Quick quiz: how a heat pump works
Ten questions on the machine itself. Tap an answer to see why.
Short answer: Sometimes. If your household income is low enough, you can get a heat pump installed for little or nothing in Nanaimo. There are two routes: ECAP, where the utility installs upgrades for free, and the CleanBC Energy Savings Program, which pays 100% of eligible costs up to a limit. The limit is up to $13,000 if you're switching from gas, oil or propane at Income Level 1.
Nanaimo is on central Vancouver Island, with mild, wet winters that are close to ideal for heat pumps. Many Nanaimo homes use baseboards, oil or older gas furnaces. The island's mild winters mean a well-sized heat pump can carry nearly the whole heating load.
Canada’s new heat pump rebate is worth up to $10,000. Get an email the day it opens
Applications are not open yet. Ottawa says they open in early 2027, and that you can add this rebate on top of provincial ones.
- Up to $10,000
- if your household earns below the median income
- $2,000
- for other homeowners who qualify
Stack it with the British Columbia rebate open today
Ottawa says you can combine them. Each program has its own rules. Amounts are the most you can get.
Applications open early 2027
Join the launch alert
- Launch-day email, with what to do first
- Who qualifies for the $10,000, once Ottawa says
- A short hello now, so you know it worked
Know someone with old heating? Send them this.
Only emails about this rebate. No spam, no sales calls. Unsubscribe anytime.
Read everything we know so far Official page: canada.ca
Who qualifies? The 2026 income limits
It's based on how many people live in your home and the combined pre-tax income of the adults. These are the CleanBC limits for invoices from July 6, 2026:
| People in home | Level 1 up to | Level 2 up to | Level 3 up to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $51,100 | $63,900 | $102,100 |
| 2 | $63,600 | $79,500 | $127,200 |
| 3 | $78,200 | $97,700 | $156,300 |
| 4 | $94,900 | $118,600 | $189,800 |
| 5 | $107,600 | $134,500 | $215,200 |
| 6 | $121,400 | $151,700 | $242,700 |
| 7+ | $135,100 | $168,900 | $270,200 |
You'll need proof of income, like a CRA Notice of Assessment, for every adult in the home.
How much you can get, by current heat
| Switching from | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas, oil or propane: central ducted or 3+ heads | $13,000 | $7,000 | $3,500 |
| Gas, oil or propane: 2 heads | $11,000 | $5,500 | $1,000 |
| Gas, oil or propane: 1 head | $5,500 | $4,500 | $1,000 |
| Electric heat | $5,000 | Not eligible | Not eligible |
These are maximums. CleanBC pays 100% of eligible costs up to the limit, so a modest system can cost you nothing. The rates changed on July 6, 2026. If you see "$16,000" elsewhere, that's the old amount.
ECAP: the truly free option
The Energy Conservation Assistance Program is run by BC Hydro and FortisBC. An energy evaluator visits for free, and if you qualify, they install upgrades for free. Some homes get a heat pump or insulation; others get smaller items. You don't choose the upgrades; the evaluator does.
What's different in Nanaimo
- City of Nanaimo Home Energy Retrofit Financing: zero-interest loans up to $15,000, paid back over 10 years on your property tax bill. It covers heat pumps, insulation, windows and doors, and solar. Applications are open Sept 14 to Oct 31, 2026, and you must register with the free Home Energy Navigator.
- The Regional District of Nanaimo adds $150 to BC Hydro's home EV charger rebate for homes in its electoral areas (a separate application).
My tip for Nanaimo: Nanaimo is one of the few cities in our list with its own low-cost financing. If the up-front cost is what's stopping you, look at the city loan below before you give up.
What to do next
- Count the people in your home and add up the adults' income. Compare to the table.
- Pre-register with the CleanBC Energy Savings Program before any work starts, or apply to ECAP through your utility.
- Use a program-registered contractor. Self-installs are not eligible.
- If you don't qualify, check the regular rebates in our heat pump guide.
Questions people ask
Is the heat pump really free?
It can be. CleanBC pays 100% of eligible costs up to the limit, and ECAP installs upgrades at no charge. If your system costs more than the limit, you pay the difference.
Can I get the income-qualified rebate if I already have electric heat?
Only at Income Level 1, up to $5,000. The Level 2 electric stream was discontinued in July 2026. BC Hydro's regular rebate (up to $4,000) is open to any income.
What is Nanaimo's zero-interest retrofit loan?
The City of Nanaimo lends up to $15,000 at 0% for heat pumps, insulation, windows and doors, or solar. You repay it over 10 years on your property tax bill. The 2026 intake runs Sept 14 to Oct 31.
Ready to check your home in Nanaimo?
Compare top-rated local installers, ranked by Google reviews. Free for homeowners, and we'll tell you honestly if the math doesn't work for your home.
Compare top-rated Nanaimo installers →Sources, checked September 26, 2026: CleanBC Energy Savings Program rules (July 6, 2026) · ECAP: free home energy evaluation and upgrades · BC Hydro programs based on income.
