If you want to save on your heating costs this winter, you should consider bundling up with your neighbours.

The Capital Regional DistrictB次元官网网址檚 group purchase rebate provides discounts for individuals and groups of homeowners working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by switching from an oil, natural gas, or propane heating system to an air source heat pump.

The rebate, which is in addition to ones available through CleanBC and other local governments, begin at $200 for an individual home. Larger groups, beginning with two homes are eligible for a larger rebate up to a maximum of $500 for groups of 20 to 30 homes.

The aim is to encourage participants to spread the word with their neighbours about their heat pump purchase group in order to receive larger rebates, said CRD energy specialist Matt Greeno.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 an interesting program adjacent to the rest of the rebates through CleanBC programs,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淭he more people that apply, the the higher the rebate gets.B次元官网网址�

Although the CRD could not provide a municipality by municipality breakdown, the program, launched about a year ago, has been a popular with primarily contractors, but with individuals as well.

He attributes the programB次元官网网址檚 success to the buy-in by contractors, the CRDB次元官网网址檚 messaging, and people hearing about the benefits of heat pumps from their neighbours.

B次元官网网址淭he numbers show 20 to 30 people in the CRD apply every three months,B次元官网网址� Greeno said. B次元官网网址淭hose are strong numbers from a CRD perspective. WeB次元官网网址檙e lucky to live in a region where contractors are well-versed in the benefits and installation, and weB次元官网网址檙e ahead of the curve of heat pump adoptions, compared to the rest of the province.B次元官网网址�

ThereB次元官网网址檚 a substantial efficiency gain in heating with a heat pump, compared to baseboard heaters or gas furnaces, Greeno said.

B次元官网网址淎 lot of people describe a significant comfort gain as well because they (heat pumps) are well-known for providing a more consistent level of heat, compared to the spikes you get with gas,B次元官网网址� he noted. B次元官网网址淗eat pumps are awesome.B次元官网网址�

ALSO READ: Province encouraging use of more heat pumps in B.C. to help battle climate change

Another benefit not as well known is an improvement in air quality because heat pumps help to dehumidify your home, Greeno added.

B次元官网网址淎 heat pump is a big step forward that really delivers the comfort and efficiency youB次元官网网址檙e looking for and saves you money in the long term as well,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淓ven with gas prices where they are today, itB次元官网网址檚 still more cost effective to use a heat pump.B次元官网网址�

Sooke Coun. Jeff Bateman said itB次元官网网址檚 great to see so many heat-pump supplier vehicles around the community and to hear the positive experiences of those who install the quieter, more efficient new generation of heat pumps.

B次元官网网址淚 hope everyoneB次元官网网址檚 aware of the CRDB次元官网网址檚 Home Energy Navigator program, he said. B次元官网网址淓stablished last year, itB次元官网网址檚 a solid starting point for anyone looking to take full advantage of the many incentives offers currently available.B次元官网网址�

Greeno also strongly recommends visiting homeenergynav.ca/ for the latest innovations in home energy and home energy systems.

B次元官网网址淗ome Navigator really supports you on changes you might want to make to your home, such as adding insulation, changing windows and doing air sealing.B次元官网网址�

Check out betterhomesbc.ca/gpr/register/ for information specific to the heat pump rebate program.