Make your home green, save money with EfficiencyBC

If you're buying, selling, or renovating a home, it's worth your time to check out EfficiencyBC.

EfficiencyBC is an online hub maintained by the provincial and federal governments, BC Housing, BC Hydro, Fortis BC, and CleanBC. The site aggregates all of these organization's green incentive, rebate, and cost-savings programs with an easy-to-use search function.

Some example incentives include:

• up to $2,000 for replacing a fossil fuel heating system (oil, propane or natural gas) with an electric air-source heat pump;
• up to $1,000 for upgrading their windows and doors to better insulated, more energy-efficient models;up to $700 in incentives for highest efficiency natural gas furnaces;
• up to $2,000 bonus for home owners who undertake multiple upgrades and complete energy assessments on their home;a $300 rebate for hiring an EnerGuide Home Energy advisor to do a personalized energy assessment of a home ($450 in some partnering municipalities); and
• free home energy coaching services and guidance on home energy upgrades.

How much money can I save?

A City of Vancouver resident with a natural gas heating and water heater could:

• Undertake a pre-and post-upgrade energy assessment ($3,000 from EfficiencyBC, $150 from City of Vancouver).
• Convert to electric air source heat pump ($2,000 from EfficiencyBC, $2,000 from City of Vancouver).
• Install a condensing tank-less natural gas water heater ($500 from FortisBC).
• Add attic insulation of R30 x 1,000 sq. ft. ($600 from BC Hydro).
• Qualify for a Home Energy Improvement Bonus by improving their EnerGuide score by 60 per cent ($1,200).

Total rebate: $6,750