BC Energy Efficiency Rebate Program: Up to $2000 for Window and Do Replacement

As part of British Columbia’s commitment to energy efficiency, conservation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, new Provincial rebate programs are in place to help homeowners save when renovating their homes with energy-efficient upgrades.

What is Energy Efficiency British Columbia?

Up to $10,000 in rebates are available for residential renovation projects that reduce energy costs and increase comfort all year. Qualifying upgrades include energy-efficient windows and doors, insulation, air-source heat pump, and electric heat pump water heaters. Bonus offers are also in place for completing two or more eligible upgrades within 18 months.

Eligibility requirements include having a BC Hydro or FortisBC residential account and the home must be a year-round, residential dwelling. These homes must be single-family detached, duplexes, row homes, townhouses or mobile homes on a permanent foundation. All homes must have a minimum of 12 months of utility billing history and have their own gas and/or electricity meter.

British Columbia Energy Efficiency Rebate Program Includes:

• Rebates on Replacement Windows and Doors — up to $2,000
• Rebates on Insulation— up to $5500
• Rebates on Air Source Heat Pump—up to $2,000
• Rebates on Electric Heat Pump Water Heater—$1,000

Tier 2 windows/doors: New windows/doors must have a metric U-Factor of 1.22 (W/m2·K) or lower.

How to Qualify for the Window Rebates BC?

As of October 1, 2019, homeowners can receive up to $2,000 on select windows and door replacements In BC as follows:

• Windows and doors with a maximum U-Factor of 1.22 (W/M2-K) qualify at $100 each for a maximum rebate of $2,000.
• NOTE: The BC energy rebates for windows are not available in the City of Vancouver

The U-Factor relates to the rate of heat loss of a window assembly including the glazing, frame and spacers. The lower the U-Factor, the better insulating properties.

Ecoline Windows is a British Columbia Energy Efficiency participating contractor.

Required Standards for Windows and Doors Replacement

• Installation contractor must have a valid B.C. business license.
• Must replace existing windows and doors between the outdoors and heated space (does not include skylights.)
• Products must be listed on Natural Resource Canada’s certified fenestration products list in order to be eligible for BC energy rebates.

Ecoline Windows will submit the initial application and installation invoice after completion for you. You can receive rebates via cheque, deduction on your bill, or e-transfer.

Energy Star window and door rebates in BC are sizable to encourage homeowners to replace inefficient products such as single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows for the biggest impact on the building envelope.

Qualifying for Rebates on Insulation

Receive a maximum of $5,500 rebate for increasing your home’s insulation and R-value. This is another important focus to adequately insulate your home so it uses less energy. R-value represents how resistant your home is to heat loss. The higher the R-value, the better insulating capabilities. Qualifying insulation types include:

• Rolls or batts
• Blown-in
• Loose-fill
• Rigid board
• Spray foam

Radiant barrier, foil type or reflective insulation do not meet the stand-alone R-value.

Rebates determined by location, total area added, and R-value:

• Exterior wall sheathing – R3.8 ($0.09 x R-value added x sq.ft.) – maximum $1,200
• Exterior wall sheathing – R12 ($0.09 x R-value added x sq.ft.) – maximum $1,200
• Basement and crawlspace – R10 ($0.09 x R-value added x sq.ft.) – maximum $1,200
• Attic (flat or cathedral ceiling) – R12 ($0.02 x R-value added x sq.ft.) – maximum $900
• Other (exposed floor, joist header) – R20 ($0.07 x R-value added x sq.ft.) – maximum $1,000

Required Standards for Insulation

• Installation contractor must have a valid B.C. business license.
• Must be installed in accordance with the B.C. Standards of Practice Guide for Air Sealing and Insulation Retrofits.

Submit the application with insulation invoice from the contractor. Must include insulation type, location, added R-value, and square footage of insulation in each location.

Qualifying Rebates on Air Source Heat Pump

By upgrading your existing electric heating system to a heat pump, you’ll be installing a more efficient system that moves heat from one area to another instead of converting fuel or electricity to heat. Receive a maximum $2,000 rebate on air source heat pumps as follows:

• Variable Speed Mini-Split (single-head installation) – HSPF> 10.00, Region IV, SEER >18 – $1,000
• Variable Speed Multi Split (multi-head installation) – HSPF> 9.30, Region IV, SEER>16 – $1,000
• Variable Speed Central System – HSPF>9.30, Region IV, SEER>16, Tier 2 – $2,000

All components must include AHRI certified reference numbers.

Required Standards for Air Source Heat Pump Installation

• Installation contractor must have a valid B.C. business license.
• Heat pumps must be listed on the qualifying heat pump list.
• Must replace the existing hard-wired electric heating system.
• Must serve as the home’s primary heating system.

Submit the application with heat pump invoice from contractor including date of purchase, make and model number of all components, number of tons, AHRI number or certificate, cost and proof of payment.

Qualifying Rebates on Electric Heat Pump Water Heater

Replace your traditional electric water heater with an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater and use up to 50% less energy. Receive a maximum $1,000 rebate for:

• Tier 2 or higher heat pump water heater (limit 1.)
• Sized correctly per specifications from the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) Northern Climate

Submit the application with heat pump water heater invoice including make and model number.

Bonus Offers

Extra rebates are available for making your home even more energy-efficient with two or more upgrades to windows and doors, insulation, air-source heat pump, and electric heat pump water heater.

• Receive a $300 bonus in addition to other rebates for completing two eligible upgrades within 18 months of each other.
• Receive $20 per percentage reduction in your home’s EnerGuide rating measured in gigajoules per year for installing three or more eligible energy-efficient upgrades within 18 months of each other. An EnerGuide home evaluation must be performed before and after upgrades and application must be submitted within six months from the post-evaluation date to qualify.

By participating in the British Columbia Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, you are helping to save energy, reduce your carbon footprint, make your home more comfortable, and save money. Your support of programs like this will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save our planet one home at a time.

FAQ

Can I apply for the Energy Efficiency BC rebate and CleanBC Income Qualified Revate at the same time?

Unfortunately, you can’t combine both programs. But you can apply for the window replacement grant Ecoline offers in BC. Homeowners can receive up to $3,750 for windows, doors, and patio doors.