You can currently get up to $11,000 back from the federal Greener Homes Grant and provincial CleanBC rebates when you install a new heat pump in your home.
Greener Homes Grant
For all rebates, heat pump systems must have a Region 4 HSPF rating of at least 10, be able to provide at least 3.52 kW (12 kBtu/h) of heat at 8.3oC, and be intended to heat the entire home.
2-head system: $2500 rebate
A 2-head system has one outdoor unit and 2 indoor units.
3-head or central system: $4000 rebate
This rebate has the same efficiency requirements as the $2500 one, except the heat pump must be a central system (replacing a furnace) or a 3-head ductless system (replacing a boiler).
Cold climate heat pump: $5000 rebate
In addition to meeting the requirements for the $4000 rebate, the system must also have a COP of at least 1.8 at -15oC and maintain 70% of its maximum heating capacity at this level.
In most situations, we will install a system that qualifies for the maximum $5000 rebate.
To receive a Greener Homes Grant, you will need to have pre & post-retrofit evaluations performed by an EnergGuide energy auditor. Upon completion of the process, you will be reimbursed for the cost of the evaluations, up to $600.
CleanBC Rebates
Rebates of up to $3000 are also available on heat pumps through CleanBC. These can be combined with the federal Greener Homes Grant. All of the heat pumps we install that qualify for the federal grant also qualify for the maximum $3000 CleanBC rebate. BC Hydro is now adding an additional $3000 to the CleanBC rebate, for a total rebate of up to $11,000.
The exception is that if you already have a heat pump, you cannot receive a CleanBC rebate on a new one. In this case only the federal grant will be available.
Extra rebates in Vancouver and the North Shore
Homeowners in the City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver, and District of West Vancouver can receive an extra $2000. In the City of Vancouver, an extra $6000 is available. All rebate programs are subject to end when funding expires. We suspect these municipal rebates will not last long (a Township of Langley rebate has already expired).
General Heat Pump Information
A heat pump is a system that provides both heating and air conditioning. It is like an air conditioner that can also operate in reverse in the winter. Air conditioners and heat pumps can move heat from a cooler location to a warmer location. Since heat is only being moved rather than created, more than one watt of heat can be created for each watt of electricity consumed.
Heat pump efficiency is usually measured in one of two ways: HSPF or COP.
HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) is the number of BTUs of heat produced for each watt-hour of electricity consumed. It is based on the efficiency a heat pump system is expected to achieve over an entire year in a certain climate (HSPFs are usually stated for Region 4, which includes Vancouver). It also assumes backup heat in the form of electric resistance heaters is being used on colder days.
COP (Coefficient of Performance) is the number of watts of heat produced for each watt of electricity being consumed. It is stated for a given temperature. For example, the Mitsubishi Zuba 38,000 BTU central heat pump has a COP of 2.0 at -15oC, meaning it provides 2 watts of heating for each watt of electricity it is using.
Some homes may have an electrical service that is insufficient to support a heat pump during the coldest days. A CleanBC rebate of $500 is available to help reduce the cost of upgrading your home’s electrical capacity.
Mitsubishi Zuba Central Heat Pump: This system is for homes that currently have a furnace (a system that blows air through ductwork). The indoor unit (left) will replace your furnace, and has backup electric heaters for very cold days. The outdoor unit (right) will be placed outdoors.
Mitsubishi Ductless Heat Pump: This system is for homes that currently have a boiler (a system that moves hot water through pipes). The indoor unit (top) will be placed indoors, near the ceiling. Multiple indoor units (or heads) can be placed in multiple rooms. The outdoor unit (bottom) will be placed outdoors.
How much do heat pumps cost?
Heat pumps that qualify for the rebates start at about $19,000 plus GST. This price includes installation and is before rebates.
Is it possible to install the heat pump in town house?
It is possible if your strata permits. You will have to look at the noise and appearance requirements regarding heat pumps.
Are there any Heat Pump Grants for Vancouver Island BC ?
Yes all of the rebates here are available on the island (except for the municipal one). Some rebates are available only in certain municipalities or to customers of certain utility customers, but the CleanBC rebates are available across BC and the Greener Homes Grant across Canada.