What is the $1.23 Million Property Assessment Rule?

In 2026, the CleanBC Energy Savings Program uses an asset-based limit to determine rebate eligibility. If your home's total assessed value exceeds $1,230,000, you are disqualified from the maximum $16,000 and $12,000 rebate tiers, though you may still qualify for a $10,500 rebate.

Whose income is included in the 'Household Income' calculation?

The program calculates household income based on the combined gross income of all adults (aged 18+) living in the home. You must provide a Notice of Assessment (NOA) for every adult resident to verify total household earnings.

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

Yes, you can keep a fossil fuel backup in a dual-fuel configuration or maintain electric baseboards, provided the heat pump remains the primary source for 80% of the home.

Do I need to apply before or after the installation?

For the Energy Savings Program, you must pre-register and receive an Eligibility Code before you begin any work. Applying after installation leads to automatic disqualification.

2026 BC Heat Pump Rebate: Check Your Eligibility in Seconds

Q: What is the '80% Rule' for Whole-Home Rebates?

Your new heat pump system must be sized to provide primary heating for at least 80% of the home's total conditioned floor area to qualify for whole-home rebates.

Homeowners can qualify for up to $16,000 in government incentives 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	$16,000	Under $87,350
ESP2	$12,000	$87,350 to $114,647
ESP3	$10,500	$114,647 to $185,620
Standard	$6,000	Over $185,620

Is your home valued over $1.23M? If so, read our guide on the $1.23M Property Assessment Rule

*Standard-stream fuel-switching rebates (gas, oil, propane to heat pump) ended April 11, 2025. The $6,000 Standard rebate now applies to CleanBC electric-to-heat-pump conversions only. Electric baseboard homeowners may also qualify for up to $4,000 through BC Hydro, for a combined maximum of $10,000. Income thresholds shown are for a household of 4. Thresholds vary by household size. All income figures are combined pre-tax annual income of all adults in home.

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: The system must be sufficiently sized to serve as the primary heating source for at least 80% of the home’s conditioned space.
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

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

Windows & Doors

Maximum Rebate: Up to $9,500

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

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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 program calculates “household income” based on the combined gross income of all adults (aged 18+) living in the home. This includes family members, roommates, or long-term guests who share the primary dwelling. When applying, you must provide a Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the CRA for every adult resident to verify your total household earnings.

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.

For the Energy Savings Program, you must pre-register and receive an Eligibility Code before you begin any work or pay for equipment. Applying for a code after the heat pump is already installed is a common mistake that leads to automatic disqualification. Once you have your code, you have 12 months to complete the installation and submit your final documents.

In 2026, the CleanBC Energy Savings Program uses an asset-based limit to determine rebate eligibility. If your home’s total assessed value (according to BC Assessment) exceeds $1,230,000, you are disqualified from the maximum $16,000 and $12,000 rebate tiers. However, you may still be eligible for a “Level 3” rebate of $10,500 if you meet the moderate-income requirements.

To qualify for a whole-home rebate (up to $16,000), your new heat pump system must be sized to provide primary heating for at least 80% of the home’s total conditioned floor area. If your system only serves the main floor but leaves a finished basement or a large addition without heat, your application may be rejected for failing to meet the “primary heating source” requirement.

Yes, but with strict conditions. You may keep a fossil fuel backup (like a gas furnace) in a dual-fuel configuration, or maintain electric baseboards in peripheral rooms. However, the heat pump must still serve as the primary source for the 80% coverage area. You cannot receive the highest rebates if your old system remains the primary way you heat the home.

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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