The soaring fossil fuel prices are forcing Vancouver Island residents to seek ways to cut their utility bills. Savvy homeowners are turning to heat pumps as a convenient and energy-efficient solution. These devices look like A/C units and can efficiently heat and cool your indoor space.

An air-source heat pump can ease the winter by extracting heat from outdoors and “pumping” it to your house. Then, in summer, the device reverses the cycle to take the heat outside.

The technology has existed for some time and can be an efficient alternative to heating systems like electric baseboards and natural gas furnaces, and can save you up to 50% on your heating or cooling bill. A heat pump is an investment, saving you money in the long run. There are many reliable financing options available to homeowners that are making the switch to heat pumps.

This guide will enlighten you on the benefits of a heat pump and the different financing options available.

Benefits of a Heat Pump

A heat pump is among the most effective, affordable, and environmentally friendly solutions to your heating needs. In addition, the technology offers the following benefits:

• A climate-friendly option – Heat pumps are environmentally friendly and more energy efficient than electric furnaces, oil-based heaters, or baseboard heaters.
• Quiet – Many Canadians prefer heat pumps because the noise is minimal. Most manufacturers specifically design their products to emit the lowest noise possible when functioning.
• All-year comfort –A heat pump combines heating capabilities and an air conditioner system to ensure year-round indoor comfort.
• Improved air quality – Besides heating, and cooling, a heat pump can also dehumidify your space and promote clean airflow. Some models have optional filtration capabilities that rid the air of dust, pollen, pollutants, and other allergens.
• Optimal efficiency – With the proper installation and regular maintenance, your heat pump can consume between half and a third as much power as common alternatives.
• Affordable – The unit uses the energy in the air to heat your home, requiring less energy to serve you.

Heat Pump Financing Options

These above benefits are only possible if you leverage high quality equipment befitting your specific needs. Of course, this requires adequate financial preparation. But don’t fret. You can leverage one of the following financing options to get the product you need without straining your budget.

CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program

As more BC residents turn to heat pumps to heat their homes efficiently and affordably, the Government of Canada, Fortis BC and BC Hydro have collaborated to establish the CleanBC Better Homes rebate program.

The initiative started in 2017 to “reward” British Columbia residents for their energy efficiency efforts. Residents also get a reliable, unbiased, centralized phone and online energy efficiency resources.

To qualify for CleanBC Better Homes rebates, you must partner with a Program Registered contractor like Coastal Heat Pumps.

You stand to gain the following rebates when switching to an eligible heat pump system:

Switching from Fossil Fuel (Natural gas or oil): You may be eligible to receive $6,000
Switching from Electric Baseboards you may qualify for $1,000
Installing or replacing existing ductwork- You may qualify for $2,000
Electrical service upgrade- $500 rebate available

CleanBC Income Qualified Program

The Province of British Columbia funds the CleanBC Income Qualified Program.

Depending on your household earnings, this remarkable program provides improved rebates that significantly lower energy-saving home upgrade costs. As a result, the program helps you cut your monthly energy expenses and limit greenhouse emissions.

You may be eligible for enhanced rebates covering 60%-95% of your home improvement costs, reaching up to $9,500. In addition, the program offers free energy coaching, multi-lingual support, and virtual support.

To qualify for the program, you must be a British Columbia resident residing in an eligible home. Furthermore, you must meet the income qualification thresholds and hold residential utility accounts with FortisBC or BC Hydro, or a municipal utility.

The Income Qualified Program Registered Contractor should submit your application and supporting documents within six months of the invoice date. Moreover, product eligibility for this program varies by upgrade. You must use an Income Qualified Program Registered Contractor to access this program.

Greener Homes

The Greener Homes Grant initiative seeks to help you make your residence more comfortable and energy efficient. As a result, you can cut costs and play your part in fighting climate change.

Greener Homes Grant:

The program provides grants options for retrofits and EnerGuide evaluations. You can receive between $$2500-$5,000 on eligible equipment. In addition, the program offers up to $600 as a contribution towards the pre/post retrofit in-home evaluation.

Greener Homes Loan:

This program offers an interest-free loan of up to $40,000. The repayment term for the loan is ten years.

Financeit

Coastal Heat Pumps has partnered with Financeit, a low-interest financing program which is another reliable way to finance your heat pump. The initiative offers loans with no upfront fees competitive interest rates to help you acquire the energy-saving heat pump you’ve dreamed of.

The program also schedules flexible payment plans, where you can complete multiple payments without additional fees. In fact, some homeowners report using their heating bill savings to pay their loan payment.

You can also pay off your loan without penalties, therefore some customers get a Financeit loan to pay for their heat pump and pay it off with the rebate or grant if approved. Financeit offers amortization periods of up to 180 months.

Partner With Your Local Certified Heat Pump Expert

A heat pump offers numerous benefits to your home and can significantly lower your energy costs. Thus, it makes sense to leverage any of the above programs to off-set the investment cost of a heat pump. However, your choice of contractor can determine your eligibility for the programs, and you cannot afford to get it wrong. Fortunately, you’re on the right site.

Coastal Heat Pumps is your residential heat pump installation, maintenance, and repair expert. As a certified program registered contractor, you can count on us for quality installation with up to a 12-year warranty. With extensive cost savings, energy efficiency grants and rebates, and the ability to finance your heat pump there is no better time to switch. Book your no-obligation in-home estimate today.