How much does a heat pump cost to install in Burnaby?

A heat pump installation in Burnaby typically runs $9,000 to $18,000 for a ductless multi-zone system, or $10,000 to $22,000 for a ducted central system on existing ductwork. If your electrical panel needs upgrading from 100A to 200A, add another $3,500 to $6,000 on top of that.

What moves the price for a Burnaby home

The biggest variables are whether you have existing ducts, how many zones you need, and what your electrical panel can handle. A single-zone ductless mini-split in a basement suite or laneway home sits at the lower end, around $4,500 to $8,000. A whole-home ducted system in a 1970s or 1980s Burnaby house with a gas furnace being replaced can push well past $18,000 once you factor in the new circuit, line set, outdoor pad, and removal of the old equipment.

Burnaby's noise bylaw limit is 55 dBA during the day and 45 dBA at night, so the outdoor unit's sound rating matters when you are choosing a model. Placement matters too: the unit must sit outside Burnaby's required front and side yards, and if you are in a strata, you will need written council approval before any work begins. For ducted systems or wall and roof mounted units, Burnaby also requires a building permit application, so confirm with the city whether your specific install triggers that step.

On the permit side, Burnaby issues both gas and electrical permits itself, so your contractor will be pulling those locally rather than through Technical Safety BC. The electrical permit covers the new heat pump circuit; if you are removing a gas furnace at the same time, a gas permit is needed to cap the line. Permits are normally included in a contractor's quote, but ask to confirm.

Rebate reality check: if your Burnaby home currently runs on electric baseboards or an electric furnace, BC Hydro's Home Renovation Rebate can cover up to $4,000 for a whole-home heat pump system installed by a contractor in the Home Performance Contractor Network. If you heat with gas today and your household income qualifies, the CleanBC Energy Savings Program offers substantially more, up to $13,000 at the lowest income tier for a central ducted system. If you heat with gas and are not income-qualified, there is currently no general fuel-switching rebate available in Metro Vancouver. Confirm eligibility with BC Hydro or Better Homes BC before you buy anything, because programs can change with little notice.

A fair quote should include a heat loss calculation sized to your home, the specific model and its rated capacity, the electrical circuit and disconnect, line set, outdoor pad, removal of the old system, permits, and a warranty on both parts and labour. Before hiring, ask the contractor for their Technical Safety BC gas contractor licence number if any gas work is involved, confirm their refrigerant certification, and check that they carry WorkSafeBC coverage.

Getting two or three quotes is the smartest move you can make here. Local Burnaby installers quote this kind of job every week, and Vancouver HVAC Pro will pass your details to a few of them.