City offers incentives to encourage shift from fossil fuel systems
The City of Richmond is introducing new incentives to encourage residents to adopt electric heat pumps as a cost-effective alternative for heating and cooling homes. Homeowners of single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses are now eligible for a $350 rebate in addition to substantial CleanBC rebates when switching from fossil fuel-based systems, such as oil, natural gas, or propane, to electric heat pumps. An additional $500 can be obtained for necessary electrical system upgrades.
“Heat pumps are generally three times more energy-efficient for heating or cooling a home than other systems,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “This initiative underscores the City’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the transition away from fossil fuels. Heat pumps may also lower homeowners’ operating costs over time, particularly as fuel prices and carbon taxes rise.”
Space heating and domestic hot water systems make up around 90 percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions from single-family homes, duplexes, multiplexes, and townhouses in Richmond, amounting to about 148,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year.
Substituting gas-powered furnaces and water heaters with electric heat pumps will significantly decrease carbon emissions. Additional advantages include improved thermal comfort, better indoor air quality, the capacity to provide both heating and cooling, and dehumidification capability during summer.
The availability of municipal top-up rebates is limited and issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
For further information and eligibility criteria, visit richmond.ca/HeatPump.
General Reporter