Upgrade from your outdated natural gas furnace to a qualifying ENERGY STAR® model, and you might be eligible for a rebate up to $1,000. Additionally, by installing a suitable connected thermostat, you stand a chance to earn another $150 rebate.

Prior to starting any work, ensure your eligibility for this rebate by checking the Program Rebate Requirements  and understanding the terms and conditions.

General eligibility

• Eligible homes should have:
  • A residential FortisBC natural gas connection, with the exception of strata unit residents setting up EnerChoice® fireplaces, and/or
  • A residential electricity account with either FortisBC or municipal utilities in Grand Forks, Penticton, Summerland, or Nelson Hydro.
• When the property’s registered owner isn’t the one holding the utility account (like in landlord/tenant situations), the utility account holder needs to fill out the Utility Account Holder Consent form.
• The property should be the main residence for a minimum of a year and can be a single-family, duplex, triplex, row home, townhouse, or a mobile home anchored on a solid base. Newly built properties, extensions, and garage modifications aren’t covered under this scheme. However, apartments and condominiums can avail rebates exclusively for fireplaces.
• Ensure you submit the application within half a year from the date on the paid bill.
• The rebate amount won’t surpass the total mentioned in the invoice.
• Each household is entitled to a single rebate for both a primary heating system and a water heater.¹

View full program rebate requirements.

Furnace and thermostat specific requirements

• “Every upgrade should be carried out by a contractor who is Technical Safety BC licensed contractor, and holds both a GST number and a valid BC trade license relevant to the specific upgrade. DIY installations won’t qualify.
• The new furnace should replace a primary natural gas space heating system that has been in use for at least 10 years. Homes switching from oil or propane might qualify for Connect to gas rebates. However, those transitioning from electric systems are not eligible.
• Rebates are not available for warranty or emergency replacements of space heating systems that are malfunctioning or considered hazardous by a certified gas professional.
• An approved ENERGY STAR furnace with a dual-pipe venting system is required for installation. Please be prepared to provide a photograph of this venting system if asked. For further details, refer to our information guide: ‘Five Key Points for Installing Your High-Efficiency Furnace’.
• The newly installed furnace needs to be commissioned to verify its proper installation and operation. Should it be requested, please provide a filled-out commissioning report.
• For the connected thermostat rebate qualification, the thermostat should be set up by a licensed gas technician concurrently with the installation of the approved new furnace.

Review the terms and conditions

• for invoices dated on or after October 1, 2023
• for invoices dated before October 1, 2023

Rebate eligible furnaces

Ensure the natural gas furnace you intend to buy qualifies for a rebate by utilizing our lookup tool. Only the models listed there are eligible. Begin your search by inputting a manufacturer or model number.

Please be aware that some results might display an asterisk “*” substituting certain characters. If the characters preceding and following the asterisk align with your model number, then your model qualifies.

Rebate Details

Kindly be aware of the closing dates for submitting applications for rebates on natural gas furnace:

• Qualifying machinery should be set up, and the corresponding bills should carry a date no later than December 31, 2023.
• From the date on your invoice, you’re given a six-month window to forward your rebate application.”
  • For instance, if your invoice is dated October 15, 2023, ensure to send in your rebate form by April 15, 2024.

1. Acquire a qualifying ENERGY STAR furnace and ensure its installation, using a two-pipe direct vent system, is done by a gas contractor licensed under Technical Safety BC and holding a valid GST number. To locate a contractor, refer to our online directory.
2. Submit your application via FortisBC online.  platform. Ensure it contains:
   • A paid invoice copy detailing:
     • The scope of work completed
     • Date of purchase
     • Product’s make and model
     • Installation permit ID and the gas contractor’s license number as per Technical Safety BC. (Refer to our sample invoice for precise specifications.)
3. Applications may take up to 90 days to process. A small percentage of applicants may be asked for permission to visit their home to verify the installation and operation of their new furnace. These site visits are carried out by a third-party contractor and help us improve our rebate programs.

Note: The link provided below for the rebate application directs you to the Account login page. After registering or logging in, you can commence your rebate application process. Tip: For an optimal experience, consider using Google Chrome®.

For more tips on using the online rebate application, read our how-to guide.

Incentives for gas contractors

Contractors interested in participating in our Furnace Replacement Program can earn a $100 incentive for each approved customer application. It’s essential for contractors to accept the terms and conditions and adhere to the guidelines specified in the High-efficiency furnace installation guide for existing houses..

Third-party offers and services

Ecolighten Energy Solutions and IOE Consulting

In our ongoing efforts to enhance our programs, a select group of applicants may be requested to allow access to their homes for the verification of their newly installed furnace’s setup and functionality. This verification is conducted by one of our affiliated third-party contractors.

• Ecolighten Energy Solutions
• IOE Consulting

The inspection can be done either face-to-face or digitally via platforms like FaceTime or Google Hangouts. Representatives from Ecolighten and IOE will always reach out beforehand to schedule an appointment for the site visit. Additionally, their team members possess ID badges that identify them as contractors for FortisBC.

Ensure a quality furnace installation

Ensuring your high-efficiency heating system is installed to top-notch standards can offer prolonged comfort and energy efficiency. Dive into these resources for more insights:

• View our concise video to understand the benchmarks of quality installation and tips on selecting a natural gas contractor.
• Go through our informational guide: Top Five Points to Consider Before Getting Your New High-Efficiency Furnace Installed.

We’re here to help

For any inquiries regarding rebates, feel free to reach out to FortisBC online or give us a call at 1-855-909-2329.

1 The main space heating systems include furnaces, boilers, combination systems, or air source heat pumps. In contrast, natural gas fireplaces fall under secondary space heating systems. Rebates for primary space heating and water heaters are provided in partnership with BC Hydro and CleanBC Better Homes.