Water heaters tend to fail at the worst moment, often with a puddle on the basement floor. If yours is past ten years, planning the replacement now lets you pick the option that suits the house, and the one that earns a rebate if you qualify, instead of whatever is on the truck.
Water heater rebates for gas homes
| Rebate | Amount | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| CleanBC heat pump water heater (income-qualified) | Up to $3,500 | Replacing natural gas water heating; amount by income level; eligibility code before work starts |
| Northern BC heat pump water heater | Up to $1,000 | Replacing a gas water heater at or north of 100 Mile House |
| Gas tank or tankless, like-for-like | Generally none | No standard FortisBC rebate for existing customers in 2026 (confirm before relying) |
CleanBC amounts changed for invoices dated on or after July 6, 2026. Confirm your exact amount with an Energy Coach (1-844-881-9790) before you buy.
Your options when the gas water heater is done
High-efficiency gas tank
The most straightforward swap. A modern power-vented or condensing tank recovers hot water quickly and fits most existing spaces. No standard rebate, but usually the lowest upfront price.
Gas tankless (on-demand)
Heats water only when a tap opens, so there’s no standby loss and no tank to leak. ROMA services and installs tankless brands such as Navien. Again, no standard rebate for existing gas customers this year.
Combi boiler
In a boiler-heated house, a condensing combi boiler can heat both the rooms and the domestic hot water, removing the separate tank altogether. ROMA installs and services boilers from makers like NTI, Viessmann and Navien.
Heat pump water heater
Moves heat from the surrounding air into the tank, using far less energy than burning gas to heat water. It needs room and airflow around it, a condensate drain and usually a dedicated circuit, so it suits a garage, basement or utility room. This is the option the income-qualified and Northern BC rebates support.
What to check before choosing
- Venting: tankless and condensing units often need new venting, which affects price and placement.
- Gas supply: tankless units need more gas flow, so the line may need upsizing.
- Drainage and space: heat pump and condensing units need a condensate drain.
- Permits: ROMA pulls the Technical Safety BC permit, and only licensed gas fitters touch the gas line.
- Qualifying list: if you’re claiming a rebate, check the exact model first.
How ROMA helps with the water heater rebate
ROMA has replaced gas furnaces, boilers and water heaters in Greater Vancouver homes since 1999, from Vancouver Specials with basement suites to heritage houses on radiators. When you call about the water heater rebate, a licensed technician starts with the facts that decide eligibility: the age on the rating plate, what fuel heats the house, whether it’s your primary home, and whether the household may be income-qualified.
You get a plain answer about which rebate fits and what it should pay, and a free, flat-rate estimate on qualifying equipment if you want one. Where a program needs an HPCN-listed contractor, we show you how to check any installer on the HPCN directory before you book. Phone (604) 704-0300 or email info@romaheating.ca.