FortisBC is bringing back its dual fuel heating system rebate on October 15, 2026. If your Greater Victoria home still runs on a gas furnace 15 years old or older, you may qualify when you replace it with a dual fuel system: a new electric heat pump paired with a new high-efficiency gas furnace. The heat pump heats your home on milder days, and the furnace takes over when temperatures drop. Here is what the rebate covers, who qualifies and how Accutemp guides you through the process from quote to application.
What Is a Dual Fuel Heating System?
A dual fuel system pairs two pieces of equipment under one thermostat. An electric air source heat pump heats your home on milder days and provides air conditioning in the summer. A high-efficiency natural gas furnace handles heating once the outdoor temperature falls below a set switchover point. On Vancouver Island, FortisBC requires the switchover to be set at 5°C or lower for the rebate, so the heat pump carries the heating down to 5°C and the furnace covers the colder stretches below it. You get steady heat through the coldest nights and one system managing your comfort all year long.
Who Qualifies for the FortisBC Dual Fuel Rebate?
The rebate is built for homeowners replacing an older gas furnace. Your existing gas furnace must be at least 15 years old, and it must be replaced with a qualifying dual fuel system. The new heat pump and furnace need an AHRI certified reference number covering the outdoor unit, the indoor unit and the furnace model, which confirms the equipment is rated to work together as a matched system. The system must be installed after the program opens on October 15, 2026.
The program applies when a new heat pump and a new gas furnace go in together. Homes already heated by a heat pump, or by an existing dual fuel system, fall outside this rebate.
Income-qualified households can access a higher rebate amount. FortisBC is also re-introducing income-qualified rebates on October 15 for water heaters, thermostats, ventilation, insulation, and windows and doors. Rebate amounts and full terms are set by FortisBC and can change, so confirm the current figures with our team or on our rebates page before you book.
Why Your Installer Matters
FortisBC sets clear rules on who can install a rebate-eligible system. The work must be completed by a Technical Safety BC licensed gas contractor who is a member in good standing of the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) and is listed for the dual fuel rebate at the time of installation. The contractor also submits commissioning details and photos of both the old and new equipment through the FortisBC commissioning app. A missed step can hold up or end a rebate application, so choosing an experienced installer protects your rebate as much as your comfort.
How the Rebate Process Works With Accutemp
It starts with a home visit. Our technician confirms the age of your current furnace, reviews your ductwork and sizes a heat pump and furnace combination for your home. We then provide a quote for a matched, AHRI certified system.
Once you approve the quote, our team installs the equipment, sets the switchover temperature to the FortisBC requirement for Vancouver Island and completes the contractor commissioning documentation. FortisBC requires the homeowner to apply for the rebate directly, so after installation we provide every document your application asks for and walk you through the submission.
Financing the Rest of Your Investment
The rebate reduces the cost of a new dual fuel system, and our financing options can spread the balance into manageable monthly payments. Together, they make replacing an aging furnace a planned upgrade rather than an emergency purchase when an older unit fails in the middle of a cold snap.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the FortisBC dual fuel rebate start?
The rebate returns on October 15, 2026, and applies to qualifying systems installed after the program opens. FortisBC publishes the full program details and deadlines on its website.
Can I get the rebate if I already have a heat pump?
This rebate is for replacing a gas furnace at least 15 years old with a new heat pump and a new gas furnace installed together. Homes with an existing heat pump or dual fuel system fall outside the program, though our team can review other rebates your home may qualify for.
Who applies for the rebate?
The homeowner applies directly to FortisBC. Accutemp completes the contractor documentation and gives you the paperwork you need to submit your application.
Book Your Dual Fuel Consultation With Accutemp
Accutemp has installed and serviced heating and cooling systems across Greater Victoria since 1980, and we are a member of the FortisBC Trade Ally Network. Our technicians work in Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal, Langford, Colwood, Sooke and up the Island to Duncan. If your gas furnace is 15 years old or older, request a dual fuel quote and our team will confirm whether your home qualifies for the FortisBC rebate.
📞 Call us: (250) 475-2665