Switch to an eligible natural gas ENERGY STAR® water heater and you may be eligible for rebates ranging from $200 to $1,000.
Prior to initiating any work, please confirm your eligibility for this rebate by examining the Program Rebate Requirements and the terms and conditions Below. provided below.
General eligibility
The residence is required to have:
A residential FortisBC natural gas account, which is not necessary for strata unit owners installing EnerChoice® fireplaces, and/or
A residential FortisBC or a muni
Should the property’s registered owner, where the upgrades were performed, differ from the individual holding the utility account (such as in landlord/tenant situations), it is required for the owner to obtain a completed Utility Account Holder Consent form from the account holder.
The dwelling must serve as a primary residence all year round, be at least 12 months old, and qualify as one of the following: single-family home, duplex, triplex, row home, townhouse, or a mobile home with a permanent foundation. New builds, extensions, and improvements to garages do not qualify for rebates. Only apartments and condominiums are eligible for rebates on fireplaces.
Submissions for applications must be made within a six-month window following the date on the paid invoice.
Rebate amounts are limited to the actual paid cost as detailed on the invoice.
A single rebate is permitted per home for a primary space heating system and one water heater.1
View full program rebate requirements.
Natural gas water heater specific requirements
Every upgrade installation must be conducted by a contractor who is licensed by Technical Safety BC, possesses a GST number, and holds a valid business license in British Columbia for the trade relevant to the installed upgrade. Installations done by oneself do not qualify.
The existing primary water heater must be upgraded to a new, approved natural gas model. Rebates do not apply to units replaced under warranty.
Review the terms and conditions
for invoices dated on or after October 1, 2023
for invoices dated before October 1, 2023
Rebate eligible natural gas water heaters
Ensure the natural gas water heater you intend to buy qualifies for a rebate by utilizing our search feature. Only the models listed are eligible. Begin your search by entering either a manufacturer’s name or a model number.
Please be aware that certain search outcomes might display an asterisk “*” substituting specific characters. If the characters preceding and following the asterisk correspond with your model number, your model is eligible.
Rebate Details
When upgrading from an aging water heater, consider alternatives to the conventional storage tank, such as high-efficiency tankless and condensing units. Evaluate the different types below, and select an eligible natural gas ENERGY STAR water heater to receive a rebate that could reach $1,000.
Upgrade | Rebate | Requirements |
---|---|---|
Storage tank | $200 | Efficiency: good Life expectancy: 10 to 13 years Pros:
Cons:
|
Condensing tankless | $1.000 | Efficiency: ultimate Life expectancy: about 20 years Pros:
Cons:
|
Condensing storage tank | $1,000 | Efficiency: ultimate Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years Pros:
Cons:
|
Two-upgrade bonus | $300 | Install an eligible natural gas water heater and make an additional Home Renovation Rebate upgrade and you could qualify for our $300 two-upgrade bonus. |
How can I tell if my water heater needs replacing?
A water heater with leaks is beyond repair. If you observe any of the following indications, it might be time for a replacement. While you can buy your water heater from any retailer, remember that to qualify for this rebate, it must be installed by a gas contractor licensed by Technical Safety BC and holding a valid GST number.
Water leaks or accumulation around the water connections on top of the heater or on the ground close to it.
Rust stains on clothing or fixtures in showers and sinks could signal corrosion within the water heater.
Discolored, rusty water emerging from your faucets may indicate deterioration in your water heater.
If it’s taking more time for water to heat up or the water temperature isn’t as high as it used to be without any adjustments to the heater’s settings, this could suggest a decline in your water heater’s efficiency.
If you hear bubbling or boiling sounds from your tank when the water is heating, this could be a sign of an issue with your water heater.
How to apply to the rebates?
Kindly be aware of the closing dates for submitting applications for rebates on natural gas water heaters:
- 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.
- Buy an eligible water heater and ensure its installation is carried out by a gas contractor who is licensed through Technical Safety BC. A gas contractor can be located via our online directory.
- Submit your application online and attach a copy of the fully paid invoice, which should detail all completed work, including:
- purchase date
- make and model number
- installation permit number
- gas contractor’s Technical Safety BC licence number
- See a sample invoice for water heaters for specific requirements.
- Applications may take up to 90 days to process.
Please be aware that the link for the rebate application below directs you to the Account login page. After registering or logging in, you will be able to initiate your rebate application. Tip: For optimal performance, we suggest using Google Chrome®.
For more tips on using the online rebate application, read our how-to guide.
We’re here to help
For inquiries regarding rebates, reach out to us online or dial 1-855-909-2329 for assistance.
- A main space heating system includes furnaces, boilers, combo systems, or air source heat pumps, while natural gas fireplaces are secondary heating systems. Rebates for primary space heating and water heaters are available jointly through BC Hydro and CleanBC Better Homes rebates.
- Installation costs are averaged estimates and may vary, as each home has unique installation needs.