Gas absorption heat pump rebates

Reduce your building’s energy use with high-efficiency gas absorption heat pumps for space heating, domestic hot water and/or ventilation. We’re offering a rebate of up to 75 per cent of the total project costs, up to a maximum of $200,000, for gas absorption heat pumps in eligible commercial, multi-unit residential or institutional buildings. In addition, eligible commercial customers may receive up to $20,000 in funding for a feasibility study. 

Our account managers and energy solutions managers are here to help

Our account managers and energy solutions managers are here to answer your questions. They can also help you apply for rebates to reduce the cost of this innovative heating technology. 

Eligibility

  1. You must be a FortisBC natural gas customer under any rate class except Rate 1.
  2. You must be a property owner or long-term leaseholder of an existing commercial or industrial building.
  3. The building must have dedicated outdoor space (ground level or rooftop) to house the gas absorption heat pump unit(s).
  4. You must submit an application and supporting documentation no later than 365 days after the purchase date of the product(s) (as shown on the paid invoice) or installation date (as listed on the application form), whichever is first.

Review all the terms and conditions.

Tried and tested technology

Between 2019-2020, we tested 14 gas absorption heat pumps in seven commercial buildings in B.C. and evaluated the energy savings and customer feedback. We saw energy savings of up to 21 per cent to produce domestic hot water and achieved efficiencies greater than 100 per cent.1 We surveyed pilot participants and contractors who installed the units, and all respondents said they were satisfied with the heat pumps and would recommend them. Learn about University of the Fraser Valley's energy-efficient heat pumps, installed in their Trades and Technology Centre.

  • University of the Fraser Valley
  • Interior Health Authority
  • Brain Injury Society
  • Canadian Apartment Properties REIT
  • City of Delta
  • CLV Group
  • Coquitlam School District (No. 43)
  • Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation
  • Regional District of Central Okanagan
  • Colliers

These gas absorption heat pumps come in many different sizes and can be suitable for residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Our pilot showed that buildings with higher and more consistent demand for domestic hot water saw more energy savings.

How do gas absorption heat pumps work?

Similar to electric heat pumps, gas heat pumps capture heat from the outdoor ambient air and transfer it indoors for space and water heating. By transferring heat, a gas heat pump creates more than one unit of heat for every unit of energy it uses, giving gas heat pumps the ability to operate on average at more than 100 per cent efficiency.2

Gas absorption heat pumps don’t need to be changed or retrofitted as renewable and low carbon gases,3 such as Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)4 are added to the system. Customers using gas appliances and equipment can designate up to 100 per cent of their energy as RNG to help lower overall emissions further.

Read our blog and learn more about gas absorption heat pumps

Gas absorption heat pump: best practices guide

To help you understand this technology and how it’s being used in B.C., we created a best practices guide together with CLEAResult, a third party expert. This guide answers fundamental questions about safety, installation and other frequently asked questions.

Rebate details

The program offers feasibility study funding to find out if gas absorption heat pumps are a fit for your building. We also offer product rebates to reduce the cost of installation.

Feasibility study funding

FortisBC can provide up to $20,000 in feasibility study funding to help with the cost of having a detailed engineering analysis performed. You’ll need to work with your engineering consultant to submit a feasibility study proposal to FortisBC to apply for this funding.

The feasibility study proposal should clearly define the scope and cost of the feasibility study, including:

  • a brief description of the facility, including location, site contact and overview of operations
  • a brief description of the gas absorption heat pump(s) and any additional condensing boiler(s) and/or condensing water heater(s) and controls to be studied
  • the proportion of the facility’s natural gas and/or electricity consumption that the system being studied consumes
  • pre-study estimates of heat pump cost and energy savings
  • methods used to estimate or model energy savings
  • an overview of any previous studies or work that has identified the heat pump as an opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of the facility
  • the name of the lead individual who will be responsible for conducting the feasibility study and completing the report
  • the total estimated feasibility study cost, including itemized costing broken down by job role, named individual, hourly rate, anticipated number of hours and budgeted expenses (such as travel)
  • a list of data and metering points required to complete the feasibility study and expected limitations on the scope of study

Product rebates

75% of the total project costs, up to $200,000, are available for installing gas absorption heat pumps in commercial, multi-unit residential or institutional buildings.

Which gas absorption heat pumps are eligible for a rebate?

Gas absorption heat pumps from manufacturers including (but not limited to) the following are eligible for rebates:

If you have questions about rebate-eligible heat pumps, contact us.

How to apply

  1. Work with the engineering consultant of your choice to develop a feasibility study proposal for a gas absorption heat pump for your building or facility, including the information outlined above, and submit the proposal to FortisBC. We’ll review it, and if approved, you may proceed with the full feasibility study.
  2. Submit the completed feasibility study and the paid invoice from your consultant to FortisBC to receive feasibility study funding.
  3. Before you buy a gas absorption heat pump, ensure it's eligible for the rebate. If you have questions, contact usbefore purchasing and installing equipment.
  4. Have a gas or mechanical contractor licensed with Technical Safety BC install your heat pump system. You can find one through our Trade Ally Network.
  5. Review the terms and conditions, and then complete a gas absorption heat pump rebate application within 365 days of the purchase date (as shown on the paid invoice) or installation date (as listed on the application form), whichever is first. Be sure to provide copies of the fully paid invoice including make and model number of the eligible heat pump(s) purchased and installed.
Note: the rebate application link below takes you to Account login. Once you've registered and/or logged in you can start your rebate application. Hint: we recommend using Google Chrome® for the best experience.

Start your rebate application

For more tips on using the online rebate application, read our how-to guide.

We’re here to help

If you have questions, contact your energy solutions manager or key account manager or email [email protected].

1When compared to standard-efficiency, 80 per cent annual fuel utilization efficiency, gas furnaces and boilers.

2As reported in 2021 measurement and verification results for FortisBC’s gas absorption heat pump pilot program, in which Robur-A gas absorption heat pumps were installed for domestic hot water heating at seven sites in B.C.

3 FortisBC uses the term renewable and low-carbon gas to refer collectively to the low-carbon gases or fuels that the utility can acquire under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Clean Energy) Regulation, which are: Renewable Natural Gas (also called RNG or biomethane), hydrogen, synthesis gas (from wood waste) and lignin. FortisBC’s renewable and low-carbon gas portfolio currently includes only Renewable Natural Gas. Other gases and fuels may be added to the program over time. Depending on their source, all of these gases have differing levels of lifecycle carbon intensity. However, all of these gases are low carbon when compared to the lifecycle carbon intensity of conventional natural gas. The current burner tip emission factor of RNG is 0.27 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule of energy (gCO2e/MJ) and the current renewable and low-carbon gas portfolio lifecycle emissions for stationary combustion are -22 gCO2e/MJ. This is below B.C.’s low carbon threshold for lifecycle carbon intensity of 30.8 gCO2e/MJ as set out in the 2024 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Regulation amendments.

4Renewable Natural Gas (also called RNG or biomethane) is produced in a different manner than conventional natural gas. It is derived from biogas, which is produced from decomposing organic waste from landfills, agricultural waste and wastewater from treatment facilities. The biogas is captured and cleaned to create RNG. When RNG is added to North America’s natural gas system, it mixes with conventional natural gas. This means we’re unable to direct RNG to a specific customer. But the more RNG is added to the gas system, the less conventional natural gas is needed, thereby reducing the use of fossil fuels and overall greenhouse gas emissions.