Vancouver & the Lower Mainland
Heat pump and furnace costs in Vancouver
A furnace replacement in Vancouver runs $5,000 to $12,500, with most landing near $8,000. Heat pumps vary far more by type: a single-zone ductless mini-split is $4,500 to $8,000, while a ducted central system reaches $12,000 to $22,000. The number that actually matters is the after-rebate cost — CleanBC, BC Hydro and federal programs can reduce a heat pump installation dramatically, and any quote worth reading shows both figures.
What it costs
| Furnace replacement | $5,000 – $12,500 | Around $8,000 is typical |
| Ductless mini-split, single zone | $4,500 – $8,000 | Heats and cools one area |
| Ductless multi-zone (2–4 heads) | $9,000 – $18,000 | Whole-home coverage without ductwork |
| Ducted central heat pump | $12,000 – $22,000 | Uses existing ducting where it's suitable |
Typical Lower Mainland ranges for planning purposes — every project is quoted individually after a free site visit.
What actually drives the price
- Rebates — CleanBC, BC Hydro and federal programs can take a large bite out of a heat pump bill, but they have eligibility rules and paperwork, so ask before you sign
- Existing ductwork — if it's sized and sealed properly you can go ducted; if it isn't, ductless is often cheaper than fixing the ducts
- Electrical capacity — heat pumps draw power, and a house on a 100A service may need a panel upgrade first, which is a separate cost
- Home size and insulation — a leaky, poorly insulated house needs a bigger system, so insulation work sometimes pays for itself in equipment size
Common questions
Heat pump or furnace?
A heat pump both heats and cools and is far cheaper to run in our mild winters — that's why the rebates exist. A furnace is cheaper upfront. If you want air conditioning anyway, the heat pump maths usually wins.
Do heat pumps work in Vancouver winters?
Yes. The Lower Mainland rarely gets cold enough to trouble a modern cold-climate heat pump, and many installs keep the existing furnace as backup for the coldest few days.
How do I actually get the rebate?
Most require a registered contractor and pre- or post-inspection paperwork. Have the contractor confirm in writing that your install qualifies before the work starts, not after.
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