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.

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.

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.

The HPCN Requirement: How to Ensure Your Installer Qualifies You for Rebates

Q: Why must I use an HPCN-Certified contractor?

The BC government requires all rebate-eligible heat pumps to be installed by a member of the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN). Hiring a non-registered contractor makes you ineligible for provincial rebates.

The single most common reason for a denied heat pump rebate in 2026 is the use of a non-registered contractor. Under the BC Energy Savings Program rules, only systems installed by a member of the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) are eligible for provincial funding.

1. What is the HPCN?

The HPCN is a registry of HVAC contractors who have undergone specific training and background checks by the BC government. They are trained not just on how to install equipment, but specifically on how to meet the CleanBC technical standards required for your rebate to be approved.

2. The “$0 Rebate” Trap

Many homeowners receive professional, high-quality quotes from reputable local companies. However, if that company is not currently an active member of the HPCN at the time of installation, your rebate application will be automatically rejected.

Crucial Tip: Do not take a contractor’s word for it. Always verify their status yourself before signing a contract.

3. How to Verify a Contractor

Before you pay a deposit, follow these steps to protect your rebate:

Visit the Official HPCN Search Tool.
Search by company name or your city.
Ensure they are listed as “Active” for Heat Pump installations.
Ask for their HPCN ID: Every registered company has a unique ID number.

Verify a HPCN Contractor

4. What Your Contractor Must Provide

To secure your rebate, your HPCN contractor is responsible for more than just the physical installation. They must provide you with:

The Load Calculation: A document proving the system is sized correctly (meeting the 80% rule).
The AHRI Certificate: A document from the manufacturer proving the equipment is high-efficiency.
A Detailed Invoice: This must include the AHRI number, the model numbers of both the indoor and outdoor units, and the date of installation.

5. Contractor Red Flags to Watch For

If a contractor tells you any of the following, they are likely not an HPCN member or are unfamiliar with the 2026 rules:

“You don’t need to pre-register; we can do the paperwork after.” (False: You must have an Eligibility Code first).
“Any heat pump qualifies as long as it’s new.” (False: It must be on the official CleanBC qualified product list).
“The 80% rule doesn’t really matter.” (False: This is a top reason for rejection).

This guide is updated for the February 2026 CleanBC Energy Savings Program standards and applies to all residential property assessments within the province of British Columbia.