***This program is expiring on Dec. 31, 2023.
When you install a new tankless water heater FortisBC will give you a $400-$500 rebate. The amount of the rebate depends on the efficiency of the tankless water heater:
| Water heater type | Efficiency rating* | Rebate |
| Non-condensing tankless | 0.82 – 0.89 EF | $400 |
| Condensing tankless | 0.90 – 0.99 EF | $500 |
| Condensing hybrid | 90 – 99% TE | $500 |
| Condensing storage tank | 90 – 99% TE | $1,000 |
*EF = energy factor; TE = thermal efficiency
A hybrid water heater is a tankless water heater that also has a small hot water tank. This eliminates the delay in hot water delivery that tankless water heaters have.
Benefits of a tankless water heater:
-Tankless water heaters use 46% less energy than hot water tanks, according to a recent CMHC study.
-Tankless water heaters never run out of hot water. Units are available that can supply 2 or more outputs (showers, washing machines, taps, etc.) at a time.
-Last about twice as long as a hot water tank (expected to last 15+ years).
-Are made of materials such as stainless steel that will not rust and potentially compromise water quality.
-Take up less space than a hot water tank.
-Reduced risk of water damage. They do not have a large store of hot water that will inevitably leak.
Cons of a tankless water heater:
-Higher initial costs. Cost at least $1000 more than a hot water tank to install.
-Longer start-up delays. A tankless water heater usually takes at least 10 seconds longer than a hot water tank to supply hot water to a tap. (“Hybrid water heaters”, which are tankless units with a small storage tank, eliminate this problem and also qualify for a $500 FortisBC rebate.)
-Require more maintenance than a hot water tank.
Learn more about the pros and cons of tankless systems on our tankless water heaters page.
Note that there is also a $1000 rebate for condensing storage tanks. These tanks are expensive (over $4000 to install), but they offer a much greater output of hot water than a regular hot water tank, in addition to being more energy efficient. For homes that use hot water for space heating (either radiant in-floor or baseboard), some models of condensing water heater can also be used to heat your home.
Learn more on our condensing storage tanks page.
To schedule a quote on a tankless water heater or condensing storage tank, call 604 GOOD GUY (604 466 3489) or use our online form.