CleanBC & Provincial Policy · Homeowner Guide
Is Natural Gas Heating Being Phased Out in BC?
A straight answer to a question a lot of Metro Vancouver homeowners are asking as they plan their next furnace, boiler, or water heater — what CleanBC’s direction actually means, and what it doesn’t.
By the CANRO Heating & Cooling technical team · Licensed HVAC & gas-fitting contractor, Metro Vancouver · Last updated September 2026
TSBC-Licensed Gas FittersRed Seal HVACWorkSafeBC InsuredPermitted & Inspected InstallsServing Metro Vancouver Since 1999We File Your Rebates
Important: always verify current rebate amounts
Rebate programs, dollar amounts, and eligibility rules are set by their administrators (the Government of BC / CleanBC, BC Hydro, FortisBC, and the Government of Canada) — not by CANRO — and they change often. The figures on this page reflect what we typically see at the time of writing and are general guidance only. Always confirm the current amount on the official program website, or ask CANRO for the latest when we quote your project. CANRO is an independent contractor and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government body; we simply help you choose eligible equipment and prepare and submit the rebate paperwork on your behalf.
The short answer
No home in BC is being forced to rip out a working gas furnace, boiler, or water heater. What is true is that the province’s CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 set a public direction for new heating and hot-water equipment sold in BC to move toward much higher efficiency and, eventually, zero-emissions standards — which in practice points toward heat pumps and hybrid systems becoming the default choice for new installs over time. That is a policy direction affecting future equipment standards, not an order to remove existing equipment.
What’s actually changing vs. what isn’t
| Not happening | Actually happening |
|---|---|
| Mandatory removal of existing gas furnaces/boilers/water heaters | A published provincial direction toward higher-efficiency standards for new equipment sold, phased in over time |
| An outright ban on repairing gas equipment today | Growing rebate incentives (CleanBC/BC Hydro/FortisBC) that make switching to a heat pump financially attractive right now |
| A single fixed date that applies identically to every homeowner and equipment type | Standards, timelines and eligible-equipment lists that are set by regulation and updated periodically — verify current details before you plan around a specific year |
What this means for your next equipment decision
If your furnace, boiler, or water heater is nearing the end of its service life, you have real options today: a standard high-efficiency gas replacement, a heat pump, or a hybrid (dual-fuel) system that combines both. CANRO quotes all three so you can compare installed cost, available rebates, and expected running costs for your specific home before you decide — there is no requirement to choose a heat pump, but many homeowners find the current rebate stacking (see our CleanBC and FortisBC rebate guides) makes it the more attractive option even without factoring in future policy direction.
- Ask CANRO to quote gas, heat-pump, and hybrid options side by side for your replacement, with current rebate eligibility for each.
- If you’re not replacing anything soon, there is no action needed — existing equipment can continue to be serviced and repaired.
- If you are building new or doing a major renovation, see our BC Energy Step Code page — that’s the regulation more likely to directly affect your project’s equipment choice.
Related pages
Gas Heating Policy FAQs
Is BC banning gas furnaces?+
No — there is no rule requiring homeowners to remove a working gas furnace, boiler, or water heater from an existing home. The direction under the province’s CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 is aimed at the standards for new equipment sold and new construction going forward, not at forcing removal of equipment already installed.
What does CleanBC’s 2030 target actually say?+
CleanBC’s published Roadmap to 2030 set a direction for new space- and water-heating equipment sold in BC to move toward zero-emissions or very high-efficiency standards by 2030 — in practice, favouring heat pumps and high-efficiency hybrid systems over standard gas equipment for new installs. The exact mechanisms, timelines, and equipment categories affected are set by provincial regulation and can be updated, so always confirm the current rule with FortisBC or the province before assuming a specific date applies to your project.
Can I still replace my furnace with a gas furnace today?+
As of the time of writing, yes — standard gas furnace and boiler replacements remain a normal, permitted option for existing Metro Vancouver homes. CANRO installs high-efficiency gas equipment as well as heat pumps and hybrid systems; we’ll walk you through what’s available and eligible for rebates at the time of your quote.
Why are so many homeowners switching to heat pumps now, if it’s not required?+
Three practical reasons show up most often: current CleanBC/BC Hydro/FortisBC rebates can cover a large share of the up-front cost, a heat pump adds cooling capacity most Metro Vancouver homes with gas furnaces don’t already have, and getting ahead of any future equipment-standard changes can mean avoiding a rushed decision later. None of that means gas heating stops working today.
What about a hybrid (dual-fuel) system?+
A hybrid system pairs a heat pump for most of the heating season with a gas furnace as backup for the coldest snaps — often presented as a middle path for homeowners who want efficiency gains and rebate eligibility without giving up a gas backup. CANRO can quote hybrid alongside straight heat-pump and straight-gas options so you can compare.
Where can I check the current, official policy?+
The Government of BC’s CleanBC program pages and FortisBC’s website publish the current status of equipment standards and rebate programs. Policy details change; treat anything you read (including this page) as general background and confirm specifics before making a purchase decision based on a regulatory deadline.
Comparing gas, heat pump, and hybrid for your next replacement?
Call CANRO for a side-by-side written quote — no pressure either way, residential only.
4.9★85+ Google reviews
27+Years serving Metro Vancouver
20+Brands serviced
$0Free written estimates on installs
Frequently asked questions
What HVAC services does CANRO offer in Metro Vancouver?
CANRO installs, services and repairs boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, hot water tanks, tankless water heaters, gas fireplaces and air conditioning across Metro Vancouver. We work on residential homes, townhouses and condos throughout the Lower Mainland.
How long has CANRO been in business?
CANRO has been serving the Greater Vancouver area since 1999. Our founder George is recognised by customers as one of the most experienced boiler and hydronic heating technicians in the Lower Mainland.
What areas do you serve?
We cover all of Metro Vancouver: Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, Langley, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, White Rock, Pitt Meadows, and Maple Ridge.
Are CANRO technicians licensed and insured?
Yes. CANRO holds Technical Safety BC contractor licences for gas (LGA0043870) and boilers (LBP0046450), our technicians are Red Seal certified for HVAC and gas, and we carry full liability insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage.
How can I book a service call?
Call (604) 359-1081, email info@canroheat.ca, or use the booking form on canroheat.ca. Most calls are answered the same business day and we offer next-day appointments for non-emergency work.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Free in-home estimates are provided for boiler, furnace, heat pump and water-heater replacements. Diagnostic visits for repairs carry a flat service fee that is credited toward the repair if you proceed.
What brands do you service?
We service all major brands including Viessmann, Navien, IBC, Rinnai, Rheem, Bradford White, Weil-McLain, Laars, Baxi, NTI, Lennox, Carrier, Bryant, Goodman, Trane, York, Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, AO Smith, Bosch, Noritz, Giant, GSW, John Wood, and Valor.
Do you offer government rebates for heat pumps?
Yes. We are a registered contractor for BC Hydro, FortisBC and federal Greener Homes rebates. A high-efficiency heat pump installation can qualify for significant combined rebates depending on your home, equipment and income, and we handle the paperwork for you.
How quickly can you replace a broken hot water tank?
Standard 40 or 50-gallon gas or electric tanks are typically replaced same-day or next-day from stock. Tankless water heaters and larger-capacity units usually take 1–3 business days depending on parts availability.
Why should I choose CANRO over other HVAC companies?
CANRO has been operating in Metro Vancouver since 1999 with a 4.9-star rating from 85+ Google reviews. We specialise in difficult boiler systems (Viessmann, IBC, Baxi, Laars) that many companies do not service, we give honest options instead of upselling, and our work is performed by long-term staff — not subcontractors.
What Metro Vancouver homeowners say about CANRO
Verified Google reviews — 4.9 average across 85+ ratings
★★★★★
"Joe and Allan is a great team of plumbers. They gave me the right advice and helped me make a good decision with my heating."
Google review · May 2026
★★★★★
"The technical team is extremely efficient and skilled. They installed the water tank in two hours and the RUUD tank is working perfectly well."
Google review · May 2026
★★★★★
"We are so happy with the service provided by Joe and Alan. Alan was recommended to us to replace our hot water tank."
Google review · Feb 2026
★★★★★
"Highly recommend."
Google review · Jan 2026
★★★★★
"Canro boiler services were genuine life savers. I was stuck without heat overnight and they came by and got my boiler running."
Google review · Jan 2026
★★★★★
"Canro came in and fixed my boiler that was throwing all types of codes that I couldn't understand but the technician explained everything."
Google review · Jan 2026