Rebates and Incentives for your Home
The information on this page is only applicable to homeowners who had their pre-retrofit home energy assessment performed prior to August 16, 2009
All homeowners who entered the LiveSmart program by having their pre-retrofit home energy assessment performed prior to end of business on August 15, 2009, and who complete their post-retrofit home energy assessment before March 2011, or 18 months after they had their first home energy assessment, will be will be eligible for the rebates and incentives outlined on this page.
- Appliances &
Other Products - Space
Heating - Water
Heating - Home
Insulation - Windows, Doors
& Air Tightness - Renewable
Energy - Tips & Rebates
from our Partners - 4 Steps to
LiveSmart
PST Exempt Products For Your Home
A number of ENERGY STAR home appliances and other products are eligible for PST rebates at the point of sale:
- ENERGY STAR Qualified Windows, Doors and Skylights
- Energy Efficient Residential Furnaces, Boilers and Heat Pumps
- Energy Efficient Residental Gas-Fired Water Heaters
- ENERGY STAR Qualified Refrigerators, Freezers and Clothes Washers
For more specific information and a complete list of eligible products, click here.
ENERGY STAR Qualified Windows, Doors and Skylights
Until March 31, 2011, pre‐manufactured windows, doors (including side panels) and skylights that are listed as being ENERGY STAR® Qualified by the Office of Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources Canada, are exempt from tax. The exemption applies to all hardware, including hinges, frames and locks, that form part of the pre‐manufactured window, door or skylight at the time of the sale. Some models may include side panels listed as being ENERGY STAR® Qualified. The exemption applies to these as well. For a list of ENERGY STAR® Qualified Windows, click here.
Energy Efficient Residential Furnaces, Boilers and Heat Pumps
From February 16, 2005 to March 31, 2011, inclusive, qualifying energy efficient residential furnaces, boilers and heat pumps are eligible for an exemption from PST if purchased or leased for residential purposes. "Residential purposes" means installed in a residential dwelling. Residential dwellings include single family homes and multiple family dwellings, such as apartment buildings and extended care facilities.
Oil‐fired forced air furnaces, boilers, and air‐ or ground‐source heat pumps are eligible for exemption if they are listed as being ENERGY STAR® Qualified by the Office of Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources Canada, at the time of purchase or lease.
Energy Efficient Residental Gas-Fired Water
From February 20, 2008 to March 31, 2011, inclusive, qualifying gas‐fired water heaters are exempt from PST when purchased or leased for residential purposes. Gas‐fired water heaters are eligible for an exemption if they have an energy factor of 0.80 or greater. This includes qualifying gas‐fired storage water heaters and gas‐fired instantaneous water heaters. For a list of brand names and model numbers of qualifying gas‐fired water heaters, click here.
ENERGY STAR Qualified Refrigerators, Freezers and Clothes Washers
From February 20, 2008 to March 31, 2010, inclusive, qualifying energy efficient refrigerators, freezers and clothes washers designed for residential use are exempt from PST. Residential refrigerators, freezers and clothes washers (including integrated clothes washer‐dryer units) qualify for exemption if they are listed as being ENERGY STAR® Qualified by the Office of Energy Efficiency, Natural Resources Canada, at the time of purchase or lease.
The LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive Program can help you save money on space heating, save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. View the 4 Steps to LiveSmart.
Once you have a home energy assessment done, you will be eligible for the incentives for your zone as well as any applicable federal incentives.
|
PRIMARY SPACE HEATING - Maximum of one incentive for Primary Space Heating4 |
Interior and Northern Rebate2 |
South Coastal Rebate2 |
Federal Rebate up to3 |
|
|
Gas Furnace 5 Replacement |
ENERGY STAR® 95% AFUE or better with DC variable speed motor |
$1130 |
$770 |
$790 |
|
ENERGY STAR 92% AFUE or better with DC variable speed motor |
$860 |
$580 |
$625 |
|
|
Oil Furnace Replacement PST Free |
ENERGY STAR 90% AFUE or better |
$1020 |
$520 |
$375 |
|
ENERGY STAR 85% AFUE or better with DC variable speed motor |
$490 |
$330 |
$625 |
|
|
Oil or Gas Boiler 5 Replacement PST Free |
ENERGY STAR condensing gas 90% AFUE or better or oil 87% AFUE or better |
$1120 |
$730 |
$750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Air Source Heat Pump 5,6 Installation PST Free |
ENERGY STAR central system, with either a DC variable speed air handler or an ENERGY STAR furnace with DC variable speed motor |
$1450 |
$1420 |
$500 |
|
ENERGY STAR central system added to an existing furnace (with or without a variable speed motor) or an existing indoor air handling unit (with or without a variable speed motor) or qualifying ductless mini-splits |
$1070 |
$1060 |
$500 |
|
|
Ground or Water Source Heat Pump 7 PST Free |
CAN/CSA C448 compliant, new ground source heat pump installation that is certified by the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition |
$1250 |
$1250 |
$4375 |
|
CAN/CSA C448 compliant, ground source heat pump replacement that is certified by the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition |
$1000 |
$1000 |
$1750 |
|
| Integrated Mechanical System Installation Replaces Existing Space and Water Heating |
With an overall thermal performance factor of 0.90 or higher. The system must be compliant with the CSA P.10-07 standard and meet or exceed the standard’s premium performance requirements |
$1440 |
$1170 |
$1625 |
| Solid-Fuel Fired Outdoor Boiler Replacement |
Compliant with CAN/CSA-B415.1 or the U.S. EPA Outdoor Wood-fired Hydronic Heater (OWHH Method 28) Program, Phase 1. The capacity of the new boiler must be equal to or smaller than the capacity of the boiler being replaced |
$375 |
$375 |
$375 |
| Zero Clearance Furnace Replacement |
ENERGY STAR zero-clearance gas furnace that has a 90% AFUE or higher. Only available for mobile homes 8 |
$280 |
$250 |
$375 |
|
OTHER SPACE HEATING |
Interior and Northern Rebate2 |
South Coastal Rebate2 |
Federal Rebate up to3 |
|
| Heat Recovery Ventilator Installation |
HVI certified and a house air tightness of 3 ach@50Pa in Interior and Rural or 4.5 ach @50Pa in South Coastal |
$500 |
$500 |
$375 |
| Gas Fireplace Replacement |
EnerChoice designated, including free-standing stoves, fireplaces or inserts For a searchable database of qualifying EnerChoice fireplaces, visit www.EnerChoice.org and click on “Find EnerChoice Products” |
$120/unit |
$120/unit |
$0 |
| Wood Stove (or Pellet Stove) Replacement |
Meets either US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wood-burning appliance standards (40 CFR Part 60) or CSA-B415-1-M92 *Provincial rebate may be provided through your local government. |
* |
* |
$375 |
| Electronic Thermostat Installation |
Replace a minimum of five thermostats for electric baseboards with electronic thermostats |
$30/5 |
$30/5 |
$40/5 |
Important Notes on Eligible Improvements:
- Equipment Replacement
To be eligible for incentives, the new equipment must have a higher efficiency than that of the original equipment. - Interior and Northern/South Coastal
Interior and Northern covers most of British Columbia. South Coastal is comprised of the following: District of Squamish Municipality and Regional Districts: Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Sunshine Coast, Powell River, Comox Valley, Strathcona, Alberni- Clayoquot, Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley, and Capital Regional District. - Federal Rebate
Requirements for eligibility for federal rebates may differ from the requirements listed in this document. For complete information on ecoENERGY grant requirements go to www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca, call 1-800-622-6232 or consult with your energy advisor. - Space Heating
If more than one "Primary Space Heating" measure is installed, the participant will be awarded one incentive for the highest LiveSmart BC Program amount for which they are eligible. No LiveSmart BC Program incentive will be provided for a second "Primary Space Heating" measure. Participants will continue to qualify, if eligible, for "Other Space Heating" incentives detailed in this brochure, e.g. wood stoves and gas fireplaces. - Gas Furnace or Boiler
A portion of the gas furnace, gas boiler and air source heat pump incentive may be provided by our utility partners. The incentive can only be claimed once, either from LiveSmart BC or through our utility partners. Homeowners who have received an incentive for these upgrades through their utility companies will have their LiveSmart BC incentive amount reduced by the amount received from the utility. - Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP)
A Livesmart BC ASHP grant will only be provided for models that qualify for a federal rebate. For details on qualifying air source heat pumps, refer to the federal brochure or talk to your energy advisor. - Ground Source Heat Pump
To qualify for PST exemptions , ground source heat pumps must be ENERGY STAR qualified for Canada. - Mobile Homes
Mobile homes are eligible if they are situated on a permanent foundation and if the property tax roll number is in the name of the homeowner.
Where a federal ecoENERGY incentive grant is indicated, eligibility for LiveSmart BC Incentives requires meeting federal requirements. For complete information on ecoENERGY grants, go to www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca or call 1-800-622-6232.
For complete details on the LiveSmart BC Incentive criteria, talk to your Energy Advisor. The incentives and grants are subject to revision, and will be paid in accordance with the terms and conditions in place at the time of the homeowner’s second energy assessment.
PST exemptions are subject to revision and are subject to the governing legislation and regulations.
The LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive Program can help you save money on water heating, save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. View the 4 Steps to LiveSmart.
Once you have a home energy assessment done, you will be eligible for the incentives for your zone as well as any applicable federal incentives.
|
WATER HEATING - Maximum of one incentive for Gas or Electric Water Heater 9 |
Interior and Northern Rebate2 |
South Coastal Rebate2 |
Federal Rebate up to3 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gas Water Heater Replacement PST Free |
ENERGY STAR instantaneous condensing type with an Energy Factor of 0.90 |
$310 |
$310 |
$375 |
|
ENERGY STAR with an Energy Factor of 0.82 |
$220 |
$220 |
$315 |
|
|
Condensing gas storage type that has a Thermal Efficiency of 94% |
$220 |
$220 |
$375 |
|
| Electric Heat Pump Water Heater Installation |
Electric heat pump water heater with an Energy Factor of 2.0 or greater |
$130 |
$130 |
$0 |
|
Solar Water Heater Installation PST Free |
CAN/CSA compliant (Solar BC). *In addition to LiveSmart BC and federal incentives, a $1000 incentive is available. See http://www.solarbc.ca |
$125* |
$125* |
$1250 |
|
Drain Water Heat Recovery Installation |
With efficiency greater than 42% | $80 | $80 | $165 |
Important Notes on Eligible Improvements:
1. Equipment Replacement
To be eligible for incentives, the new equipment must have a higher efficiency than that of the original equipment.
2. Interior and Northern/South Coastal
Interior and Northern covers most of British Columbia. South Coastal is comprised of the following: District of Squamish Municipality and Regional Districts: Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Sunshine Coast, Powell River, Comox Valley, Strathcona, Alberni- Clayoquot, Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley, and Capital Regional District.
3. Federal Rebate
Requirements for eligibility for federal rebates may differ from the requirements listed in this document. For complete information on ecoENERGY grant requirements go to www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca, call 1-800-622-6232 or consult with your energy advisor.
9. Water Heating
In addition to Water Heater incentive, participants are eligible for a Drain Water Heat Recovery and Solar Water Heater incentives.
Where a federal ecoENERGY incentive grant is indicated, eligibility for LiveSmart BC Incentives requires meeting federal requirements. For complete information on ecoENERGY grants, go to www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca or call 1-800-622-6232.
For complete details on the LiveSmart BC Incentive criteria, talk to your Energy Advisor. The incentives and grants are subject to revision, and will be paid in accordance with the terms and conditions in place at the time of the homeowner’s second energy assessment.
PST exemptions are subject to revision and are subject to the governing legislation and regulations.
The LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive Program can help you save money on insulation, save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. View the 4 Steps to LiveSmart.
Once you have a home energy assessment done, you will be eligible for the incentives for your zone as well as any applicable federal incentives.
|
ATTIC INSULATION - 100% coverage of component required 10 |
Interior and Northern Rebate2 |
South Coastal Rebate2 |
Federal Rebate up to3 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Increase Attic Insulation PST Free |
Existing insulation R-12 or less. Upgrade to achieve a minimum of R-50 | $310 | $190 | $750 |
| Existing insulation R-12 or less. Upgrade to achieve a minimum of R-40 | $220 | $140 | $500 | |
| Existing insulation R-13 − R-25. Upgrade to achieve a minimum of R-50 | $110 | $70 | $375 | |
| Existing insulation R-13 − R-25. Upgrade to achieve a minimum of R-40 | $70 | $50 | $250 | |
|
Increase Cathedral or Flat Roof Insulation PST Free |
Existing insulation 0. Upgrade to achieve a minimum of R-14 | $590 | $420 | $500 |
| Existing insulation R-1 − R-12. Upgrade to achieve a minimum of R-28 | $150 | $90 | $750 | |
| Existing insulation R-13 − R-35. Upgrade to achieve a minimum of R-50 | $50 | $50 | $0 | |
|
EXTERIOR WALL INSULATION |
Interior and Northern Rebate2 |
South Coastal Rebate2 |
Federal Rebate up to3 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Increase Exterior Wall Insulation PST Free |
Add at least R-9 for 100% of building to achieve a minimum of R-12 | $400 | $400 | $1875 |
| Add at least R-9 for 80%+ of building to achieve a minimum of R-12 | $230 | $230 | $1500 | |
| Add at least R-9 for 60%+ of building to achieve a minimum of R-12 | $160 | $160 | $1125 | |
| Add at least R-3.8 for 100% of building to achieve a minimum of R-12 | $140 | $140 | $1125 | |
| Add at least R-3.8 for 80%+ of building to achieve a minimum of R-12 | $100 | $100 | $900 | |
|
BASEMENT INSULATION - Requires consideration of basement moisture levels as part of the audit 11 |
Interior and Northern Rebate2 |
South Coastal Rebate2 |
Federal Rebate up to3 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Increase Basement Insulation (full indoor height) PST Free |
Add at least R-23 for 100% of surface area | $500 | $400 | $1250 |
| Add at least R-23 for 80% of surface area | $390 | $300 | $1000 | |
| Add at least R-23 for 60% of surface area | $190 | $140 | $750 | |
| Add at least R-10 for 100% of surface area to achieve R-12 | $310 | $230 | $625 | |
| Add at least R-10 for 80% of surface area to achieve R-12 | $220 | $150 | $500 | |
| Add at least R-10 for 60% of surface area to achieve R-12 | $170 | $120 | $375 | |
|
OTHER INSULATION - 100% coverage required 11 |
Interior and Northern Rebate2 |
South Coastal Rebate2 |
Federal Rebate up to3 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Basement header |
Add at least R-20 | $60 | $50 | $125 |
|
Crawl space wall (can qualify for only this rebate or Floor Above Crawl Space Rebate) |
Add at least R-23 | $520 | $320 | $1000 |
| Add at least R-10 | $100 | $100 | $500 | |
|
Floor Above Crawl Space |
Add at least R-24 | $520 | $320 | $250 |
|
Exposed Floor |
Add at least R-20 (150 sq ft minimum) | $230 | $150 | $190 |
|
PST Free, for all |
||||
Important Notes on Eligible Improvements:
1. Equipment Replacement
To be eligible for incentives, the new equipment must have a higher efficiency than that of the original equipment.
2. Interior and Northern/South Coastal
Interior and Northern covers most of British Columbia. South Coastal is comprised of the following: District of Squamish Municipality and Regional Districts: Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Sunshine Coast, Powell River, Comox Valley, Strathcona, Alberni- Clayoquot, Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley, and Capital Regional District.
3. Federal Rebate
Requirements for eligibility for federal rebates may differ from the requirements listed in this document. For complete information on ecoENERGY grant requirements go to www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca, call 1-800-622-6232 or consult with your energy advisor.
10. Attic Insulation
When more than one attic type is present, all applicable incentives are pro-rated based on the total area that is insulated. 100% coverage must still be achieved.
11. Basement/Other Insulation
When both a basement and crawl space are present, all applicable grants are pro-rated based on the total wall area that is insulated.
Where a federal ecoENERGY incentive grant is indicated, eligibility for LiveSmart BC Incentives requires meeting federal requirements. For complete information on ecoENERGY grants, go to www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca or call 1-800-622-6232.
For complete details on the LiveSmart BC Incentive criteria, talk to your Energy Advisor. The incentives and grants are subject to revision, and will be paid in accordance with the terms and conditions in place at the time of the homeowner’s second energy assessment.
PST exemptions are subject to revision and are subject to the governing legislation and regulations.
The LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive Program can help you save money on windows, doors and draft proofing, while also saving energy and reducing your carbon footprint. View the 4 Steps to LiveSmart.
Once you have a home energy assessment done, you will be eligible for the incentives for your zone as well as any applicable federal incentives.
|
WINDOWS, DOORS AND SKYLIGHTS (Heated Space Only) 12 |
Interior and Northern Rebate2 |
South Coastal Rebate2 |
Federal Rebate up to3 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Energy Star Windows, Doors and Skylights Replacement PST Free |
Rated one Energnergy Star zone better | $40 each | $30 each | $40 each |
| For your ENERGY STAR zone | $30 each | $20 each | $40 each | |
|
AIR TIGHTNESS AND DRAFT PROOFING 13 |
Interior and Northern Rebate2 |
South Coastal Rebate2 |
Federal Rebate up to3 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Perform Air Sealing of the Home to achieve PST Free |
Base Target + 20% | $280 | $250 | $430 |
| Base Target + 10% | $175 | $150 | $310 | |
| Base Target | $125 | $100 | $190 | |
Important Notes on Eligible Improvements:
1. Equipment Replacement
To be eligible for incentives, the new equipment must have a higher efficiency than that of the original equipment.
2. Interior and Northern/South Coastal
Interior and Northern covers most of British Columbia. South Coastal is comprised of the following: District of Squamish Municipality and Regional Districts: Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Sunshine Coast, Powell River, Comox Valley, Strathcona, Alberni- Clayoquot, Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley, and Capital Regional District.
3. Federal Rebate
Requirements for eligibility for federal rebates may differ from the requirements listed in this document. For complete information on ecoENERGY grant requirements go to www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca, call 1-800-622-6232 or consult with your energy advisor.
12. Windows, Doors and Skylights
Grants for windows, doors and skylights are based on the number of rough openings (RO) in which windows or skylights were replaced between the pre- and post-retrofit evaluations. Each RO is counted as one window, door or skylight. A bay window, which may be made up of several windows, is regarded as one RO.
13. Air Tightness and Draft Proofing
Materials used in air tightness and draft proofing are PST exempt if they are designed primarily to prevent heat loss from a building.
Where a federal ecoENERGY incentive grant is indicated, eligibility for LiveSmart BC Incentives requires meeting federal requirements. For complete information on ecoENERGY grants, go to www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca or call 1-800-622-6232.
For complete details on the LiveSmart BC Incentive criteria, talk to your Energy Advisor. The incentives and grants are subject to revision, and will be paid in accordance with the terms and conditions in place at the time of the homeowner’s second energy assessment.
PST exemptions are subject to revision and are subject to the governing legislation and regulations.
The LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive Program can help you save money on renewable electricity generation and reduce your carbon footprint. View the 4 Steps to LiveSmart.
Once you have a home energy assessment done, you will be eligible for the incentives for your zone as well as any applicable federal incentives.
|
RENEWABLE POWER GENERATION - A maximum of $1300 for any combination of new equipment |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through net metering, generate power via: | Photovoltaic | Wind | Micro-hydro | Fuel Cell | Interior and Northern Rebate2 | South Coastal Rebate2 | Federal Rebate up to3 |
|
PST Free |
per 1 kw | per 0.6 kw | per 0.4 kw | per 0.25 kw | $260 | $260 | $0 |
Important Notes on Eligible Improvements:
- Equipment Replacement
To be eligible for incentives, the new equipment must have a higher efficiency than that of the original equipment. - Interior and Northern/South Coastal
Interior and Northern covers most of British Columbia. South Coastal is comprised of the following: District of Squamish Municipality and Regional Districts: Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Sunshine Coast, Powell River, Comox Valley, Strathcona, Alberni- Clayoquot, Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley, and Capital Regional District. - Federal Rebate
Requirements for eligibility for federal rebates may differ from the requirements listed in this document. For complete information on ecoENERGY grant requirements go to www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca, call 1-800-622-6232 or consult with your energy advisor.
Where a federal ecoENERGY incentive grant is indicated, eligibility for LiveSmart BC Incentives requires meeting federal requirements. For complete information on ecoENERGY grants, go to www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca or call 1-800-622-6232.
For complete details on the LiveSmart BC Incentive criteria, talk to your Energy Advisor. The incentives and grants are subject to revision, and will be paid in accordance with the terms and conditions in place at the time of the homeowner’s second energy assessment.
PST exemptions are subject to revision and are subject to the governing legislation and regulations.
BC Hydro - Power Smart
FortisBC - PowerSense your home
Terasen Gas - Regional offers, including ENERGY STAR rebates
Capital Regional District - Water Efficient Rebate Programs
Natural Resources Canada - Resources for energy-efficient homes and appliances
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation - Mortgage Loan Insurance
CIBC - ENVIRO-SAVER Mortgage
Northern Savings Credit Union - Smart Home Energy Loan
Royal Bank of Canada - Your Guide to Growing an Energy Efficient Home
TD Canada Trust - Green Mortgage and the Green Home Equity Line of Credit
Vancity - Environmental borrowing options
BCAA - Insurance Goes Green
The LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive Program can help you save money, save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. Here's how it works:
Step One: Before you start any renovations contact a Certified Energy Advisor who will perform an energy assessment of your home.
Step Two: The energy advisor will provide you with a report showing the best ways to reduce your energy use. The advisor will also give your home an EnerGuide for Houses rating.
Step Three: Make energy efficiency improvements to your home and book a second assessment within 18 months of the first assessment.
Step Four: The energy advisor will submit your application giving you access to LiveSmart, utility partner and ecoENERGY incentives.14 Your home will also receive an upgraded EnerGuide for Houses rating.
Please note: Specific requirements must be met in order to be eligible for incentives.
Be a LiveSmart Champion!
Receive an extra bonus for increasing your home’s overall EnerGuide rating.15 In addition to the incentives listed inside, if you undertake at least two eligible improvements and increase your home’s overall EnerGuide rating, as outlined below, you can be eligible for the following incentives:
Increase your rating by 40 points and receive $1000 in Rural and Northern areas or $700 in South Coastal areas. (must achieve a minimum post retrofit rating of 60)
Increase your rating by 20 points and receive $500 in Rural and Northern areas or $400 in South Coastal areas. (must achieve a minimum post retrofit rating of 50)
Important Notes on Eligible Improvements:
14. Second Application Eligibility
Incentives are calculated based on upgrades undertaken for each incentive application. When calculating incentives for a second incentive application, upgrades submitted for the first application will not be considered. Participants entering the program for a second incentive application will receive incentives in place at the time of the final or “F” evaluation.
15. Champion Bonus
Participants are eligible for a single LiveSmart Champion bonus per eligible property over the life of the program.
