Upgrading to a tankless water heater is one of the smarter home efficiency moves you can make - but the rebate picture in BC has changed considerably since 2025, and a lot of the information circulating online no longer reflects what's actually available.
This guide covers the programs that exist right now, who they're for, and what you can realistically expect to receive. If you'd like to know what applies to your specific home, our team at Eco Pro can walk you through it at no cost.
Before getting into the rebates, it's worth understanding why the upgrade makes sense in the first place.
A tankless water heater heats water on demand rather than maintaining a stored tank at temperature around the clock. The practical benefits for BC homeowners include:
For homes in North Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, where heating costs are a year-round consideration, the efficiency gains add up meaningfully over time.
The rebate landscape for water heaters in BC has shifted. Here's what's actually available in 2026.
FortisBC offers a rebate of up to $1,000 when you replace a standard electric storage tank water heater with a high-efficiency electric heat pump water heater model.
A few important points:
Income-qualified customers who upgrade their electric water heating system to an electric heat pump water heater may be eligible for a $2,500 rebate. To qualify, your current water heater must be a standard electric storage tank.
This program has the same system requirements as the standard rebate, with additional household income thresholds that must be met. Proof of income is required at application.
If you already have a tankless water heater and want to keep it running efficiently, FortisBC offers a maintenance rebate. You can receive up to $150 across eligible appliances - including a tankless water heater, a furnace or boiler, and up to two fireplaces - when serviced by a licensed gas contractor. The application must be submitted within 60 days of the service date.
The tankless portion of this rebate is $50. It's not a purchase incentive, but it's a straightforward way to offset the cost of the annual service your unit needs anyway.
If you're switching your home to natural gas for the first time, there's a separate water heater add-on available as part of FortisBC's Connect to Gas program. New FortisBC gas customers in existing homes may qualify for rebates when connecting to gas for space and water heating, including a $1,000 bonus rebate for customers who pre-qualify before December 31, 2026, with installation completed before March 31, 2027.
This program is specifically for homes making a first-time gas connection and is not available to existing gas customers.
For homeowners switching away from fossil fuel heating systems, CleanBC Better Homes offers additional incentives that can complement FortisBC programs. The amounts vary depending on your current system and what you're installing. Checking the CleanBC Better Homes website directly is the most reliable way to confirm current figures, as these programs update regularly.
The main FortisBC rebate currently available for water heater upgrades is the heat pump water heater rebate. To qualify:
If you're an existing natural gas customer looking to replace a gas tankless or storage unit with another gas unit, there is currently no general residential rebate available for that swap through FortisBC.
The process is straightforward once you know which program applies to you:
Confirm program amounts directly with FortisBC. Rebate figures and eligibility rules change, and articles online - including this one - may not always reflect the most current terms. Check fortisbc.com before making any purchasing decisions based on rebate amounts.
Make sure the product is on the eligible list. Not every heat pump water heater qualifies. FortisBC maintains a list of approved models - confirm your chosen unit is on it before purchasing.
Use a licensed contractor. Most programs require installation by a Technical Safety BC licensed contractor. DIY installs are not eligible.
Check whether CleanBC applies too. If you're switching from a gas or other fossil fuel system, CleanBC Better Homes programs may apply in addition to FortisBC incentives. A qualified contractor familiar with both programs can help you identify everything you're eligible for.
At Eco Pro Heating & Cooling, our certified technicians handle water heater installation across North Vancouver and the greater Lower Mainland. We're members of the Home Performance Contractor Network, carry out installations to Technical Safety BC standards, and can help confirm which programs apply to your home before any work begins.
We offer free quotes, upfront pricing with no hidden fees, and a 3-year in-house warranty on parts and labour. Get in touch and we'll take it from there.
Is there a rebate for replacing a gas tankless water heater with a new gas tankless unit?
Not through FortisBC's current residential programs. The main water heater rebate available to existing residential customers is for switching from a standard electric storage tank to a heat pump water heater. If you're a new gas customer, the Connect to Gas program has a water heater add-on worth looking into.
How much is the FortisBC heat pump water heater rebate?
Up to $1,000 for standard residential customers. Income-qualified customers may be eligible for up to $2,500 for the same upgrade.
Do I need a special contractor to qualify for the rebate?
Yes. Installations must be carried out by a Technical Safety BC licensed contractor. Your contractor should be able to confirm they meet the program requirements before you commit.
Can I combine FortisBC rebates with CleanBC incentives?
In some cases, yes - particularly if you're switching from a fossil fuel system. Each program has its own rules, so confirming eligibility for each separately is important.
How long do I have to apply after installation?
For the heat pump water heater rebate, applications must be submitted within 6 months of the invoice date.
Does Eco Pro handle the rebate application?
We help ensure your installation qualifies and can guide you through what's needed for your application. Our team stays current on available programs and can flag what applies to your home at the time of installation.
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