HVAC questions homeowners ask, answered with local data

For a high-efficiency (95%+ AFUE) gas furnace installed, published Metro Vancouver pricing clusters around $4,500–$9,000, most commonly near $7,000, and homeowners report paying in the high-$5,000s to mid-$7,000s. A full installed total can reach $12,500 if venting, electrical, and permits are extensive.

Full furnace replacement cost guide (every figure source-linked) →

Published Metro Vancouver pricing for a whole-home ducted heat pump spans roughly $7,000–$23,000 installed before rebates, depending on tonnage, cold-climate rating, and installer tier. Ductless single-zone units run $3,500–$6,500 installed. Stacked CleanBC, federal, and BC Hydro rebates can cut the net cost dramatically — one Surrey installer puts typical after-rebate outcomes at $0–$7,000.

Full heat pump installation cost guide (every figure source-linked) →

Yes. Technical Safety BC requires a gas permit for installing or replacing any gas appliance (furnaces included), and heat pumps need an electrical permit; many municipalities add a mechanical permit. A licensed contractor pulls these — a quote without a permit line is a red flag, not a discount.

Permits guide (what needs one, who issues it) →

It changed hard in 2025: electric-heated homes get up to $4,000 (plus a possible $2,000 bonus); gas-heated Metro Vancouver homes only qualify through the income-tested CleanBC stream (up to $13,000, registered contractor required); both federal programs are closed to new applicants. Many contractor sites still advertise the old numbers.

Verified 2026 rebate breakdown with official links →

Three free official lookups: Technical Safety BC's Find a Licensed Contractor registry (active licence, authorized scope, enforcement actions since 2022), a WorkSafeBC clearance letter addressed to you (without it you can be jointly liable for their unpaid premiums), and — for new-home construction — BC Housing's builder registry. About 15 minutes total.

Step-by-step verification guide →

Yes. CleanBC and federal programs offer significant rebates for qualifying heat pump installations, and many established installers handle the paperwork for you. Always confirm rebate eligibility and who files the application before choosing equipment.

Get at least three quotes for the same scope, and confirm each includes equipment brand and model, permits, old-equipment disposal, and warranty terms. Be cautious of quotes far below the others — the gap often reappears as add-ons on the final invoice.