🪟 What Makes a Window Energy-Efficient? Here’s What to Look For
How to Unlock Thousands in Window and Door Rebates Across BC
Upgrading your home’s windows and doors isn’t just about aesthetics or comfort — it’s an opportunity to significantly improve energy efficiency and reclaim part of your investment through government-backed rebates and financing programs.
Across British Columbia, homeowners can access thousands of dollars in savings by choosing energy-efficient products and following the right application process. At KT Fairglass, we help homeowners navigate these programs every day. Here’s what you need to know.
The Rebates That Matter — and How They Work
Three major programs currently support window and door upgrades in BC: two provincial rebates and one federal loan. Each serves a slightly different homeowner profile, and selecting the right path depends on your income, heating system, and renovation goals.
CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program (Provincial)
This is the most generous rebate currently available, offering up to $9,500 for income-qualified homeowners. It provides $950 per window or door, applied upfront through a registered contractor.
To qualify, your home must be a year-round primary residence located outside the City of Vancouver, with an assessed value under $1.23 million. Household income must meet one of two thresholds, covering either 95% or 60% of eligible upgrade costs. Pre-approval is required before any work begins, and products must meet specific energy performance standards.
BC Hydro & FortisBC Rebates (Provincial)
This rebate is designed for BC Hydro and FortisBC customers who may not qualify for the CleanBC program. It offers $100 per window or door, up to a maximum of $2,000 per home.
To be eligible, your home must be primarily heated by electricity or natural gas and located outside the City of Vancouver. Windows and doors must have a U-Factor of 1.22 W/m²·K or lower, and installation must be completed by a licensed B.C. contractor. Unlike CleanBC, you apply after the project is completed.
➡️ BC Hydro Info
➡️ FortisBC Info
Canada Greener Homes Loan (Federal)
This federal loan complements either provincial program by offering up to $40,000 interest-free, repayable over 10 years. It’s best suited for homeowners undertaking larger energy retrofits that include window and door upgrades.
The loan requires pre- and post-retrofit energy evaluations, and qualifying products must be ENERGY STAR® certified with a U-Factor of 1.22 W/m²·K or lower. As with CleanBC, applications must be submitted and approved before any work begins.
What You Can Combine — and What You Can’t
Homeowners can combine one provincial rebate with the Canada Greener Homes Loan, but cannot combine both provincial rebates. In other words:
- CleanBC + Canada Greener Homes Loan → ✅
- BC Hydro/FortisBC + Canada Greener Homes Loan → ✅
- CleanBC + BC Hydro/FortisBC → ❌
If you qualify for CleanBC, it usually offers the highest rebate. Otherwise, BC Hydro or FortisBC rebates — especially when paired with the federal loan — still deliver excellent value.
Meeting the Standards: U-Factor Explained
Each program requires that your windows and doors meet strict energy efficiency standards. Specifically, the U-Factor, which measures insulation performance, must be 1.22 W/m²·K or lower across the board.
Choosing products that meet or exceed this rating is essential — not only to qualify for funding but to actually achieve meaningful energy savings in your home. ENERGY STAR® certification is also mandatory for federal program eligibility.
Get the Most from Your Upgrade — With Help from KT Fairglass
Navigating rebates and financing programs can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it’s a smooth and rewarding process. At KT Fairglass, we make it easy for homeowners to unlock the full value of their window and door upgrades. From selecting high-performance, rebate-eligible products to coordinating professional installation and submitting documentation, we handle the details — so you don’t miss a dollar.
📞 Book your free consultation today to find out which rebates you’re eligible for and how to structure your project for maximum return.
Disclaimer: Program funding, eligibility rules, and rebate amounts are subject to change. Please refer to official websites or speak with our team to confirm the most up-to-date information before starting your project.
