What is the $1.2 Million Property Assessment Rule?

If you register on or after April 1, 2026, your home's total BC Assessment value must be $1,200,000 or less to qualify for ESP1 or ESP2 rebates. Homes assessed up to $1,820,000 can still qualify for ESP3. Condos and apartments fall under a separate rebate stream with a $754,000 cap.

Can I keep my gas furnace or electric baseboards as backup?

Electric baseboards can stay - for electric conversions the backup must be electric. A gas furnace cannot: gas, oil, and propane conversions require removal of the fossil-fuel system, though a gas fireplace can remain as secondary heat. Dual-fuel systems that keep a gas furnace are only eligible for Pacific Northern Gas customers or tanked-propane homes.

Why must I use an HPCN-Certified contractor?

All rebate-eligible upgrades must be installed by a contractor registered with the CleanBC Energy Savings Program, drawn from the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN). Hiring a non-registered contractor or self-installing makes you ineligible for provincial rebates.

2026 BC Heat Pump Rebate: Check Your Eligibility in Seconds

Homeowners can qualify for up to $21,500 in combined government rebates when switching from gas, oil, or propane. Get your custom roadmap and a list of local HPCN-certified installers today.

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2026 BC Heat Pump Rebate Eligibility Requirements

1. HPCN Certified Installer

All heat pump and insulation upgrades must be completed by a Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) member.

2. Primary Residence

Vacation homes, secondary rentals, or garages are not eligible.

3. Home Age:

The residence must be at least 12 months old; new construction is excluded from these specific programs.

2026 Heat Pump Rebate Tiers

Tier	Maximum Heat Pump Rebate	Combined Household Income (Family of 4)*
ESP1	$13,000	Under $94,900
ESP2	$7,000	$94,900 to $118,600
ESP3	$3,500	$118,600 to $189,800
Standard	$4,000 (electric homes only)	Over $189,800

Is your home valued over $1.2M? If so, read our guide on the $1.2M Property Assessment Rule
*Amounts shown are for central ducted and 3-head multi-split systems replacing gas, oil, or propane, for invoices dated on or after July 6, 2026.
Combined space + water heating heat pumps qualify for more: up to $16,500 (ESP1) / $11,500 (ESP2) / $7,000 (ESP3). Homes north of 100 Mile House get a $3,000 top-up (ESP1/ESP2). Standard-stream fuel-switching rebates ended April 11, 2025 everywhere except Northern BC, where up to $6,000 (oil) or $8,000 (gas/propane) is still available. Electric-baseboard homes: up to $5,000 through ESP (Level 1 only) or up to $4,000 through the BC Hydro/FortisBC Home Renovation Rebate at any income. Income thresholds shown are for a household of 4 and vary by household size. Income = combined pre-tax income of everyone in the home over 18, excluding dependants.

Qualifying Equipment Checklist

Efficiency Ratings: Systems must have an HSPF2 (Region IV) ≥ 8.5 and a SEER2 ≥ 15.2.
Cold Climate Certified: The heat pump must be listed on the NEEP Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump (ccASHP) list and the provincial rebate-eligible list.
Variable Speed: Only systems with a variable-speed compressor are eligible; single-speed or two-stage systems do not qualify for most 2026 rebates.
Minimum Capacity: All units must have a minimum rated capacity of 12,000 BTU (1 ton).
Primary Heating: For gas, oil or propane conversions, the heat pump must be able to distribute heat to all the conditioned space your old system served. For electric or wood conversions, it must be sized to act as the home’s primary heating system.
AHRI Certification: Every installed system must have a valid AHRI certified reference number that covers all components (outdoor unit, indoor unit/heads, and air handler).

1. Pre-Registration

You must pre-register through the CleanBC participant portal and receive an Eligibility Code before work begins.

2. Get a Professional Quote

Contact a Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) member to provide an eligible equipment quote. For “Whole Home” rebates, the contractor must also perform a required heat load calculation using approved software.

3. Professional Installation

Your registered contractor installs the system according to the Heat Pump Best Practices Installation Guide. Note that self-installations are strictly ineligible for all 2026 rebate programs.

4. Rebate Submission

For the Energy Savings Program (Tiers 1–3), your contractor will typically submit the final documentation on your behalf. All applications and invoices must be submitted within 6 months of the invoice date.

Electrical Service

Maximum Rebate: Up to $5,000 (only for homes switching from gas, oil or propane)

Must upgrade to 100, 200, or 400 amp service.

Windows & Doors

Maximum Rebate: Up to $2,000

Must have a U-factor of 1.22 or lower.

Insulation

Maximum Rebate: Up to $5,500

Covers attic, wall, and basement/crawlspace.

Water Heating

Maximum Rebate: Up to $3,500

Must be a Tier 2 or higher NEEA-certified unit.

Free Eligibility Check

HPCN Certified

BC Homeowners Served

Updated for 2026

Questions?

We’re happy to help. If you can’t find the info you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Still unsure which tier applies to you?

Check Your Eligibility

The combined pre-tax income of everyone living in the home who is over 18, excluding dependants. You must submit income verification for each of them. A CRA Notice of Assessment works, but the program also accepts income/disability assistance confirmation, SAFER or Rental Assistance letters, a GIS notice, ECAP proof, or a signed Endorsement Form.

The BC government requires all rebate-eligible heat pumps to be installed by a member of the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN). 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. Always verify your installer’s credentials on the official HPCN registry before signing a contract.

Before. You must pre-register and receive an Eligibility Code before any work begins or equipment is paid for. For applications received on or after July 6, 2026, your code is valid for just 3 months from approval; installation must be completed within that window or you must re-apply. Your contractor then submits the application within 6 months of the invoice date.

If you register on or after April 1, 2026, your home’s total BC Assessment value must be $1,200,000 or less for ESP1 or ESP2 rebates. Homes assessed up to $1,820,000 can still qualify for ESP3. Condos and apartments fall under a separate rebate stream with a $754,000 cap.

Switching from gas, oil, or propane: the heat pump must be able to heat all the conditioned space your old system served, and the old fossil-fuel system must be removed. Switching from electric or wood: it must be sized as the home’s primary heating system and serve a main living area. Your contractor may be asked for a CSA F280-12 heat load calculation to prove sizing.

Electric baseboards – yes; for electric conversions the backup must be electric, so they can stay. A gas furnace – no; gas, oil, and propane conversions require removal of the fossil-fuel system (a gas fireplace can remain as secondary heat). Dual-fuel systems that keep a gas furnace are only eligible for Pacific Northern Gas customers (up to $8,500) or tanked-propane homes (up to $12,000).

BC Rebate Check is an independent resource helping BC homeowners navigate the 2026 Energy Savings Program and CleanBC transition.

Rebate amounts and program eligibility are subject to change. Information is updated regularly but always confirm current eligibility at betterhomesbc.ca or with a registered HPCN contractor before proceeding.

Looking for solar rebates? Our sister site BC Solar Check covers solar rebate amounts in 2026.

matt@bcrebatecheck.ca

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