Does your home have a gas furnace that is aged 10 years or older? If so, you may be eligible for a dual fuel heating system rebate from FortisBC. Learn the eligibility requirements and how to get a more efficient system installed.
What is the Dual Fuel Heating System Rebate?
The dual fuel heating system rebate provides cheques of up to $10,000 for homeowners to install a new electric heat pump combined with a gas furnace. Funded by Fortis, the program applies to new gas furnaces that operate at 95% efficiency or above.
Installing a new dual fuel system helps to keep homes warm during the winter and provide air conditioning on hot days. This ensures that your home has access to a reliable, efficient heating and cooling system all year round.
The rebate is also designed for customers who wish to reduce their carbon footprint by replacing aging gas furnaces with more efficient heating and cooling systems.
What Are the General Eligibility Requirements for the Rebate?
A residential FortisBC natural gas account The applicant must have a Fortis account. Alternatively, the applicant can have the Fortis account holder complete a Utility Account Holder Consent form if they are not the same person. This can be found on the FortisBC website.
Homes must be the primary residence This could include a townhome, row home, single-family, duplex, triplex, or mobile home on permanent foundations that are at least 12 months old. Only the main residence is included in the program, and so new construction, garage upgrades, and other additions are not eligible.
All applications must be dated within 6 months of the invoice pay date. The amount that owners receive as a rebate also cannot exceed the paid cost on the invoice.
Dual Fuel System Requirements
If you’re hoping to access up to $10,000 in rebates, the new system you choose to install must meet a specific set of criteria to be considered eligible. Before purchasing and installing a dual fuel system, check the following requirements:
- The FortisBC rebate product list must include it as a qualifying system. This should include an AHRI-certified reference number for the outdoor and indoor units of the heat pump, and the furnace model number.
- The new system must be a central ducted air source heat pump combined with a high-efficiency gas furnace. It should also be replacing an old gas furnace that is at least 10 years old.
- The product’s equipment control board, thermostat, or outdoor temperature switch-over must be set to ≤5°C in the Lower Mainland for the duration of its lifetime. The system should be appropriately sized to meet this region-specific temperature point.
- A copy of the commissioning sheet must be available to ensure the system is installed and operating according to best practices.
How to Apply for the Rebate
The main action that homeowners must take to get the dual fuel heating rebate is to buy a qualifying electric heat pump and high-efficiency gas furnace. Once fitted, complete a full program application form and submit it within 6 months of the invoice date. Check Fortis’ website for the application form and current rebate details, as it is subject to change at their discretion.
The new system should also be installed by a Technical Safety BC licensed professional registered with the Home Performance Contractor Network, such as John Sadler Plumbing & Heating. We are a fully registered, family-owned HVAC company with more than 40 years experience in servicing, repairing, and installing heating and cooling equipment.
Our expert technicians can help you choose the correct makes and models for your home, and ensure that your new system is rebate-eligible. We will even complete the rebate application for you to make the process as easy as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our heating installation services and get your free heat pump estimate!