Insulation & Government Rebates
Maximize your savings and energy efficiency! Both the Government of British Columbia and the Government of Canada offer valuable rebates and grants for insulation upgrades.
Attic Insulation (Flat and Cathedral Ceilings)
Improving your attic or cathedral ceiling insulation is one of the most effective ways to prevent heat loss, and B.C. residents can receive up to $900 for this critical upgrade. The rebate amount is calculated by the amount of R-value added and the square footage covered, with a rate of $0.02 per R-value added per square foot. To qualify for the rebate, the new insulation installed must add a minimum of R12 to the ceiling. This upgrade is typically the highest priority for improving year-round home comfort and energy efficiency.
Exterior Wall Cavity Insulation
Exterior wall cavities are a significant source of heat loss in older homes, and filling them can dramatically improve the home's performance. B.C. residents can receive up to $1,200 for this critical upgrade. The rebate amount is calculated by the amount of R-value added and the square footage covered, with a rate of $0.09 per R-value added per square foot. To qualify for the rebate, the new insulation installed must add a minimum of R12 to the wall cavities. This upgrade offers a substantial return on investment by maximizing comfort in the main living areas.
Exterior Wall Sheathing Insulation
For major exterior renovations, adding insulation to the outside of the wall (sheathing) is an effective thermal barrier upgrade, and B.C. residents can receive up to $1,200 for this work. The rebate amount is calculated by the amount of R-value added and the square footage covered, with a rate of $0.09 per R-value added per square foot. To qualify for the rebate, the new sheathing insulation installed must add a minimum of R3.8. This upgrade is often performed in conjunction with exterior siding replacement, ensuring a continuous layer of insulation to reduce thermal bridging.
Floors
Insulating the walls of your basement or crawlspace directly impacts the warmth and comfort of your lowest level, and B.C. residents can receive up to $1,200 for this upgrade. The rebate amount is calculated by the amount of R-value added and the square footage covered, with a rate of $0.09 per R-value added per square foot. To qualify for the rebate, the new insulation installed must add a minimum of R10 to the wall area. This upgrade is a single option; homeowners must choose to insulate either the crawlspace/basement walls or the floor above, but not both.
Exposed Floor, Floor Over Crawlspace, and Header Insulation
Any floor directly exposed to the exterior air, such as over a cantilever or unheated crawlspace, is a prime area for heat loss, and B.C. residents can receive up to $1,000 for this specific upgrade. The rebate amount is calculated by the amount of R-value added and the square footage covered, with a rate of $0.07 per R-value added per square foot. To qualify for the rebate, the new insulation installed must add a minimum of R20. This upgrade is crucial for eliminating cold spots and drafts caused by uninsulated floor assemblies.
Provincial Insulation Rebates
CleanBC Better Homes
Insulation rebates are being offered by the Province of British Columbia, in partnership with BC Hydro and FortisBC. Rebate amounts depend on the depth of insulation added and the size of area covered. See government website for details.
To understand R-values, see What is an R-Value?
To understand R-values, see What is an R-Value?
Insulation Rebate Questions on Vancouver Island
What is an R-Value?
An R-Value is a way to measure insulation. A higher value indicates a better insulation. The value for any specific product will depend on thickness, as well as the type of material.
Are there contractor requirements for insulation?
Yes, for the provincial insulation rebates you will need to use a Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) member. You can review the full list here.
How do I know what I'm eligible for?
What else is available?
You may be eligible for $33,900 in additional rebates through the CleanBC Income Qualified Program. Eligibility depends on household income and size. For details, see the program eligibility table.
What is the $2,000 Bonus Offer?
CleanBC is offering a rebate of $750 to $2,000 for completing three or more rebate-eligible upgrades on your home. There is also a $300 offer for completing 2 upgrades. The Home Energy Improvement Bonus requires an EnerGuide home evaluation, conducted by a registered energy advisor.
$40,000 Interest-Free
Greener Homes Loan
Interest-free loans of up to $40,000 are available from the Government of Canada to help homeowners pay for the cost of renovations.
The Canada Greener Homes Loan works alongside the Greener Homes Grant program.
With a 10 year, interest-free repayment term, homeowners may opt in to the loan when pursuing retrofits like insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and more.
Energy advisors play a key part in the delivery of the loan.
Booking an energy evaluation is a requirement to qualify for the loan.
The Canada Greener Homes Loan works alongside the Greener Homes Grant program.
With a 10 year, interest-free repayment term, homeowners may opt in to the loan when pursuing retrofits like insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and more.
Energy advisors play a key part in the delivery of the loan.
Booking an energy evaluation is a requirement to qualify for the loan.