BC Heat Pump Costs
Is a heat pump worth it in BC?
It depends almost entirely on what you heat with now. From oil, propane, or electric baseboard, a heat pump pays back fast. From cheap BC natural gas, the running-cost payback alone is slow — so the case rests on rebates, comfort, and carbon.
The short answer
- From baseboard: ~$1,500/yr saved — strong payback, especially with rebates.
- From oil/propane: ~$2,000–$3,000+/yr saved — the fastest payback of all.
- From gas: ~$100/yr saved — running cost alone won't justify it; rebates and AC do.
- Rebates can cut the install by $5,000–$16,000+ depending on your bucket — they move the payback more than anything.
Payback is just two numbers
Payback (in years) = net install cost ÷ annual savings. "Net" means after rebates, which is where most of the leverage is. So the worth-it question really has three inputs: your current fuel (sets the savings), the install price, and which rebate stream you qualify for.
Annual savings by current fuel
For a typical 2,000 ft² coastal home (~18,000 kWh of heat/year):
| Switching from | Approx. annual saving |
|---|---|
| Electric baseboard | ~$1,500 |
| Heating oil | ~$3,000+ |
| Propane | ~$1,500–$2,500 |
| Natural gas | ~$100 |
Rebates do the heavy lifting
A $12,000 install that nets to $6,000 after rebates pays back twice as fast. The trouble is figuring out which BC rebate stream applies to you — they changed significantly in 2025, and most online guides are out of date. See the 2026 rebate breakdown →
Don't forget the non-bill value
- Cooling. One system for winter heat and summer AC.
- Carbon. A large cut to home emissions.
- Resale & comfort. Even, quiet heat and a modern, electrified home.
Bottom line
From oil, propane, or baseboard: usually worth it on cost alone. From gas: worth it for comfort, cooling, carbon, and the rebate — not the bill. Run your own numbers in the free calculator, then let the paid kit nail down your net cost and payback.