CleanBC Income Qualified Windows: What’s Changing?

New, energy-efficient windows and doors don’t have to break the bank. Government rebates are a smart way to cut down the cost of your upgrades, and there are some great options for BC homeowners. The CleanBC grants lead the pack, but recent changes have come into force for their income-qualified program. So, would you and your home be able to benefit? Let’s find out!

The CleanBC Income Qualified Program

The CleanBC program is designed to help residents upgrade their homes as part of a government push to reduce climate-altering emissions by 40% by 2030. The program applies to a number of home upgrades, with windows and exterior doors being some of the most beneficial to homeowners. The regular program can save you up to $2,000 on your renovations – but there is more substantial help available for those who need it.

The CleanBC Income Qualified Program (IQP) for windows and doors can allow homeowners to save up to a whopping $9,500 on their project, putting upgrades and home comfort in reach for many more people in the province.

What are the Changes?

Previously, restrictions on IQP windows and doors were primarily to do with income. This still stands, as seen in this chart:

From February 1^st 2024, the previous two IQP income brackets remain, though you must now also live in what is referred to as an ‘eligible home’ which must be valued below $1.23 million. Say, for example, you’re a couple with two children who make a combined total of $114,000 per year. Your home is valued at $1.2 million. This would still allow you to save up to 60% off the cost of your windows. It can also be a useful program for those who have retired and no longer make a regular annual income.

There are other requirements as seen here, and you must have an account with BC Hydro, Fortis BC, or a municipal utility provider (such as New Westminster). It's also worth noting that the above restrictions are in addition to those that apply to a product’s energy efficiency and performance – but don’t worry! Centra has plenty of windows and doors that qualify for these rebates, including our new high-performance, triple-pane sliding windows and patio doors. Thanks to the new income tier, CleanBC IQP windows and doors are now available to more homeowners than ever. For window replacement from Nanaimo to Kelowna, now is the time to upgrade!

Are Other Programs Available?

The federal government’s Greener Homes Program closed to new applicants earlier in 2024, though a $40,000, 10-year, interest-free loan is still available to take advantage of. The program could return at some point in the coming years, though there are no firm details on this as of June 2024.

Benefits of Window Replacement

New windows and exterior doors make a major difference for homeowners – rebate-qualifying windows especially. Let’s take a look at why…

Home Comfort

Thanks to advancements in window technology, homeowners who upgrade notice a bigger difference than ever to their home comfort. LoE glass coatings reflect heat back to its source, keeping you warmer in winter and cooler in summer, and multi-chamber vinyl frames improve the thermal performance of your windows. These advancements, among others, help make your home the cozy oasis you and your family deserve.

Lower Bills

That year-round comfort has another major benefit, especially given the ups and downs the economy has faced in recent times. Homeowners are much less likely to use their heating systems in winter or A/C in summer, meaning their high-performance, rebate-qualifying windows aren’t just eligible for help from the government – they’ll actually put money back in your pocket longer term!

Added Value

Window and door replacement isn’t like buying a new car, where you lose value the moment you drive it off the lot. The added efficiency and curb appeal also add value to your home, which is another great way in which these products actually pay for themselves. Good windows and doors are built to last, which is why Centra offers our new 30-year warranty. That means your home will benefit in terms of added value for decades to come!

Noise Reduction

Another great advantage windows and door upgrades bring are their sound reduction qualities. If noise is an issue, we can use two different thicknesses of glass to reduce sound transmittance. If you live in a noisy neighbourhood, near a train line, or under a flight path, this is a great way to cut the noise and get some peace and quiet.

As proven by recent modifications to both provincial and federal rebates, these huge financial incentives can change (or even disappear) very quickly – so if you’re looking for window replacement in Nanaimo, Victoria, Kelowna, the Lower Mainland, or the Fraser Valley, be sure to reach out to Centra as soon as possible. We’re the local experts when it comes to home upgrades, and we can help you navigate all available rebates to ensure you get the best windows and doors at the best price. You can also check out our new Rebate Calculator to see what you can qualify for!

We Are Your Certified Window Geeks!

We love to talk windows! We’re here to help, so if you have a question about your window project all you have to do is reach out. Contact us early in the process so that our experts can make sure everything is correct from the get-go.

For more information on this topic (and many more!) contact our local Employee Owners at 1-888-534-3333 or drop us an email at info@centra.ca. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about what's happening with Centra Windows. Join the club and become a Window Geek yourself by signing up for our newsletter, which provides news, advice, and tips about the window industry and upcoming events, and test your window knowledge by following us on LinkedIn.