By Vahid Isapur — Owner & Red Seal Certified Journeyman HVAC Technician, Blue Ridge Heating & Cooling
Last Updated: February 2026 · Reading Time: 14 min
👤 About the Author — E-E-A-T Disclosure
This article was written by Vahid Isapur, owner of Blue Ridge Heating & Cooling and a Red Seal Certified Journeyman HVAC Technician with over 15 years of experience in Greater Vancouver. Vahid holds a Gas Fitter Class B licence, is registered with the BC Safety Authority, and Blue Ridge is both a BC Hydro and CleanBC Registered Contractor and a member of the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN). He has personally guided hundreds of Lower Mainland homeowners through the CleanBC rebate process. Everything in this guide is based on direct, hands-on project experience and current 2026 program documentation.
Key Takeaways
- Based on your household income, you could receive up to $24,500 to cover the costs of heat pump installation, including electrical upgrades.1
- For a family of four making less than $87,350 annually, rebate amounts for a heat pump have been increased to $16,000 up from $9,500.2
- A family of four with two adults and two children making $185,620 or less on their combined pre-tax annual income is eligible for a rebate of as much as $10,500 when they switch to a heat pump.2
- For the Energy Savings Program, you must pre-register and receive an Eligibility Code before you begin any work or pay for equipment.3
- The program offers different rebate percentages based on income levels, covering 95% of upgrade costs for those at or below Income Level 1 and 60% for those at or below Income Level 2.4
- Blue Ridge handles 100% of the rebate paperwork, so you can focus on enjoying your new system — not chasing forms.
- You may be able to combine provincial and federal programs to save even more.
What Is the CleanBC Heat Pump Program?
If you’re a homeowner in Surrey, Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland, you’ve almost certainly heard someone mention “CleanBC rebates.” But the details? They change regularly — and getting them wrong can cost you thousands.
Starting June 18th, 2024, the Province of British Columbia introduced a new rebate program called the CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program to make energy retrofits more affordable.5 The program makes electric heat pumps and efficiency upgrades more affordable for low- and middle-income households across the province, helping to save on energy bills and build cleaner, more resilient communities.5
The expanded CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program is a result of $151-million investment from the Province and a federal investment of $103.7 million from Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund and the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program.2
In my 15+ years installing heat pumps across Greater Vancouver, I’ve never seen a more generous window for homeowners to make the switch. Whether you’re in a detached home in Surrey, a townhouse in Langley, or a heritage property in New Westminster, chances are there is a rebate tier that applies to you.
If you’re also wondering whether heat pumps perform well during our BC winters, read our detailed guide: Do Heat Pumps Work in Cold Weather? BC Performance Guide. The short answer: modern cold-climate heat pumps are engineered to heat efficiently down to –25°C and well beyond what Greater Vancouver typically experiences.
CleanBC Rebate Tiers: Standard vs. Income-Qualified (2026 Breakdown)
The CleanBC program isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are two main streams and three income levels within the income-qualified stream. Let me break it all down.
Stream 1: CleanBC Better Homes & Home Renovation Rebate Program (Standard)
This is the “standard” stream, open to all homeowners regardless of income. The CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Programs, administered by BC Hydro, FortisBC and the Province of BC, provides rebates for improving your home’s energy efficiency through select upgrades.6
Important update: Rebates for homes converting from natural gas, oil, wood or propane to an all-electric heat pump ended on April 11, 2025.6 You may still be able to apply for work completed or quotes received before this date.6
For BC Hydro customers currently on electric heating (baseboards, electric furnace), the standard program still offers:
| Upgrade | Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| Whole-home heat pump (replacing electric heating) | Up to $4,000 |
| Partial-home heat pump | Up to $2,000 |
You could be eligible for up to $4,000 in rebates for replacing your current electric heating system with a heat pump.7
Stream 2: CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program (Income-Qualified)
This is where the big money is. The CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program is offering as much as $16,000 in rebates for heat-pump upgrades to people in British Columbia with the program increasing the available rebate values for heat-pump upgrades and adding an additional income tier for middle-income homes.2
With $50 million in each of the next two fiscal years – 2025-26 and 2026-27 – the Province plans to deliver as many as 8,300 new heat pump rebates to British Columbians.8
Here’s how the three income levels work:
Income Level Rebate Table — Fuel-Switching (Gas/Oil/Propane → Heat Pump)
| Income Level | Coverage | Maximum Heat Pump Rebate | Eligible Fuel Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (lowest income) | Up to 95% of costs | Up to $16,000 | Gas, Oil, Propane |
| Level 2 (moderate income) | Up to 60% of costs | Up to $12,000 | Gas, Oil, Propane |
| Level 3 (middle income) | Varies | Up to $10,500 | Gas, Oil, Propane only |
Rebate coverage is based on the combined income of all adults in your home and how many people live in your home, including adults and children.9
Electric/Wood Heating → Heat Pump
Based on your household income, the CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program covers up to $5,000 for households switching from electrical or wood heating to an electric heat pump.10
Rebates for heat pumps in electrically-heated or wood-heated homes are only available to participants in income levels 1 and 2.10
Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (New for 2025-2026)
Households in individual suites in multi-unit residential buildings could be eligible for up to $5,500 for a ductless mini-split heat pump.8 The successful program, which supports the installation of affordable heat pumps for income-qualified, single-family homes, will expand to include individual suites in multi-unit residential buildings starting mid-2025.8
Not sure which stream or tier applies to your home? Book a free in-home estimate with Blue Ridge and we’ll walk you through every dollar you’re entitled to.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
Before you get excited about dollar amounts, make sure you meet the criteria. Here’s the eligibility checklist I review with every client:
General Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | Must be a B.C. citizen |
| Home Type | Single-family home, townhouse, duplex, manufactured home, or eligible multi-unit suite |
| Primary Residence | The home must be a year-round primary residence that is at least 12 months old.6 |
| Utility Account | You must have a residential utility account with FortisBC, BC Hydro, or a municipal utility.6 |
| Contractor | The BC government requires all rebate-eligible heat pumps to be installed by a member of the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN).3 |
| Property Value (Levels 1 & 2) | The property must have a total assessed value at or under $1,230,000 in the BC Assessment listing for the address of the applicant’s home in the year of program registration.9 |
| Property Value (Level 3) | For participants registered as Income Level 3 in the CleanBC Energy Savings Program, there is no total assessed value cap.11 |
| Heat Pump Sizing | The system must be sufficiently sized to serve as the primary heating source for at least 80% of the home’s conditioned space.3 |
| Minimum Capacity | All units must have a minimum rated capacity of 12,000 BTU (1 ton).3 |
Blue Ridge is a registered member of the HPCN, so every heat pump installation we perform automatically qualifies for CleanBC rebates. If you use a contractor who is not in the HPCN, you will be ineligible for any provincial rebates.3
Not sure whether your home needs a ductless or ducted heat pump? We help you choose the right system configuration during our free estimate, taking into account your home’s layout and the rebate requirements.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the CleanBC Heat Pump Rebate
One of the most common questions I hear from homeowners in Richmond, Delta, and across the Lower Mainland is: “Where do I even start?” The process is straightforward — if you follow it in the right order. Here’s exactly what to do:
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility Online
Complete the program’s pre-screen and pre-registration to determine your eligibility through the CleanBC Energy Savings Program participant portal.10 You’ll need your Notice of Assessment (for income verification), your BC Assessment property value, and your utility account numbers.
Step 2: Receive Your Eligibility Code
Once confirmed you will receive an eligibility code and opportunities report, outlining your suggested upgrades.10 Do not skip this step. Applying for a code after the heat pump is already installed is a common mistake that leads to automatic disqualification.3
Step 3: Choose an HPCN-Registered Contractor
Customer must choose a program registered contractor to complete the upgrade.10 Blue Ridge Heating & Cooling is a fully registered HPCN contractor and CleanBC Registered Contractor — we handle projects throughout Surrey, Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Langley, Richmond, North Vancouver, Maple Ridge, and all surrounding communities.
Step 4: Get Your Free In-Home Assessment
Call us at (604) 615-2212 or request your free estimate online. Our Red Seal certified technicians will assess your current heating system, perform a heat loss calculation, and recommend the best heat pump for your home’s layout and budget. Curious about overall costs? Check our detailed heat pump cost guide for BC.
Step 5: Installation Day
Our licensed technicians install your new heat pump system according to the CleanBC Best Practices Guide, BC Safety Authority standards, and manufacturer specifications. Most installations take 1–2 days depending on the system type.
Step 6: Paperwork & Rebate Submission
After completing the upgrade, contractor will submit the rebate application and deduct the rebate from the final cost of the upgrade.10 This is one of the best features of the program — you don’t wait for a cheque. Applicants register for the program to verify their eligibility and rebate amount, then contractors will deduct rebates from their final invoice.2
At Blue Ridge, we handle 100% of the rebate paperwork. You never have to touch a form, chase a confirmation number, or wonder if something was submitted correctly.
Step 7: Enjoy Your New System
Your heat pump is running, your rebate is applied, and your energy bills are dropping. Households that switch from fossil fuels to electric heat pumps for space heating can see energy savings of as much as 80%.2
Timeline: From Application to Rebate — What to Expect
This is one of the most-asked questions in my consultations with homeowners in Port Coquitlam, White Rock, and Abbotsford. Here’s a realistic timeline:
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Pre-registration & eligibility code | 1–3 weeks |
| Blue Ridge in-home assessment | Within 48 hours of contact |
| Equipment ordering & scheduling | 1–2 weeks |
| Installation | 1–2 days |
| Contractor submits paperwork | Within 1 week of completion |
| Rebate deducted from invoice | At time of payment |
Total timeline from start to finish: approximately 4–8 weeks.
Because the rebate is deducted directly from your invoice by the contractor, there’s no separate “cheque in the mail” waiting period for the income-qualified Energy Savings Program. You pay only the net cost after the rebate.
For the standard BC Hydro stream (non-income-qualified), you typically submit your application after installation and receive your rebate cheque within 6–10 weeks.
💡 Pro Tip from Vahid: Once you have your code, you have 12 months to complete the installation and submit your final documents.3 But don’t wait — programs can change or be fully subscribed at any time.
How to Stack Rebates: CleanBC + BC Hydro + Federal Programs
This is where things get really exciting. Stacking multiple programs is legal and encouraged — you just need to know the rules.
Stacking Guide for BC Homeowners (2026)
| Program | Maximum Rebate | Can Stack With |
|---|---|---|
| CleanBC Energy Savings Program (Income-Qualified) | Up to $16,000 (heat pump) + up to $8,500 (electrical, insulation, etc.) | Federal programs (with conditions) |
| BC Hydro Home Renovation Rebate | Up to $4,000 | CleanBC Better Homes standard |
| Canada Greener Homes Loan | Up to $40,000 interest-free loan | CleanBC programs |
| Municipal Top-Ups | Varies by municipality | CleanBC Better Homes standard |
Important Stacking Rules
CleanBC Energy Savings Program rebates cannot be combined with rebates from the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program or other provincial or utility offers for the same upgrade.9
In other words: you choose either the income-qualified stream or the standard stream — not both for the same heat pump.
However, the Canada Greener Homes Loan can be combined with CleanBC’s Better Homes Energy Savings Program.12 Interest-free loans of up to $40,000 are available from the Government of Canada to help homeowners pay for the cost of renovations.12
Note on the federal Canada Greener Homes Grant: January 20, 2026, was the last day to apply for this program.13 Current applications submitted by the deadline will continue to be reviewed and processed.13 If you already applied before the deadline, you may still receive your grant. For new applicants, the provincial CleanBC programs remain the primary source of rebate funding.
Need help navigating the stacking options? Call Blue Ridge at (604) 615-2212 — we’ll calculate your maximum combined savings before you commit to anything.
Real-World Example: How a Surrey Family Saved Over $11,000
Let me share a real scenario from a project we completed recently (details adjusted for privacy).
The Situation: A family of four in Surrey with a combined household income of approximately $82,000, living in a 1,800 sq. ft. detached home heated by a natural gas furnace. Their BC Assessment value was under $1,230,000.
The Solution: We installed a cold-climate ducted heat pump system that serves as the primary heating and cooling source for the entire home.
The Savings Breakdown:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total installation cost (equipment + labour + electrical upgrade) | $18,500 |
| CleanBC Energy Savings Program rebate (Income Level 1) | –$16,000 |
| Net out-of-pocket cost | $2,500 |
This family went from a 15-year-old gas furnace with no air conditioning to a brand-new, high-efficiency heat pump system that heats AND cools their home — for $2,500 out of pocket.
Through this expanded program many families can switch to a free heat pump without needing to pay up front.2
Another Example — Middle-Income Household in Vancouver:
A couple in East Vancouver (Income Level 3, combined income of $175,000) switching from gas. Total project cost: $15,000. CleanBC rebate: $10,500. Net cost: $4,500.
The numbers don’t lie. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to install a heat pump, this is it.
For a full breakdown of what heat pump systems typically cost in BC, visit our heat pump cost guide for 2026.
7 Common Mistakes That Delay or Disqualify CleanBC Applications
In 15+ years of HVAC work in Surrey and across the Lower Mainland, I’ve seen homeowners lose out on thousands of dollars due to avoidable errors. Here are the most common ones:
Mistake #1: Installing Before Getting Your Eligibility Code
For the Energy Savings Program, you must pre-register and receive an Eligibility Code before you begin any work or pay for equipment. Applying for a code after the heat pump is already installed is a common mistake that leads to automatic disqualification.3
This is the #1 reason people get denied. I can’t stress this enough.
Mistake #2: Using a Non-HPCN Contractor
If you hire a contractor who is not registered with the HPCN, or if you attempt a self-installation, you will be ineligible for any provincial rebates.3 Always verify your installer’s credentials on the official HPCN registry before signing a contract.3
Mistake #3: Undersizing the Heat Pump
The system must be sufficiently sized to serve as the primary heating source for at least 80% of the home’s conditioned space.3 If your system is too small, your application will be rejected. At Blue Ridge, we perform a Manual J heat loss calculation on every project to ensure proper sizing. Want to know how heat pumps handle our cold snaps? Read our guide on heat pump performance in BC cold weather.
Mistake #4: Choosing a Non-Eligible Heat Pump Model
Not every heat pump qualifies. The heat pump must be listed on the rebate-eligible heat pump list and the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP) Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump list.7 We exclusively install models that are on the approved list.
Mistake #5: Missing the Property Value Cap
For participants registering in the program as income levels 1 or 2, the property must have a total assessed value at or under $1,230,000. If a household meets the income threshold but the home is valued at or higher than $1,230,000, they will be approved as an income level 3 participant.9
This doesn’t disqualify you — it just changes your tier and rebate amount.
Mistake #6: Trying to Claim Two Primary Heating Rebates
You may be eligible for one primary space heating system rebate per home, regardless of the number of systems installed. For example, you cannot get a rebate for a furnace and a heat pump, even if you install a dual fuel ducted heat pump. Your second rebate application will be denied.6
Mistake #7: Missing the Submission Deadline
The application and supporting documentation must be submitted by the program registered contractor within six (6) months of the invoice date.14 At Blue Ridge, we submit all paperwork within days of completing the installation — never months.
Who Is Eligible? Quick Self-Assessment Checklist
Answer these questions to get a quick sense of your eligibility:
✅ Do you own a home in British Columbia (Surrey, Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Langley, Richmond, Delta, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, White Rock, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, or surrounding areas)?
✅ Is it your primary, year-round residence?
✅ Has the home been built for at least 12 months?
✅ Do you have an active utility account with BC Hydro, FortisBC, or a municipal utility?
✅ Is your home currently heated by gas, oil, propane, electric baseboards, or wood?
✅ For income-qualified levels 1 or 2: Is your BC Assessment property value under $1,230,000?
If you answered “yes” to all of the above — you’re very likely eligible. The only remaining question is which income level you fall into, which determines your rebate amount.
What Happens After the Rebate? Long-Term Savings
The rebate is just the beginning. Here’s what our clients consistently report after switching:
- Energy bill reductions of 50–80% on heating costs, especially when switching from gas or oil
- Year-round comfort — heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, so you won’t need a separate AC unit
- Increased home value — energy-efficient homes are in high demand across the Lower Mainland
- Reduced carbon footprint — aligning with BC’s climate targets
Heat pumps are a proven technology in Canada, capable of providing year-round comfort control for a home by heating it in winter, cooling it in summer and, in some cases, heating water.2
If your heat pump ever needs attention down the road, our heat pump repair and maintenance team provides fast, expert service across Greater Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the CleanBC Heat Pump Program?
The Province of British Columbia introduced a new rebate program called the CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program to make energy retrofits more affordable.5 It provides income-tiered rebates for homeowners switching to electric heat pumps, covering up to 95% of upgrade costs for the lowest-income households.
2. How much can I get from the CleanBC heat pump rebate in 2026?
Depending on your income level and fuel source, you can receive anywhere from $5,000 to $16,000 for a heat pump through the income-qualified stream. Some families could save up to $24,000 when making the switch. For a family of four making less than $87,350 annually, rebate amounts for a heat pump have been increased to $16,000.2
3. Do I need to apply before or after installation?
Before. You must pre-register and receive an Eligibility Code before you begin any work or pay for equipment. Applying for a code after the heat pump is already installed is a common mistake that leads to automatic disqualification.3
4. Can I keep my gas furnace as a backup?
You may keep a fossil fuel backup (like a gas furnace) in a dual-fuel configuration. However, the heat pump must still serve as the primary source for the 80% coverage area.3
5. What is the $1,230,000 property value rule?
For participants registering in the program as income levels 1 or 2, the property must have a total assessed value at or under $1,230,000.9 If your property is worth more, you may still qualify as a Level 3 participant with a lower rebate amount.
6. Can renters apply for the CleanBC rebate?
Yes! If you currently rent your home, the registered property owner must complete the Landlord Consent Form and return it to the participant to submit during pre-registration.11
7. Do heat pumps work well in Vancouver and Surrey winters?
Absolutely. Modern cold-climate heat pumps operate efficiently down to –25°C. Greater Vancouver rarely sees temperatures below –5°C, making it one of the best climates in Canada for heat pump performance. For the full technical breakdown, read Do Heat Pumps Work in Cold Weather? BC Performance Guide.
8. How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
Typically 4–8 weeks from pre-registration to completed installation with the rebate deducted from your invoice. Blue Ridge usually installs within 1–2 weeks of receiving your eligibility code.
9. Is the Canada Greener Homes Grant still available?
January 20, 2026, was the last day to apply for this program.13 If you already submitted an application, it will still be processed. For new applicants, the CleanBC provincial programs are your best option. The Canada Greener Homes Loan can be combined with CleanBC’s Better Homes Energy Savings Program.12
10. Why should I choose Blue Ridge Heating & Cooling for my CleanBC installation?
Blue Ridge is owned and operated by Vahid Isapur, a Red Seal Certified Journeyman HVAC Technician. We are a registered HPCN member, BC Hydro and CleanBC Registered Contractor, BC Safety Authority registered, fully licensed with WorkSafeBC, and we carry a 4.9/5 rating from 100+ Google reviews. We provide free in-home estimates, transparent upfront pricing, and — most importantly — we handle 100% of your rebate paperwork so you don’t have to. Call us at (604) 615-2212.
The BC Heat Pump Boom: Why 2026 Is the Year to Act
The number of households in B.C. with heat pumps has increased by approximately 80% since 2017, from an estimated 142,000 to 254,000.2 From 2019 to 2023, average heat pump sales were nearly double the average of the previous five years, and in 2022 began to exceed furnace sales.8
The trend is unmistakable. More homeowners across Surrey, Vancouver, Burnaby, Langley, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Richmond, Delta, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, White Rock, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack are making the switch every month. “With equipment and labour costs rising, government rebates have become essential in helping families afford the comfort, energy savings and climate resilience of heat pumps.”8
Don’t wait until the funding is fully subscribed. Rebate amounts are subject to change at the discretion of the funding partner and are only available while funding lasts.7
Ready to Claim Your CleanBC Rebate? Here’s Your Next Step.
You’ve read the guide. You understand the tiers, the eligibility rules, and the application process. Now let Blue Ridge make it happen.
Here’s what we do for you:
- ✅ Verify your rebate eligibility and calculate your exact savings
- ✅ Recommend the right heat pump system for your home and budget
- ✅ Handle 100% of the CleanBC rebate paperwork
- ✅ Install your system to BC Safety Authority and HPCN standards
- ✅ Deduct the rebate from your invoice — you only pay the net cost
📞 Call Vahid and the Blue Ridge team today: (604) 615-2212 📋 Or book your free in-home estimate online
We serve all of Greater Vancouver and the Lower Mainland including Surrey, Burnaby, Vancouver, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Langley, Richmond, Delta, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, White Rock, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows, Abbotsford, Chilliwack and surrounding areas.
Blue Ridge Heating & Cooling — Red Seal Certified. HPCN Registered. Your CleanBC rebate partner since day one.
Related Articles from Blue Ridge Heating & Cooling
- 🔗 Do Heat Pumps Work in Cold Weather? BC Performance Guide
- 🔗 Heat Pump Installation in Surrey & Vancouver
- 🔗 Heat Pump Repair & Maintenance Services
- 🔗 HVAC Services in Surrey
- 🔗 Ductless vs. Ducted Heat Pump Guide
- 🔗 Heat Pump Cost Guide — BC 2026
- 🔗 Contact Us — Free In-Home Estimate
