FortisBC Dual-Fuel Rebates: A Complete Guide by Vernon Air

AS OF DEC 18, 2025. FORTIS BC DUAL FUEL REBATES ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE

As the General Manager of our company—and a certified HVAC technician approved by the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN)—I’m often asked about ways to improve home comfort, reduce energy costs, and lessen environmental impact. One solution that has generated a lot of interest lately involves taking advantage of FortisBC’s generous rebates when upgrading to a dual fuel heating and cooling system.

If you’re not yet familiar with what a dual fuel system is or how it differs from a standard furnace and air conditioner, don’t worry—I’ve covered that in detail in a separate blog article all about dual fuel systems. Similarly, if you’d like a clear breakdown of their advantages and disadvantages, you can check out our dedicated blog post on the pros and cons of dual fuel systems.

In this article, I’ll focus specifically on how the FortisBC rebate program works, what’s required to qualify, and what to expect in terms of costs. I’ll also explain how longer run cycles—although counterintuitive—actually boost efficiency, and share how we can help you finance the upgrade. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of the rebate process and what it takes to maximize both your comfort and your savings.

How Longer Run Cycles Improve Efficiency

One aspect of dual fuel systems that can feel surprising is that they tend to run longer at lower capacities. Although it might seem like running longer would increase energy use, it actually helps you save. Think of it like driving your car on cruise control at a moderate speed rather than flooring the gas pedal, then slamming on the brakes. Maintaining a steady pace uses less fuel overall. With heating and cooling, avoiding frequent starts and stops is more efficient and keeps your home’s temperature more consistent.

The dual fuel system’s logic includes a defined “balance point,” typically around 2°C or lower to meet the FortisBC rebate requirements. Below this outdoor temperature, the natural gas furnace steps in to help or take over from the heat pump. Above it, the heat pump handles the load efficiently, running at lower speeds for longer stretches and steadily maintaining comfort without wasting energy.

FortisBC Dual Fuel Rebate Requirements

FortisBC’s rebate program is designed to encourage homeowners to upgrade to more energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. While the specifics can change over time, here are the main points to know right now:

1. Approved Equipment:

• The heat pump must be listed on the CleanBC heat pump lookup website as an approved system.
• Both the furnace and heat pump must meet AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute) certification and efficiency standards.

2. Certified Installation:

• The installation must be performed by an HPCN (Home Performance Contractor Network)-certified contractor (like us).
• TECA sizing guidelines must be followed to ensure your system matches your home’s requirements perfectly.

3. Rebate Amounts:

• If you have a 10+ year-old furnace and a FortisBC natural gas account, you may qualify for a $10,000 rebate.
• Income-qualified households can receive up to a $15,000 rebate.

4. Income Qualifications for $15,000 Rebate:

FortisBC sets certain income thresholds for the higher rebate. For example, if you’re a single-person household making less than $48,900 per year, you could qualify for the $15,000 rebate. For a family of four, the threshold is $90,800. (Check FortisBC’s website for the current numbers.)

5. Funding and Deadlines:

FortisBC intends to fund this rebate program until the end of 2027. However, keep in mind that funding is limited and can run out sooner, which may affect rebate availability or amounts. It’s best to act sooner rather than later and always double-check the latest details on the FortisBC or CleanBC websites, or reach out to us for the most current information.

Cost Expectations After Rebates

While a dual fuel system often costs more upfront than a standard furnace and AC setup, FortisBC’s rebates dramatically change the equation. After applying the $10,000 rebate, most of our customers spend about $5,000 to $7,000 out-of-pocket—significantly less than what you’d typically pay for a conventional system. If you qualify for the $15,000 rebate, your out-of-pocket cost drops even further, making it an exceptionally good deal.

Recommended Brands

As an HPCN-certified technician and General Manager, I’ve worked with many HVAC brands over the years. We typically recommend Amana (manufactured by Daikin) and Coleman (manufactured by JCI) because they consistently deliver the best blend of quality, price, and after-sales support. However, we can also source other reputable brands if you have a specific preference.

Financing Options: The Financeit Advantage

We understand that even reduced costs might feel like a lot upfront. That’s why we partner with Financeit, which often offers promotions like three months with no interest, no payments, and no penalties for early payback. Since FortisBC generally issues rebates within about 90 days, you can install now, enjoy immediate comfort and efficiency, and then apply your rebate to pay down your balance before any interest accrues.

Smart Thermostats and Additional Rebates

Adding a smart, Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat to your dual fuel system can help optimize efficiency even further by adjusting settings based on your lifestyle and preferences. FortisBC currently offers a $150 rebate for approved Wi-Fi thermostats, making it more affordable to enhance your system’s capabilities.

Common Questions About the Rebate Process

Final Thoughts

Upgrading to a dual fuel system under the FortisBC rebate program is an excellent way to boost home comfort, reduce energy consumption, and save money over time. By maintaining steady run cycles, setting the balance point at 2°C or lower, and taking advantage of available rebates and financing options, you’ll see that this investment makes sense—both financially and environmentally.

For more information on what a dual fuel system is and its pros and cons, please refer to our other blog articles. If you have any questions or would like to get started, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to guide you through the process from start to finish.