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Heat pumps are one of the more common energy upgrades we tend to see. In BC, you can get rebates for a heat pump through two sources: BC Hydro (about $2000) and Canada’s Greener Homes Grant (about $5000, we like the sounds of that).

The first step is to have an EnerGuide Evaluation. Don’t worry, that’s what we do! We’ll help you get the ball rolling and walk you through the steps. It can be a bit of a process, but hey, we’re here to help.

The Canada Greener Homes Grant helps families upgrade their homes to become more energy efficient. This grant is provided by the Government of Canada and helps offset the cost for eco-friendly upgrades like solar panels, heatpumps, and so on.

Energy advisors like us come to your home and check out where energy is being used or lost. From this, we make a few recommendations for upgrades and if you follow through, you can get some money back in your pocket from this grant.

We get it, rebates and grants can be confusing. Once you find out about one, it can feel like reading a different language just to figure out if you can get it! At any time, give us a call and we can let you know what’s available and how you can get started.

In BC, there are some options from CleanBC, BC Hydro, Fortis, and Canadian-wide rebates available like the Canada Greener Homes Grant. Chat with us, let’s make it hassle-free for you to get some more green back in your pocket.

Yes, you are indeed able to stack Federal and Provincial rebates to maximize your savings on home energy upgrades. However, it's important to note that the combined total of these rebates cannot exceed the total cost of the upgrades you've paid for. This ensures that you get the most financial benefit without surpassing the actual investment you've made into your home's energy efficiency.

There is a wide array of rebates available for a variety of energy upgrades in your home. For a comprehensive list, the Greener Homes Program is the best resource. However, the most common upgrades include the installation of heat pumps, solar panels, as well as improvements to air sealing, and insulation in attics, walls, or basements. These improvements can significantly increase your home's energy efficiency and are often accompanied by attractive rebate offers.

The recommendations I provide are not compulsory; homeowners have the liberty to choose which upgrades they wish to implement. It's important to note, however, that only the upgrades listed in the recommendations are eligible for rebates. Furthermore, to qualify for the $600 rebate toward the energy assessment, the homeowner is required to carry out at least one of the suggested upgrades.

In November 2023, the Government of Canada declared its intention to conclude new applications for the Greener Homes Program by April 2024. Applications already in progress at that time will continue to be processed. However, this deadline could be subject to change, so it's advisable to regularly consult the Greener Homes Program website for the most up-to-date information. Homeowners contemplating utilizing this program are encouraged to register as soon as possible to ensure their application is secured.

In British Columbia, heat pumps stand out as the top choice for eco-friendly and efficient home heating and cooling. Modern heat pumps maintain high efficiency to temperatures as low as minus 8.3 degrees Celsius. Below this threshold, their efficiency tapers off. The mild weather in BC’s Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island makes heat pumps an ideal fit. For chillier regions, cold climate heat pumps are advised (refer to our ‘What is a Cold Climate Heat Pump’ FAQ for details).

The effectiveness of your heat pump and the likelihood of needing auxiliary heating depend on the heat pump model, your local climate, and your home’s design and insulation. Higher overall energy efficiency in your home maximizes any heating system’s performance. If you’re considering a new heating system, it’s also wise to consider additional home efficiency enhancements, such as better insulation, or window and door upgrades.

Both indoor and outdoor units of a heat pump produce some level of noise. Typically, the sound emitted by most contemporary outdoor heat pump units is around 60 decibels, akin to the noise level of a regular conversation or moderate rainfall. There are also ultra-quiet versions available that operate at even lower decibel levels. The indoor units of heat pumps usually have noise levels ranging from 18 to 30 decibels. (A whisper is about 25 decibels.)

Each heat pump model comes with its own sound level rating, which can be found on the manufacturer’s technical specification sheet. This rating indicates the decibel level produced by the heat pump at full capacity. The noise originates from the fans and compressors in the unit. Factors such as the type and speed of the fan, as well as the airflow and pressure flow within the system, influence the amount of noise generated by the fan.