I own a heating company in Maple Ridge and get asked about this almost daily, so here's my take on the new rebate.

What dual fuel is: A heat pump paired with a new high-efficiency gas furnace. A smart thermostat runs the heat pump most of the year and switches to gas when it gets really cold.

My take: For most homes in the Lower Mainland with gas already in, I think dual fuel is the smartest setup right now. Our winters are mild enough that the heat pump does most of the work. You get AC in the summer. And when we get that week of -8, the furnace takes over and you're not worrying about it. You also keep a backup if something goes down. A heat pump on its own works great in the right home, but if you already have gas, dual fuel is hard to beat. The question I get asked every single time, “what’s cheaper to heat my house with?” And my answer is a gas furnace - that being said as per program requirements we need to set it up so that the heat pump is the primary heater down to 5 degrees Celsius. You have control of the thermostat settings to use whichever heating source you prefer.

What it costs: For a standard-size home, expect roughly $17,000 to $20,000 installed. Where you land depends on the brand, how tricky the install is, and what we're taking out.

Rebates through FortisBC:
$4,000 standard rebate
$8,000 if you're income qualified

Income qualified limits (total household income, all sources):
People in the home / Max household income
1 $51,100
2 $63,600
3 $78,200
4 $94,900
5 $107,600
6 $121,400
7+ $135,100

Some of the requirements are:
It has to be a new heat pump and a new furnace installed together. Replacing an existing dual fuel system doesn't qualify.
The equipment has to be on FortisBC's eligible list, and a licensed contractor has to install the connected thermostat.
You'll need to show proof of income for the $8,000 rebate.

Happy to answer questions in the comments.

FortisBC Dual Fuel Rebate Link

Just a heads up for anyone in BC considering a heat pump - the Energy Savings Program is reducing rebate amounts for oil/propane/natural gas conversions across all income levels, and cutting the electric-to-heat-pump rebate for Income Level 2 entirely.

There's a grace period: if your contractor submits a quote by July 5 and the install is completed/invoiced by July 31, you can still qualify under the old rebate structure. Anything invoiced after July 5 without a qualifying quote falls under the new (lower) rates.

If you've been on the fence, worth getting a quote locked in this week.

Hi my name is Jaydon - Owner of Hammer’s Heating and Cooling. If you are looking into mini splits, I have answered some of the most common questions we get from our clients below!

What This System Is:

In British Columbia, mini-split systems are ideal for homes without ductwork, room additions, basement suites, garages, and spaces with uneven heating or cooling.

They are also a great solution for homeowners looking for efficient, quiet comfort in specific areas without modifying their entire home.

At Hammer's, we use high-performance ductless systems from brands like Samsung and Ruud - specifically their "Cold Climate" series - to bring whisper-quiet comfort to spaces where traditional ducted systems just can't reach.

Below are the different systems available.

Single-Zone: One outdoor condenser connected to one indoor head. These are the "problem solvers" for primary bedrooms, home offices, or garages.

Multi-Zone: One powerful outdoor unit connected to up to five indoor units. This allows you to set different temperatures for the upstairs bedrooms and the downstairs living area simultaneously.

Indoor Styles: While wall-mounted "heads" are most common, we also offer Floor Mounts (perfect for replacing old baseboard heaters) and Ceiling Cassettes for a flush, near-invisible look.

Every municipality is different from where the outside unit is allowed to go - Langley is one of the cities that does not allow your outdoor unit to be located on the side of your home!

Installation Time:

1. Single-Zone: A clean install usually takes 6-8 hours.
2. Multi-Zone (2–3 heads): Typically 1 to 2 days.
3. Whole-Home (4+ heads): Can take 3 to 4 days depending on how far we have to run the lines through your attic or crawlspace.

How Much Will It Cost?

A Single zone system can start at $6,000-$8,000 and roughly $4,000-$6,000 for each additional zone added. Size, brand, job difficulty will affect overall cost.

Reach out to us if you have any questions and I would be happy to help!

Check out this link if you qualify for any rebates!
https://betterhomesbc.ca/find-rebates/?tool=rebates

Everyone’s pushing heat pumps right now.

I run an HVAC company in Pitt Meadows and this comes up on almost every quote right now.

High-efficiency gas furnaces are still one of the most reliable and cost-effective ways to heat homes in the Lower Mainland.

Even though our winters are mild, we still deal with:
• Cold snaps
• Damp air
• Long heating seasons

So consistency matters more than people think.

Furnace vs Heat Pump (honest answer):

A gas furnace is still the cheapest way to heat your home.

Heat pumps are great in the right situation, especially if you’re on electric baseboards or chasing rebates, but if you already have gas, most homeowners are better off sticking with a furnace or going dual fuel.

What most people don’t realize about installs:

A furnace swap isn’t always just “plug and play.”

Typical install time is 6–10 hours, but it can increase depending on:

• Upgrading from older systems (new PVC venting + condensate drainage required)
• Crawlspaces or attic installs
• Code upgrades

A lot of older homes need modifications to meet current BC Gas + Building Code.

What a proper install should include:

• Floor protection and clean work setup
• Removal and recycling of the old furnace
• New venting and drainage done properly
• Full system testing and commissioning
• Walkthrough so you actually understand your system

We aim to leave the home cleaner than we found it.

Most homeowners focus on the equipment…
But 90% of long-term issues come down to the installation, not the brand.

Curious, are you leaning furnace or heat pump right now?

You glance at the thermostat, and everything looks right, yet your home still feels colder than it should. This is a common concern for homeowners in Pitt Meadows, especially during damp, cool seasons when winter temperatures make consistent indoor comfort harder to maintain.

Temperature Readings Don’t Tell The Whole Story

The thermostat measures air temperature in one specific location, not how warmth is distributed throughout your home. If heat isn’t circulating evenly, some rooms may feel noticeably colder even though the thermostat indicates a comfortable setting.

Factors like airflow patterns, room layout, and insulation all influence how warm your space actually feels.

Uneven Airflow Throughout The Home

Airflow plays a major role in perceived comfort. When warm air doesn’t reach every room consistently, cold spots can develop. This issue often becomes more noticeable in multi-level homes or spaces farther from the main system.

Common airflow-related contributors include:

• Blocked or poorly balanced vents
• Leaky or aging ductwork
• Inconsistent air distribution between floors
• Clogged filters

Even small airflow disruptions can make a properly set thermostat feel misleading.

Humidity And The “Cold” Feeling

Pitt Meadows’ coastal climate brings higher moisture levels, which can affect how warm your home feels. Air with too much humidity can feel cooler on your skin, while air that’s too dry may lack that comfortable warmth you expect.

Humidity balance plays a key role in overall comfort and can influence how efficiently heat is felt throughout your living space.

Heat Loss Through The Building Envelope

If warmth escapes faster than it’s replaced, your home may never feel as warm as the thermostat suggests. Heat loss can occur through windows, doors, walls, and ceilings, particularly in older homes or during extended cool, wet weather.

As warm air escapes, your system works harder, yet comfort still falls short.

System Performance And Cycling Issues

When heating equipment cycles on and off too frequently, it may not run long enough to fully warm the home. Short cycling can lead to fluctuating temperatures and rooms that feel consistently chilly.

This type of performance issue often develops gradually, making it easy to overlook until comfort noticeably drops. That’s why heat pump, AC, and furnace maintenance are so crucial: they allow technicians to prevent gradual degradation of performance and catch potential problems early on.

Comfort Solutions For Pitt Meadows Homes

Homeowners in Pitt Meadows, BC, want to identify the underlying causes behind uneven indoor temperatures. Our heating services focus on improving airflow, addressing heat loss, and optimizing system performance for consistent warmth.

If your home feels colder than it should, contact Hammer's Heating and Cooling today to schedule a professional heating service and restore reliable comfort throughout your space.

https://hammersheating.ca/why-your-home-feels-colder-than-the-thermostat-setting-hvac-causes-explained/

What’s the best Furnace brand in 2026? One of the questions we get asked almost daily and I always give the same answer. It really comes down to how it is installed. Over the years we have installed and serviced every brand on the market and have came to the conclusion that if it’s not installed properly is going to fail sooner than it should no matter what the brand is. All brands have different warranties from the manufacturer, so that is something to keep in mind but at the end of the day find a contractor you can trust, has a good reputation and that will maximize the life of any Furnace brand you choose! If you have any questions, please check us out online at www.hammersheating.ca or give us a call at 778-899-5224 and we’ll be happy to help. 

By Jaydon Hamilton - Owner of Hammer’s Heating and Cooling.

Is your furnace starting to make that dreaded rattling sound? Or maybe you’re just trying to get ahead of a winter breakdown before it leaves you shivering in the Langley damp. Either way, the big question is always: "How much is this going to cost me?"

At Hammer's Heating, we believe in transparency. In 2026, a furnace installation for a typical single-family home in Langley generally ranges between $6,000 and $8,000.

But why the range? Let’s break down the three main factors that move the needle on your quote.

1. The "Swap" vs. The "Upgrade"

The biggest price variable is what you currently have in your utility room.

• The Direct Swap: If you already have a high-efficiency unit, we can often swap it out relatively quickly.
• The Efficiency Upgrade: If you are moving from an old mid-efficient or low-efficient model, we have to install new condensate drain and exhaust venting to the exterior of your home. Because this involves new piping and specialized labor, it typically adds about $1,200 to the total project cost.

2. Stages and Efficiency

Not all furnaces are built the same. In 2026, you have three main choices:

• Single-Stage: On or off. Basic and reliable.
• Two-Stage: Has a "low" setting for milder days and a "high" setting for those January cold snaps.
• Variable Speed: The gold standard. It adjusts constantly to provide the exact amount of heat needed.
• The Payoff: The more stages you have, the higher your upfront cost - but the lower your monthly gas bills will be.

3. The "Silent" Factor: Your Ductwork

It doesn't matter how high-tech your new furnace is; if your ductwork is undersized, oversized, or leaky, you are throwing money away. We always inspect the "veins" of your home during an install. If your ducts aren't moving air properly, your efficiency rating is just a number on a sticker, not a reality in your home.

Pro-Tip: The "Combo" Discount

If your air conditioner or heat pump is 12 years or older, now is the time to act. One of the best ways to save money in 2026 is by replacing your furnace and AC/Heat Pump at the same time. Doing them together can save you roughly $2,000 in labor costs compared to doing them as separate jobs. It’s one of the few "hacks" left to significantly lower the cost of a home comfort upgrade.

Improve Your Air While You’re At It

While we have the system open, many Langley homeowners are opting for:

• Electronic Air Cleaners: For hospital-grade air.
• Media Filters: Upgrading from a 1-inch to a 4-inch filter for better flow and filtration.
• Smart Thermostats: Upgrading to a Wi-Fi-enabled model for better control from your phone.

Ready for a Real Quote?

Don’t guess when it comes to your home’s comfort. Every house in Langley is unique.

Check out our website for a free online price estimator to use our online quote tool and get a personalized estimate for your home today!

Deciding Between a Tank or Tankless Water Heater: What Homeowners Should Know

When homeowners call us - like Darrell did recently - the question usually comes down to one thing: “Should I replace my hot water tank with another tank, or switch to a tankless system?”
It’s an important decision, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s a simple, clear breakdown to help you choose the right option for your home.

Upfront Cost vs. Long-Term Value

Standard hot water tanks are the most affordable and straightforward option to install. If your home already has a tank, replacing it with another one is quick, easy, and cost-effective.

Tankless systems cost more upfront, but they offer significant long-term value. A traditional tank runs at about 63% efficiency, losing energy as it keeps water hot 24/7. Tankless systems operate at 95%+ efficiency, heating water only when you need it and drastically reducing wasted energy. If you plan to stay in your home long-term, tankless often delivers better overall value.

How Much Hot Water Your Household Uses

Tanks store a fixed amount of hot water, which works well for average households with predictable usage. If your showers, laundry, and dishes rarely happen at the same time, a tank will generally keep up without issue.

Tankless water heaters create hot water on demand, meaning you never run out. This is ideal for larger families, homes with teenagers, or anyone used to running out of hot water at peak times. If you’ve ever had back-to-back showers turn cold, a tankless system solves that instantly. Or if you are like me - I added a hot water outdoor faucet in front of my house to wash my car with hot water.. So the money I save on efficiency is spent on washing my car.. Oh well!

Space and Installation

Standard tanks require floor space and clearance. If your home has room and you want the simplest change-out, sticking with a tank is perfectly fine.

Tankless systems are compact and wall-mounted, freeing up space and creating a cleaner mechanical room. They may require upgrades to venting or gas lines, but homeowners often appreciate the space savings and modern layout.

Lifespan and Maintenance

A traditional tank water heater typically lasts around 10 years. They require very little maintenance, but once they reach the end of their lifespan, replacement is usually straightforward.

Tankless systems generally last 15-20 years, and sometimes even longer with proper maintenance. They do require occasional descaling to protect the heat exchanger, but the extended lifespan and higher efficiency often outweigh the extra maintenance for many homeowners.

Everyday Convenience

Tanks deliver hot water quickly since it’s already pre-heated. This makes them simple and familiar for most households.

Tankless systems may take a moment longer to deliver hot water depending on distance, but once the hot water reaches the tap, it’s endless-excellent for busy families, long showers, or frequent guests.

So Which Option Is Right for You?

If you want the lowest upfront cost and a quick, simple replacement, a tank is the right choice.
If you want long-term efficiency, space savings, and unlimited hot water, with a lifespan of 15-20 years, a tankless system is worth serious consideration.

Just like our call with Darrell, we’re here to give honest advice so you can choose what’s best for your home, budget, and lifestyle.

Author: Jaydon Hamilton

Hammer’s Heating & Cooling
Your trusted local team in Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge.
If you’re deciding between a tank or tankless water heater, feel free to reach out, our team is always happy to help.

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