Looking to replace your drafty windows with new energy-efficient ones? There’s never been a better time to do it! Not only will you reap the rewards of lower energy bills and lessening your carbon footprint on the environment, but you’ll also be rewarded financially by the government of British Columbia. We’ve created the simple guide below to help you understand everything you need to know about B.C. government window rebates before investing in your home:
What are B.C. government window rebates?
With the Better Homes Rebate Program, those who install new energy-efficient windows and doors may be eligible to receive a rebate for their efforts. Unlike the previous rebate programs, where you had to install triple-pane varieties to qualify, the current program makes receiving a rebate much more achievable with basic glass upgrades.
What are the benefits of applying for window rebates?
In 2020, you can receive up to $2000 in rebates for installing energy-efficient windows and doors or up to $100 per window or door and up to 20 windows/doors per Tier.
Rebate Tiers
- Tier 1 windows/ doors: $50 per window/door (maximum $1,000). Just a note, tier 1 window and door rebates are not available in the City of Vancouver.
- Tier 2 windows/doors: $100 per window/door (maximum $2,000)
Your current windows or exterior doors must be replaced with program qualified products. Additionally, this upgrade will count towards an additional Two Upgrade Bonus or the Home Energy Improvement Bonus.
Who is eligible?
Make sure your property and your choice of new windows and doors are eligible for the rebate with the following guidelines:
- The invoice date for the installed windows and doors must be on or after January 01, 2020. If your invoice is dated before this date, see the “Other” section below for FAQs on what rebates are available to you.
- Your upgrades must be installed by a licensed contractor with a valid BC business license for the trade applicable to the installation work.
- You must have a residential utility account with FortisBC, BC Hydro, or a municipal utility.
- Your home must be primarily heated with:
- Natural Gas or piped propane supplied by FortisBC
- Natural Gas supplied by Pacific Northern Gas
- Electricity supplied by FortisBC, BC Hydro, or a municipal utility.
- Oil or propane not supplied by FortisBC
- Premises primarily heated by wood or other solid fuels are not eligible.
- You must live in an eligible home.
- The home must have a minimum of 12 months of consecutive utility billing history.
Is there a deadline or time limit for applying for the rebates?
Government funds for the window and door rebates are limited, so you’ll need to have your new window and/or door install completed and submit your rebate application before funds run out. Additionally, you’ll want to keep the following deadlines in mind:
- The application form for individual upgrades must be submitted within 6 months of the invoice date of the upgrade.
- The application form for the Two Upgrade Bonus must be submitted within 6 months of the second bonus-eligible upgrade. You must complete your second bonus-eligible upgrade within 18 months of the invoice date of the first bonus-eligible upgrade.
- The application form for the Home Energy Improvement Bonus and EnerGuide Home Evaluation Rebate must be submitted within 6 months of the date of your post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluation.
- You must complete your post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluation within 18 months of your pre-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluation.
Things you’ll need when applying for your rebate
- Assessment records & files, including your pre-upgrade assessment and recommended upgrades, and a detailed list of completed work.
- All original receipts and window product model numbers.
- Retailer invoices reflecting a detailed accounting of the number of windows installed, the window types, the window manufacturers, and the date of the installation.
- Proof of 12 consecutive months of energy bills from your energy provider.
How do I apply for the window rebates?
- To apply for your rebate, click HERE – Remember, you have 6 months from the date of your invoice to apply for the rebates.
- For more information on the B.C. Window rebate, visit betterhomesbc.ca.
If you would like to learn more about EuroLine Windows energy efficient products message our high-performance window team or give us a call at 1-800-337-8604.
