Frequently asked
Duncan Heat Pump FAQ
Duncan Heat Pumps answers 12 common questions from Duncan and Cowichan Valley homeowners on cost, CleanBC rebates, permits, ducted vs. ductless systems and licensing.
- How cold does a heat pump need to work in Duncan?
- The BC Building Code lists Duncan's winter design temperature at -6°C. Cold-climate-rated heat pumps installed here are sized to maintain output at that temperature, not just at moderate fall and spring conditions.
- What rebates apply to a heat pump in Duncan?
- CleanBC's Energy Savings Program is income-tested and pays up to $13,000 toward a fossil-fuel conversion at the top tier. City of Duncan and North Cowichan both add a $350 top-up on qualifying electric heat pump installations. Electric baseboard replacement separately qualifies for a non-income-tested $4,000 whole-home rebate through the Home Renovation Rebate Program.
- Does replacing an existing heat pump qualify for a rebate?
- No — CleanBC's Energy Savings Program, the Home Renovation Rebate Program and BC Hydro's rebate all exclude replacing an existing heat pump or adding a head to one already installed.
- Is a permit required for a heat pump installation in Duncan?
- Technical Safety BC requires an electrical permit for most heat pump installations, and a gas permit only where an existing gas furnace or boiler is modified or removed. You may apply for either permit, though CleanBC's rebate programs require a registered contractor to carry out the work.
- What's the difference between a ductless and a ducted heat pump?
- A ductless system uses one or more wall-mounted heads with no ductwork required, suited to additions, older homes or a single zone. A ducted system connects to existing ductwork and heats the whole home from one unit.
- How much does a heat pump cost in Duncan before rebates?
- A single-zone ductless system runs $3,500 to $6,000. Multi-zone ductless runs $8,000 to $15,000. A central ducted system runs $8,000 to $18,000. Rebates are calculated from the invoice after installation.
- What's the difference between CleanBC's Energy Savings Program and the Home Renovation Rebate Program?
- CleanBC's Energy Savings Program is income-tested and pays up to $13,000 at the top tier for replacing an oil, gas or propane system with a heat pump. The Home Renovation Rebate Program has no income test and pays $4,000 whole-home (or $1,500 partial) for replacing electric baseboard heating with a heat pump.
- Does every heat pump installation need a permit?
- Technical Safety BC requires an electrical permit for most heat pump installations. A gas permit is required only where an existing gas furnace or boiler is modified or removed. You may apply for either permit directly, though CleanBC's rebate programs require a registered contractor to carry out the work.
- Can a heat pump fully heat a home through a Duncan winter?
- The BC Building Code lists Duncan's winter design temperature at -6°C with 2,980 heating degree-days below 18°C. A cold-climate-rated heat pump sized to that design temperature through a heat-loss calculation is built to maintain output at it, not just in moderate fall and spring conditions.
- What's the difference between a single-zone and multi-zone ductless system?
- A single-zone system runs $3,500 to $6,000 and heats one room or area with one indoor head. A multi-zone system runs $8,000 to $15,000 and connects two to four indoor heads to one outdoor unit, each zone controlled separately.
- Are heat pump technicians in BC licensed?
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic is a compulsory trade in British Columbia.
- Does the $350 municipal top-up apply across the whole service area?
- No — the $350 municipal top-up is offered by the City of Duncan and the District of North Cowichan specifically. Properties in the surrounding CVRD electoral areas (Cowichan Bay, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake and others) qualify for CleanBC's Energy Savings Program and the Home Renovation Rebate Program, but not the municipal top-up.
Ready for a quote on heat pump installation in Duncan?
We offer free in-home estimates across the Cowichan Valley.
Get a free quote
Text or call (236) 801-1801