A new heating system works best in a home that holds its heat. Insulation, windows and ventilation are often the cheapest way to cut bills, and they can shrink the size (and price) of the heat pump you need.
Envelope and ventilation rebates
| Upgrade | Income-qualified rebate (FortisBC) |
|---|---|
| Windows and doors | $750 each, up to $7,500. U-factor ≤ 1.22 |
| Attic insulation | $0.05 × sq ft × R-value added (min. R12), up to $2,000 |
| Wall insulation | $0.20 per sq ft, up to $2,000 |
| Ventilation (HRV/ERV) | $1,200 per ducted ENERGY STAR system, up to $2,400 |
| Connected thermostat | Up to $200 |
Worked example: attic insulation
An income-qualified household tops up a 1,000 sq ft attic from R12 to R50, adding R38. The rebate is 1,000 × 38 × $0.05 = $1,900, just under the $2,000 cap for that area.
Why ventilation is part of the package
When a home is sealed tighter, fresh air has to come from somewhere. A heat or energy recovery ventilator (HRV or ERV) brings in outdoor air and recovers most of the heat from the stale air it exhausts. That’s why FortisBC pays up to $2,400 for ventilation alongside windows and insulation for income-qualified homes.
Requirements to watch
- Windows and doors must meet the U-factor requirement (1.22 or lower for FortisBC income-qualified).
- Insulation must add at least R12 in the attic to qualify for the income-qualified rebate.
- Keep invoices showing square footage, R-values and product details. Photos before and after help.
- Combining two upgrades can unlock the two-upgrade bonus ($350 income-qualified).
How CANRO helps with the insulation, window and ventilation rebates
CANRO has worked on gas heating in Metro Vancouver homes since 1999, and our founder George is known for boilers and hydronic heating, the systems other companies often won’t touch. When you call, we start with the questions that decide eligibility: how old is the existing equipment, what fuel heats the home, is it your primary residence, and does any part of the household qualify for income-tested rebates.
Then we tell you plainly which rebate fits, what it should pay, and what has to happen before the install. If a program needs an HPCN-listed contractor, we tell you how to verify any installer (including us) on the HPCN directory before you book. Call (604) 359-1081 or email info@canroheat.ca.