Top 6 Eligibility requirements for your Tankless water heater rebate in BC

What if we told you there’s a way to save up to ⅓ of your water heating bill each month? And no, we don’t mean saving money by having cold showers in the middle of the winter! 

Instead of purchasing a larger hot water tank or upgrading one, it may be worth considering your other options first.

Buying and installing an efficient water heater is becoming all the rave in BC. Do you know why? This is because if you are a resident of British Columbia, there are programs that make you eligible for a tankless water heater rebate. There are various organizations and government programs offering rebates on the purchase or upgrade of water heaters in BC. However, it's crucial to understand the eligibility requirements to ensure you can take advantage of these incentives. In this article, we’ll quickly go over the pros & cons of tankless water heaters and outline eligibility requirements to secure your rebate in BC.

What are Tankless Water Heaters?

Also called demand-type water heaters, tankless water heaters only provide warmer water when needed. A traditional hot water tank still has to maintain its heat when the hot water isn’t in use. A tankless water heater can save some homes money by only heating water as it’s needed for your shower, bath, sinks and more.

What might this look like in your household? It’s calculated that tankless water heaters are about 24 to 34% more efficient in homes that use 41 gallons (155 liters) a day or less. This is the approximate amount of water for a 5-minute shower for 4 people (provided you’re energy-conscious and have a low-flow showerhead). 

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Still, if you have a larger household which uses more hot water, your home can still save at least 8% on water heating. 

It’s no mystery that they cost more upfront than hot water tanks, but it’s not without merit. Tankless water heaters are small - about the size of a briefcase - and typically last up to 20 years without issue. 

You’re also not paying anything to heat your water while it’s not being used in your home. These costs with traditional hot water tanks are called “standby energy losses”, which add up. In the U.S., some hot water tanks can cost $438/year purely on standby!

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters in BC

Choosing energy-efficient appliances in British Columbia not only makes you contributors to environment but also help you save money with rebate programs. Said that tankless water heaters are one of the appliances that fall under the rebate program. Also, tankless water heaters are highly beneficial for homes that use a moderate to low amount of water.

Let's explore other advantages of installing a tankless water heater in your BC home:

• Tankless water heaters are highly energy-efficient compared to conventional storage tank water heaters.
• There is always endless supply of hot water making it highly beneficial for large households.
• In comparison to bulky storage tank water heaters, tankless water heaters are compact and have wall-mounted design.
• Tankless heaters have a lifespan of 20 years as compared to the conventional heaters which tend to be efficient for 10-15 years only.
• Reduced electricity bills, lower maintenance requirements and improved quality of water are some more benefits of tankless water heaters.

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Signs You Should Replace Your Water Heater

Wondering whether it is time to replace your water heater or not? There are signs you need to look out for to determine if it's the end of the water heater's life span.

• If your water heater unit is 10-15 years old or more, it is time for replacement as older units are more prone to issues and inefficiency.
• Unusual noises, such as rumbling or popping sounds, can be indicative of sediment buildup and lead to degradation of the heater's performance.
• Increased energy bills without any apparent underlying issue also sign that you need to change your water heater.
• Declined hot water supply or a decrease in water temperature indicates a loss of heating capacity which means that your water isn't that efficient.

If you are noticing any of these signs you must consult the professionals to assess whether replacing your water heater is the best course of action or some repairs would be enough.

How to Obtain Your Tankless Water Heater Rebate in BC?

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To help you offset the price, on-demand water systems are eligible for tankless water heater rebates in BC.  

‍Fortis BC provides rebates up to $1,000 for your ENERGY STAR tankless water heater. 

If you hire the professionals at Whyte Plumbing to install your tankless water heater, they’ll ensure your unit is an ENERGY STAR product. These units use about 70% less energy on average and will qualify for your tankless water heater rebate in BC.

Here is the rundown of the 6 eligibility requirements for your tankless water heater rebate in BC:

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1. Your home must have a Fortis BC natural gas account or a Fortis BC electricity account in certain cities. 
2. A completed utility account holder consent form. 
3. Your home must be a primary residence for at least 1 year. The property can be a single-family, townhouse, triplex, duplex, or mobile home (solid foundation). 
4. Your BC tankless water heater rebate must be sent within 6 months of being invoiced for your new heater installation. 
5. Rebates cannot be higher than the paid amount on the invoice.
6. Only 1 rebate for your primary space heating system (including water heaters)

Conclusion

Upgrading or purchasing a  more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly hot water system has never been this cost-effective. With rebates for tankless water heaters in BC, people are enjoying the offset of the upgrading cost. However, you must understand and meet the eligibility requirements outlined above. Being the pioneers of the plumbing and heating industry, Whyte Plumbing helps you take advantage of these rebate programs and enjoy the benefits of a tankless water heater while saving money.

Remember to thoroughly research the specific rebate programs available in BC and consult official sources to confirm the most up-to-date information on eligibility criteria, as these may vary from program to program. Having your old hot water tank replaced can be handled easily by the pros at Whyte Plumbing in Vancouver. If you have any questions about on-demand systems or tankless water heater rebates in BC, don’t hesitate to contact us today. 

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