Heat pump rebates aren't one-size-fits-all — and that's good news for you
If you've seen "$4,000–$16,000 heat pump rebate" online and wondered which end applies to you, here's the answer: it depends on your household size and income.
Lower income = higher rebate. This is the Energy Savings Program working as intended: the households that need the most help get the most financial support.
The exact income tiers (BC Hydro / BetterHomesBC)
Rebate amounts depend on two things: how many people live in your home, and your household's pre-tax income.
Here's the official table:
| Household Size | Level 1 Max Income | Level 2 Max Income | Level 3 Max Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $51,100 | $63,900 | $102,100 |
| 2 people | $63,600 | $79,500 | $127,200 |
| 3 people | $78,200 | $97,700 | $156,300 |
| 4 people | $94,900 | $118,600 | $189,800 |
| 5 people | $107,600 | $134,500 | $215,200 |
| 6 people | $121,400 | $151,700 | $242,700 |
| 7+ people | $135,100 | $168,900 | $270,200 |
What each level gets you
Level 1 households (lower income): $16,000 heat pump rebate (ground-oriented homes only)
This is the maximum. You get it if your household income is below the Level 1 threshold for your household size.
Level 2 households (middle income): $12,000 heat pump rebate (ground-oriented homes only)
Your income falls between the Level 1 and Level 2 thresholds.
Level 3 households (higher income): $13,000 heat pump rebate (ground-oriented homes, switching from gas/oil/propane only)
Your income exceeds the Level 2 threshold. Important: Level 3 rebates only apply if you're replacing a fossil fuel heating system (not electric baseboard).
A real example: 4-person household in Kelowna
- If your household income is under $94,900: you qualify for $16,000
- If your income is $94,900–$118,600: you qualify for $12,000
- If your income exceeds $118,600 (and you're replacing gas/oil): you qualify for $13,000
The difference between Level 1 and Level 2? That's $4,000 toward your install costs.
FortisBC customers (Kelowna, Penticton): different amounts
If you're on FortisBC (not BC Hydro), heat pump rebates are $4,000 flat — not income-tiered. Same amount for everyone, no Level 1/2/3 split.
What "ground-oriented home" means
Level 1, 2, and 3 amounts apply to ground-oriented homes — detached houses, townhomes, duplexes, rowhomes. This means the heating system heats the whole home from one location.
Condo/apartment residents? You can still get $5,000 for a heat pump if your unit is electrically heated (not gas).
The assessment and approval process
- Pre-qualify: Go to bcenergysavingsprogram.ca and answer questions. No money yet.
- Get a code: Received within 3 months. It's your ticket to contractor quotes.
- Get quotes: Only from ESP-registered contractors (HPCN-certified).
- Contractor receives rebate: After installation and inspection, BC Hydro pays your contractor. You pay the remainder.
Timeline: 2–4 weeks from application to approval, then installation is up to you.
One more thing: home value matters
Homes with an assessed value over $1,230,000 may not qualify. If you're in that range, check bcenergysavingsprogram.ca to confirm.
Next steps
- Find your household size in the table above
- Estimate your pre-tax income (include all adults' earnings)
- See which Level you fall into — that's your rebate amount
- Go to bcenergysavingsprogram.ca and pre-qualify (takes 10 minutes)
- Get contractor quotes (we can recommend HPCN-certified installers in your city)
Sources verified: BetterHomesBC as of July 12, 2026. Program terms change — always confirm on bcenergysavingsprogram.ca before committing.
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