and it largely depends on the appliances’ fuel utilization. Those that have a 97-99% fuel utilization efficiency can receive the full $1000 rebate, whereas those with a fuel utilization of 95-96.9% can receive between $500-$800 in rebates.
Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating Exclusive: Claim your rebate and get your new natural gas furnace with Hillcrest Plumbing!
Furnace & Boiler Rebates (Income Qualified)
FortisBC wants everyone to have the power to switch to energy-efficient solutions for their homes. That is why they have created this special, income-qualified rebate. You can receive up to a $3000 rebate for furnaces or $2000 rebate on a new boiler if you are a FortisBC natural gas customer and are income qualified.
Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating Exclusive: Claim your rebate (income qualified) and get your new natural gas furnace or boiler with Hillcrest Plumbing!
Natural Gas Boiler/ Combination Heater & Hot Water Rebate
If you have noticed it takes longer to heat your home and hot water, or your boiler is over 10 years old, it’s time to look for replacement options.
FortisBC has an incentive program for those looking to replace natural gas boilers with ENERGY STAR alternatives. You can receive up to $1000 in rebates when you replace a boiler and $1500 in rebates when you switch to a combination heater and hot water system.
The rebate amount depends on your eligibility as well as the energy efficiency of your new appliance.
Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating Exclusive: Claim your rebate and get your combination heating and hot water system with Hillcrest Plumbing!
Connect to Gas Program
With this rebate, eligible homes receive up to $3700 in rebates by replacing an oil or propane primary heating system with an ENERGY STAR® high-efficiency natural gas furnace, boiler or combination heating and hot water system.
To get the full $3,700 rebate, you need to install an eligible natural gas high-efficiency water heater, or a P9 certified combination heating and hot water system during your heating upgrade.
The rebate program page has more information if you’re ready to apply.
Natural Gas Wall Furnace Rebate
This rebate offers up to $2600 in rebate savings on qualifying installations of natural gas direct vent wall furnaces as well as natural gas water heaters.
The rebate is structured as a smaller rebate for installing a natural gas direct vent wall furnace, and a larger rebate for installing both a direct vent wall furnace and a water heater. Naturally, whichever option you choose, the wall furnace and/or water heater will need to meet the code and energy efficiency requirements set out by FortisBC.
For all the details, check out the rebate page on FortisBC’s website.
Energy Saving Kit
This is an income-qualified incentive to help share energy-saving tips and help you save on heat, hot water, and electricity.
For those that qualify, the kit is entirely free and contains a water-efficient showerhead, faucet aerators, window film, weatherstripping, outlet and switch seals, a thermometer for the fridge or freezer, LED light bulbs and a coupon for a furnace filter.
To see if you qualify, visit the FortisBC Free Energy Saving Kit site page, and apply for your kit today.
Free Energy Evaluation & Upgrades
This is a complimentary, income-qualified program that can help you save money and reduce energy use.
If you qualify, you get a free home energy assessment and additional free products such as LED lights, faucet aerators, efficient shower heads, water pipe wrapping, weather stripping, and carbon monoxide alarms. Some clients may also be eligible to receive ENERGY STAR certified appliances, such as a new fridge, insulation or gas furnace.
This program is available even if you are renting your home, however, you must provide a landlord consent form if this is the case. Learn more about our income-qualified energy evaluation today by visiting the FortisBC website.
Home Renovation Rebates
Now is an excellent time to get started on those home renovations you’ve been putting off. If you are looking to add some high-efficiency upgrades to your residential home, you may qualify for up to $2,300 in FortisBC rebates through the Two-Upgrade Bonus and Home Energy Improvement Bonus.
Eligible upgrades include: insulation, windows & doors, water heating, space heating, and fireplaces. Learn more about eligibility, appliances and the application process at the FortisBC website.
Natural Gas Fireplace Rebate
If you live in a condo, townhome or residential-detached house, and you are looking to replace your existing fireplace, you could save up to $300 on your purchase.
This FortisBC rebate is eligible for those looking to upgrade to a natural gas, EnerChoice fireplace. To qualify for the rebate you must be a FortisBC natural gas customer or own a strata unit that is serviced by FortisBC.
Learn more about the eligible models as well as the application process by visiting the Natural Gas Fireplace rebate site page.
Home Construction Rebates
If you are building a new home in 2023, you could be eligible for a variety of different rebates which vary in amount. If you exceed the minimum BC building codes for energy efficiency, there are rebates available.
In order to qualify, the home must be newly constructed, built in a FortisBC service area, be a maximum of 4 storeys and be a detached, attached or laneway house. Learn more about the terms and conditions for the new home construction rebates here.
Window & Door Rebates
Windows and doors that are not optimized or properly insulated can cause a loss of heat in your home. This results in increased energy bills and higher heating costs.
FortisBC has created an incentive program that can help you save up to $3000 in rebates when you upgrade your residential windows and doors to approved, energy-efficient models.
In order to be eligible, you must be a FortisBC gas or electricity client or a BC Hydro customer. The house must be detached, apartments do not qualify. Learn more about application details as well as the products that qualify for this rebate at the FortisBC website.
Rebates for Insulation
Upgrading your residential home’s insulation is an excellent way to save money on your heating bills, and improve energy efficiency. Now you can benefit from rebates that range from $900 to $1200 in savings for insulation. Learn more about the application process as well as your eligibility at the FortisBC website.
Get Expert Advice & A Free Project Estimate
Our Hillcrest team is committed to providing you with reliable, safe and energy-efficient solutions to help you and your family save on heaters, boilers, furnaces and much more. We can assist with installation as well as maintenance for all appliances and provide 24/7 emergency plumbing and heating services to meet your needs.
The FortisBC rebate program aligns with our core values and commitment to providing the best and most cost-effective solutions for our clients. We hope that you can take advantage of these rebates and much more. Contact us for more information about these promotions or call 604-879-1415 to book an appointment.