Powell River homeowners wanting to convert to heat pumps from fossil fuel heating could be eligible for up to $3,350 in rebates from provincial and city governments.
City of Powell River sustainability planner Ana Lukyanova said heat pumps provide clean and affordable comfort year-round. They efficiently and effectively heat homes because they only use a small amount of electricity to move a large amount of heat from outside into homes. They also work in reverse in the summer to provide cooling or air conditioning.
“There is a huge reduction in carbon emissions for people using heat pumps, especially for people who have oil heating systems, but also for people using natural gas,” said Lukyanova.
In homes using 100 per cent oil heating, a heat pump upgrade can save homeowners 40 to 75 per cent of their annual heating bills, up to $2,200 annually, according to Lukyanova. Homes heated by natural gas can also save substantial money if the home is energy efficient.
According to information from the city, an oil-heated furnace can pump out 6,343 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in a year. A gas-fired system can pump out 3,774 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per year and a heat pump will create 87 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, which is a fraction of fossil fuel-fired systems.
In order to apply for the grants, Lukyanova said the first step is talking to one of the local heating contractors to see what a heat pump system might look like for the home.
“The type of system you need will vary, depending on the system you have,” she said. “Most of the local contractors are aware of the rebate and they can provide information, too.
More information can be found on Better Homes BC website: betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/powell-river-municipal-heat-pump-top-up.An energy coach is also available at 1.844.881.9790.
“If you have any questions at all about the rebate, the process and the application, give them a call and they will walk you through,” said Lukyanova.
The city has allocated $20,000 toward Better Homes BC heat pump rebate top-ups, so rebate top-ups are available for up to 57 homes in the city on a first-come, first-served basis.
The initiative came out of the city’s sustainability committee and Powell River is one of the few municipalities in BC that is supporting the provincial program with a top-up.
“It’s a win-win for residents,” said Lukyanova. “It provides a reduction in carbon emissions but it also saves folks money. It’s making a big difference environmentally.”
