ARG ENERGY ADVISOR SERVICES
Find Rebates for Energy Efficiency Upgrades in BC
Homeowners who improve their home’s energy efficiency may be able to apply to provincial rebates for heat pumps, insulation, windows, and more.
For new homes, rebate options include dual-fuel heat pumps and an ongoing 25% off CMHC mortgage insurance with an energy evaluation.
What Rebates Are Available?
For renovation upgrades, BC currently offers two provincial rebate programs—one with income and home value caps, and one without restrictions. These programs are funded by utility companies and the province. Some municipalities also offer rebate supplements.
How ARG Energy Helps
Our energy evaluation reports include links to all applicable current rebates to help you plan your renovation.
Important: some rebates require an EnerGuide evaluation, and some require contractors registered with BC’s Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN). ARG Energy is a registered HPCN Energy Advisor, so we meet both requirements.
For New Home Builders
New home builder rebates include dual-fuel heat pump/furnaces, Integrated Design Process support, and a 25% rebate on mortgage insurance payments.
Our Process
The rebate process depends on whether you’re improving an existing home or building a new home. Choose your path below:
Existing Homes
For Homeowners Upgrading Existing Homes
Get a pre-upgrade EnerGuide evaluation conducted by a qualified energy advisor (like ARG Energy).
CSA-F280 heat loss calculations are important for mechanical system upgrades. This establishes your home’s current performance and EnerGuide rating.
Based on your assessment, we identify which improvements benefit your home the most.
Common Qualifying Improvements:
- Attic insulation upgrade to R-50+
- Air sealing throughout the home
- High-efficiency heat pump installation
- Heat pump water heater
- Window upgrades to high-performance models
- Wall insulation improvements
- Basement insulation and sealing
Planning comprehensive energy improvements? See our Deep Energy Retrofit service.
Determine which rebates are available for your desired upgrades and pre-qualify for programs if required. Get quotes from contractors who may need to be registered HPCN contractors to validate rebate requirements. There is an HPCN contractor lookup tool listing by municipality.
Hire contractors to complete the work.
After improvements are complete, we conduct a second EnerGuide evaluation to verify your upgrades and EnerGuide rating improvement levels.
We provide you with official documentation showing:
- Your home’s new EnerGuide rating
- Energy consumption reduction percentage
Submit rebate application documents for the selected programs including EnerGuide reports, approved contractor invoices, and other documents as required.
Get confirmation of submission receipt and current processing times.
New Home Builders
For Builders Constructing New Homes
Consultation before Pre-Construction Step Code plan is started to determine rebate options. Ensure timelines will work. Define an Integrated Design Process (IDP) quote if applicable.
Confirm chosen rebate targets and advise Energy Advisor of rebate program parameters. Ensure parameters are met in Pre-Construction Step Code building permit submission. Submit to rebate programs to register as required.
Mid-construction project review and blower door test to:
- Ensure rebate program availability and parameters still apply
- Ensure site work and building plans meet rebate program parameters
Ensure rebate requirements are met and submit documentation as applicable. An EnerGuide evaluation may be required.
Follow guidelines for 25% mortgage insurance rebate submission as required.
Making Sense of Home Energy Rebate Programs
Rebate programs are standardized, but every house is unique.
A key value of an EnerGuide evaluation is to define the energy-related components of your home using Canada’s national rating system. A key value of an experienced Energy Advisor is to analyze your home to categorize it to fit the rating system and rebate program standards.
Why a Professional Evaluation Matters
Example: A home may have two attics with different insulation baseline ratings. Each needs to be defined separately and will yield different rebate results depending on upgrade choices made and contractor execution.
This level of detail ensures you maximize rebates and don’t leave money on the table.
What ARG Energy Provides
- Pre-improvement EnerGuide evaluation
- Current performance assessment
- Improvement recommendations to reach threshold
- Cost-effectiveness analysis
- Post-improvement EnerGuide evaluation
- Official certification documentation
- CSA F280 heat loss calculations as required for heat pump rebates
Savings Example Scenarios
Scenario 1: Existing Home Upgrades
Project cost: $22,000 (less rebates $5900) = $16,100
Results: Much less energy used. Dramatic home comfort improvement
| Upgrade | Cost | Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Heat pump | $15,000 | $4000 |
| Attic insulation | $4000 | $900 |
| Crawl-space insulation | $3000 | $1000 |
| Bonus rebate for 3 upgrades | – | $2,000 |
| Total | $22,000 | $5900 |
Scenario 2: New Home Duel-Fuel Heat Pump
Results: Mechanical system cost: $10,000
| Upgrade | Cost | Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical system | $25,000 | $15,000 |
Scenario 3: Mortgage Insurance Rebate
Project cost: $22,000 (less rebates $5900) = $16,100
Results: Much less energy used. Dramatic home comfort improvement
| Home price | $1,000,000 |
| Down payment | 15% ($150,000) |
| Mortgage insurance premium | ~$21,250 |
| 25% Refund | $5,312 |
Why Choose ARG Energy
ARG Energy specializes in helping Greater Vancouver and Sunshine Coast homeowners navigate BC’s energy rebate programs. As NRCan Registered Energy Advisors and HPCN members, we provide the required EnerGuide evaluations and connect you with all applicable current rebates for your home improvements.
Clear Communication
Practical Solutions
Comprehensive Analysis
Ongoing Support
What Our Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for energy rebates?
Some programs have primary residence requirements, others support renters in collaboration with landlords. Check program details.
What if my home already has an EnerGuide rating?
We can review the reports and the state of the home to determine what updated evaluations may be needed.
How long do the improvements take?
It varies. Some improvements like attic insulation can be completed in days. Others like heat pump installation may take weeks. You negotiate the timeline with the contractor.
Can I combine rebates?
Often! One program offers bonus rebates for doing multiple upgrades.
Get Started Today
The first step is understanding where your home currently stands and what improvements would qualify for rebates.
