Gas absorption heat pump rebates

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.

B.C. organizations using gas absorption heat pump technology include

• 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

What kinds of buildings are these heat pumps suited for?

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 lower 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.

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.

Read our blog to learn more 

What are gas heat pumps and how can they help save money and energy?

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. The gas absorption heat pump must replace an existing gas heating system that serves as the building's primary source of heating.
5. 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.
6. Gas equipment, including boilers, water heaters and furnaces, that are less than 100 per cent efficient, are not eligible for a rebate and must not be included in the total project cost.

Gas absorption heat pump product eligibility

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

• Robur- available through JSA Sales

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

Feasibility study funding 

• 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.
• 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
• Submit the completed feasibility study and the paid invoice from your consultant to FortisBC to receive feasibility study funding.

Gas absorption heat pump rebates

1. Before you buy a gas absorption heat pump, ensure it's eligible for the rebate. If you have questions, contact us before purchasing and installing equipment.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Additional details

The application link takes you to Account login. Once you've registered and/or logged in you can start your application. Hint: we recommend using Google Chrome^® for the best experience.

Commercial product rebate – gas absorption heat pump terms and conditions