Before sizing any heating system, it pays to know how fast the house loses heat. Tightening it up first can mean smaller, cheaper equipment and lower bills for decades.
What each upgrade pays
| Upgrade | Income-qualified rebate (FortisBC) |
|---|---|
| Windows and doors | Up to $750 each, maximum $7,500. U-factor ≤ 1.22 |
| Attic insulation | $0.05 × sq ft × R-value added (at least R12 added), up to $2,000 |
| Exterior wall cavities | $0.20 × sq ft × R-value added (at least R12 added), up to $2,000 |
| Basement or crawlspace walls | $0.20 × sq ft × R-value added (at least R10 added), up to $2,000 |
| Bathroom fans | Up to $1,200 per ENERGY STAR system ducted outside, up to $2,400 |
| Connected thermostat | Up to $200 (announced Oct 15, 2026; confirm before relying) |
An example you can check
Say you add R40 to a 1,000 sq ft attic. FortisBC’s formula gives 1,000 × 40 × $0.05 = $2,000, which lands exactly on the $2,000 limit for the attic.
Where ventilation fits in
Sealing a home traps humidity, and bathrooms produce most of it. That’s why FortisBC pays income-qualified homes for ENERGY STAR bathroom fans vented outdoors, up to two per home. Fans don’t count toward the two-upgrade bonus.
Fine print worth knowing
- Every window or door needs a U-factor of 1.22 or less.
- Insulation only counts when it adds the minimum R-value and uses products rated to Canadian standards.
- Hold on to invoices listing square footage, R-values and products, plus photos.
- A second qualifying upgrade can add FortisBC’s $350 bonus for income-qualified homes.
How HeatLand helps with the insulation, window and ventilation rebates
HeatLand’s technicians are brand-agnostic, so the advice on the insulation, window and ventilation rebates isn’t tied to selling one product. We start with what you have now, how old it is and what you want it to do, then tell you honestly whether a rebate fits, including when the answer is no or when waiting a year makes more sense.
If you go ahead, HeatLand provides a free, no-obligation estimate for qualifying equipment, helps with the CleanBC and utility paperwork, and explains how to confirm any contractor’s listing on the HPCN directory. Call or text (604) 330-3812, or email info@heatland.ca.