Upgrading your windows and doors can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and noise insulation. The CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program offers rebates of up to $9,500 to eligible B.C. homeowners replacing old windows and exterior doors with energy-efficient alternatives. You can receive up to $950 per window or door, making this an excellent opportunity to enhance your home while saving money.
By installing energy-efficient windows and doors, you can reduce heat loss in the winter and minimize heat gain in the summer, leading to lower energy bills. High-performance windows help maintain indoor temperatures, reducing the strain on heating and cooling systems. Additionally, noise reduction and improved indoor air quality are added benefits of upgrading to better windows and doors.
Rebate Amount
Eligible homeowners can receive rebates based on their income level:
| Income Level | Coverage | Maximum Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 95% of eligible costs | Up to $9,500 per home ($950 per window/door) |
| Level 2 | 60% of eligible costs | Up to $9,500 per home ($950 per window/door) |
| Level 3 | Not eligible | N/A |
Note: This rebate cannot be combined with other provincial or utility offers for the same upgrade.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the rebate, applicants must meet these criteria:
- Be a resident of B.C. and own an eligible home.
- Have a residential utility account with BC Hydro, FortisBC, or a municipal utility.
- The home must be at least 12 months old and assessed at or under $1,230,000.
- Income level must be within the approved thresholds for Level 1 or 2.
- Windows and doors must have a U-factor of 1.22 (W/m2-K) or less.
- The upgrade must be completed by a program-registered contractor.
If you rent your home, your landlord must complete a consent form to accompany the application.
Additionally, homes must be primarily heated by one of the following:
- Electricity (baseboards, radiant floors, or forced-air furnace/boiler)
- Natural gas, propane, or oil
- Wood or other solid fuels
Homes with utility accounts under a strata corporation or landlord are not eligible for the rebate. Furthermore, skylights do not qualify under this program.
Deadlines
The application and all supporting documentation must be submitted within six (6) months of the invoice date by a registered contractor. Missing this deadline could result in a loss of eligibility for the rebate.
How to Apply
- Confirm Eligibility – Review the program’s eligibility requirements.
- Pre-Register – Complete the pre-registration process through the CleanBC Energy Savings Program portal.
- Choose a Registered Contractor – Select an approved contractor to complete the installation.
- Complete the Upgrade – Ensure all work is done per the program’s requirements.
- Application Submission – The contractor submits the rebate application and deducts the rebate from the final cost.
For additional information, visit https://www.betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/energy-savings-program-window-and-door-rebates.
Benefits of Upgrading Windows and Doors
Investing in energy-efficient windows and doors brings multiple benefits beyond just rebate savings:
- Lower Energy Bills – Reduce your heating and cooling costs throughout the year.
- Enhanced Home Comfort – Maintain a consistent indoor temperature by reducing drafts.
- Noise Reduction – Block out unwanted external noise, creating a quieter home environment.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality – Prevent condensation and mold growth with better insulation.
- Increased Home Value – Energy-efficient upgrades can boost the resale value of your home.
FAQs
- What if I don’t qualify for income-based rebates? – Other energy efficiency rebates may be available for standard homeowners.
- How does the rebate program count windows? – Each rough opening is considered one window or door for rebate purposes.
- What types of heating qualify? – Eligible homes must be primarily heated by electricity, natural gas, propane, oil, wood, or other solid fuels.
- Where do I start to improve my home’s efficiency? – Consider upgrading windows and doors to reduce drafts and heat loss.
If you’re considering upgrading your windows and doors, now is the perfect time to take advantage of CleanBC’s Energy Savings Program. The rebate incentives make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable while delivering long-term savings on your energy bills. Contact Window Seal West today to explore eligible products and installation options tailored to your needs.
