What Are the Rebates for Replacing Your Windows and Doors in BC
ByHarison Pyykko
July 12, 2021
Window and door replacement can cost you thousands of dollars. However, with federal and state tax incentives as well as different programs, you can upgrade your homes with beautiful energy-efficient doors and windows. This is often possible through rebates. The British Columbia program introduced the Better Homes Program to update the Home Renovation Rebate and Efficiency BC Programs. Below is everything you need to know about doors and window rebates BC has to offer.
Doors and Windows Replacement Rebates in British Columbia
Homeowners can receive up to $100 per door or window for replacing their existing door and window with program qualified products. This is as part of the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program.
If you are considering replacement doors and windows for your BC home, you may be able to leverage rebates and incentives to lower your cost significantly. With contemporary advanced energy-efficient technologies, you will be able to minimize your power usage and accordingly reduce your utility bills.
If you qualify for available incentives and rebates, you can reduce your cost and improve your return on investment. Installing the right doors and windows for your home is easy when our experienced door and window installation contractors help you.
Doors Rebate in BC
Upgrading your doors can help minimize heat loss from your home and save on energy bills. Available door rebates in BC include $100 per door for Tier 2 Windows, with a maximum of $2,000. You can also get an additional $50 top-ups in addition to the Tier 2 individual door rebate. You could be eligible for a door rebate of up to $3,000 in BC by installing a combination of Tier 2 doors and Tier 1 and Tier 2 windows.Windows Rebate in BC
Available rebates in BC include $50 per window, with a $1,000 maximum. Unfortunately, tier 1 window rebates are unavailable in the city of Vancouver. You can also get $100 per window for Tier 2 Windows. A few BC municipalities offer an additional $50 window and door top-ups.What You Need to Be Eligible for Window and Door Rebates in BC
To qualify for the door and window rebate, below are the requirements;- Your replacements must be installed by a BC business licensed contractor. The business license should be a trade applicable to the door and window installation project
- You need a residential utility account with BC Hydro, FortisBC, or a municipality utility
- The doors and windows must be replacing your current windows or doors in the building envelope. Unfortunately, skylights and windows installed in new rough openings do not qualify for the rebates.
- Your doors and windows must have a metric U-Factor for you to be eligible to receive Tier 1 and Tier 2 Rebates. For the Tier 1 windows, the new windows require a metric U-Factor between 1.23 and 1.40 (W/m2·K). For the Tier 2 Doors and Windows, new installations require a metric U-Factor of 1.22 (W/m2·K) or lower.
- To qualify for door rebates BC, your door should be found on Natural Resource Canada's Energy Star Certified door list. It should also be listed with one of the following certifications;
- National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC)
- QAI Laboratories (QAI)
- Labtest Certifications (LC)
- Intertek Canada
- Canadian Standard Association (CSA).
- To qualify for window rebates BC, your window should be listed with either of the following certification bodies;
- National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC)
- QAI Laboratories (QAI)
- Labtest Certifications (LC)
- Intertek Canada
- Canadian Standard Association (CSA).
- A photo of at least one label depicting one or more of NRCan reference number, manufacturer number/code, or a certified products directory (CPD) number. Additionally, it would be best if you had a certified mark from the certifying body.
Demystifying Door and Window Terminology
Below is an explanation of the technical terms to guarantee that the products you buy are rebate-eligible.- Metric Vs. Imperial. Rebate U-Factor requirements are listed in the metrics unit (W/m2-K). Multiply the number by 5.678 to change imperial U-Factors to metric U-Factors.
- U-Factor. It is also referred to as U-Value. It measures a door or window's resistance to heat flow. The lower the value, the better its insulating properties. U-Factor can be expressed in imperial or metric units.
- Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 windows have U-Factors between 1.40 and 1.23 (W/m2-K). On the other hand, Tier 2 doors and windows have the lowest U-Factor (1.22 W/m2-K or lower). The rebate for Tier 2 is higher since they are most efficient.
How to Apply for Window Rebates in BC
- The first step is to confirm your eligibility for the door and window rebates
- Buy the windows and have them installed by a licensed contractor in British Columbia for door and window installation
- Upon completing the installation project, apply online and upload supporting documentation, including copies of all invoices and receipts. For individual upgrades, the application must be submitted within six months of the invoice date of the replacement
Rebates Are Amazing. But What's The Catch?
Most homeowners are curious as to why they receive rebates to help them use less energy. Generally, rebates are part of a bigger plan, one aimed towards a lower carbon future. High-performance doors and windows offer a high level of energy efficiency. They improve your home comfort while minimizing your energy efficiency. Before you purchase the first window, you come across, keep in mind that not all doors and windows qualify for rebates. Seek professional help to discover the doors and windows eligible for rebates in BC.
