Blog

Home heating rebates – save on heating and reduce your carbon footprint

Jan 26, 2021

We are in the midst of a west coast winter, which means rain…lots of rain and a dash of snow. While, we may not get blasts of arctic air like those living to the north and east of us, it still gets cold enough that we need to heat our homes in the winter.

alt=

How are you heating your home?

We use a variety of heat sources in our homes from electric baseboard heaters to woodstoves and everyone has their own preference for what works best. But, did you know that there are ways to have a comfortable home while reducing your environmental impact? On top of that, you may also save some money! Rebates are available for switching over to energy efficient and low emission appliances.

alt=

Save some money and do your part for the planet

Switching to an energy efficient form of heating such as a heat pump not only reduces your carbon footprint, you can receive a rebate when you switch over from a fossil fuel (oil, natural gas or propane) heating system. The CleanBC Better Homes rebate program is available to BC residents looking to switch over to a heat pump from a fossil fuel system. City of Nanaimo residents can enjoy a $350 top-up from the City in addition to the rebate.  As a bonus, for a limited time, the program is offering double the rebate - up to $6,000! Find more information on the rebate, get your promo code and apply on the CleanBC Better Homes website. You can also take advantage of other rebates through this program; find more information on the CleanBC Better Homes Rebate page on the City website.

alt=

If you are looking to upgrade your old woodstove to one that is low emission, the City offers rebates through our Woodstove Changeout Program. This program is meant to improve air quality by helping those with old smoky wood stoves purchase a new cleaner burning stove.  Eligible homeowners can receive up to $400 in rebates for the purchase of a new low-emission woodstove. Some rules do apply. To be eligible, your existing woodstove must be:

  • A free-standing, non-EPA certified "stove", a homemade or barrel stove,
  • A so-called "airtight" non-EPA certified fireplace insert or tube-type heat exchanger with a face plate and door (like the Free Heat Machine or Welenco) that is currently installed in an open hearth fireplace,
  • A non-EPA certified "wood furnace" (ducted, forced air, home heating appliance) - may only be replaced by an EPA certified wood furnace or pellet furnace, or
  • A wood burning cook stove.

Your new woodstove must be purchased from a participating retailer. Finally, you must properly dispose of you old woodstove. You can find more information, a handy brochure and the rebate form on the Woodstove Change-Out Program page.

Woodstove image photo credit: Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Blog RSS


Give feedback on accessibility. Submit your feedback through our online accessibility feedback form. Help us understand barriers people face when accessing City services.

You can attach files to help explain the barrier you faced in the form, like: a video, voice recording or photos. If American Sign Language (ASL) is the best way for you to communicate, upload a video of yourself using ASL into the form.

Please include: what you were trying to access, where the barrier happened, what the barrier was and any recommendations you might have.


Thank you for your assistance. One of our website team will look into the reported issue shortly. Loading animation

Help us improve our website

Don't include private or financial information in this form.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PRIVACY AND YOUR PRESENTATION

  • Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Personal information will only be used by authorized staff to fulfill the purpose for which it was originally collected, or for a use consistent with that purpose.
  • Regular Council and Committee meetings that are open to the public are webcast using live-streaming video technology and may be recorded for video-on-demand access for subsequent viewing. By speaking at these meetings, you are consenting to disclosure of any personal information made evident through your speech or presentation materials, and acknowledging that this information may be disclosed and/or accessed outside of Canada. Personal information may include your image, name, address, and personal opinions. You are also asserting that your presentation is in compliance with the Federal Copyright Act, and grant the City of Nanaimo license to publish these materials. Individuals presenting to Council or Committees are requested to not disclose third-party information or it may be redacted.
For further information regarding the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information, please contact the Legislative Services Office at 250-755-4405 or at foi@nanaimo.ca