BC heat pump rebate program expanded

More households in British Columbia can save money with a new heat-pump rebate program. BC's heat pump program is now taking applications from households for heat pumps to heat and cool their houses with the possibility of saving up to $24,000 when switching from air conditioning units. "By expanding this program and increasing rebate amounts, more British Columbians can now get a heat pump at a significantly reduced cost that fits into their family budget, with some households qualifying for heat pumps at zero cost,” Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation said in a media release issued, July 4. CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program is offering to rebate up to $16,000 while also adding other rebates for middle income households. “This program is helping more people and families save money, increase the comfort and safety of their homes, and build cleaner communities," Osborne said. Families can register for the program to verify their potential rebate amount to switch to a heat pump system and pay the contractors the deducted rates on their final invoice. Households with two adults and two children making a combined $185,620, or less on pre-tax annual income, are eligible for up to $10,500 once they switch to a heat pump system. This income number has been raised nearly $71,000, meaning more families are eligible for a larger rebate. A family of four making less than $87,350 annually can now get a rebate up to $16,000, while people living in northern BC could get a rebate of up to $24,000 if they switch to a heat pump, with an additional top up of $3,000 if switching from gas, propane or oil. Households switching to heat pumps see energy savings as much as 80 per cent. "If you have ever thought about switching to a heat pump to reduce home energy costs, cool your home in summer and help create a cleaner B.C. too, now is the time," George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, said in the release. "By expanding this program, we will help thousands more people and families make the switch and feel the multiple benefits heat pumps bring." Typical heat pump installations cost between $8,000 and $19,000 depending on equipment and heating load. "We've seen the benefits of heat pumps both for the environment and in terms of long-term household energy savings," Osborne said. To contact a reporter for this story, email Bailey Zimmer mailto:bzimmer@infonews.ca  or call 250-808-0143 or email the editor mailto:news@infonews.ca . You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom mailto:tips@infonews.ca  and be entered to win a monthly prize draw. We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here https://infotel.ca/newsletter .