Furnace FAQs & Rebates in Chilliwack, BC

Furnace FAQs

When should I repair or replace my furnace?

Start with the actual diagnosis rather than the furnace’s age alone. Repair may make sense when the problem is a clearly identified component, the required part is available, the furnace has a sound service history and the repair cost is reasonable compared with replacement. Replacement may be worth considering when the furnace has frequent or increasingly expensive breakdowns, important parts are no longer available, comfort or operating costs have become a concern, or a qualified technician identifies a serious safety issue such as a damaged heat exchanger. Age is one factor: many furnaces are approaching the end of their typical service life around 15 to 20 years, but condition and maintenance history matter. Ask the technician to explain the diagnosis, provide the repair cost, describe any safety concerns and compare the repair with a properly sized replacement option. If a safety concern is identified, follow the technician’s instructions and do not continue operating the furnace until it has been assessed as safe.

How can I relight my furnace pilot light?

Many newer gas furnaces use electronic ignition and do not have a continuously burning pilot light, so there may be nothing to relight. If your older furnace has a standing pilot, only follow the lighting instructions provided by the manufacturer for that exact model, and only when there is no smell of gas and no sign of an unsafe condition. If you smell gas, do not try to light the furnace or operate electrical switches. Leave the building and call FortisBC’s 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 or 911 from a safe location outside. If the pilot repeatedly goes out, will not stay lit, or the furnace shows a yellow or wavering flame, stop using the appliance and arrange an inspection by a licensed gas contractor. Repeated pilot outages can indicate a fault that needs professional attention.

Can I replace an old furnace with a dual-fuel heat pump system?

Depending on your home and existing equipment, a central ducted heat pump paired with a compatible gas or propane furnace may be an option. The equipment must be properly sized and controlled as an integrated system.

Is there a FortisBC rebate for a dual-fuel system?

As of October 2026, FortisBC lists a rebate of up to $4,000 for eligible residential customers and up to $8,000 for eligible income-qualified customers installing a qualifying dual-fuel system. These are not general furnace-replacement rebates. The current program requires an existing gas furnace that is at least 15 years old and serves as the home’s primary heating system, replaced with a new central ducted heat pump integrated with a compatible high-efficiency gas furnace rated at 95% AFUE or higher and connected controls. For the Lower Mainland region, the connected thermostat, outdoor-temperature control or equipment control board must use a maximum changeover temperature of 5°C or lower for the system’s lifetime. The exact system must appear on FortisBC’s Qualified Dual Fuel Systems List. Installation must be completed by a Technical Safety BC-licensed gas contractor who is a member in good standing of the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) and is listed on the HPCN for this specific rebate at the time of installation. A program-approved heat-load calculation, commissioning and required installation-day documentation are also required. Applications must be submitted within six months of the paid invoice date. The income-qualified program has additional household income, ownership, home-age, size and property-value rules. FortisBC also states that this rebate cannot be combined with other FortisBC, provincial or federal-funded rebate programs. Program amounts and conditions can change, and FortisBC makes the final eligibility decision; check the current requirements before purchasing equipment or promising a rebate.

Check current FortisBC rebates and offers · View FortisBC’s current standard dual-fuel rebate requirements · View FortisBC’s income-qualified dual-fuel rebate requirements.

Does every new gas furnace qualify for a rebate?

A like-for-like replacement of an existing natural gas furnace should not be assumed to qualify for a FortisBC rebate. The dual-fuel incentive is for a qualifying heat pump and compatible gas furnace installed as one integrated system, not a standalone furnace swap. There is a separate FortisBC Connect to Gas offer for eligible homeowners converting their primary heating from oil or propane to a qualifying high-efficiency natural gas furnace or boiler when they become a new FortisBC gas customer. That program is for existing homes, requires pre-qualification before the upgrade, and has specific equipment, contractor and application deadlines. As of October 2026, FortisBC advertises up to $2,000 for an eligible furnace or boiler, with a possible $1,000 bonus for customers who pre-qualify by December 31, 2026; installation must meet the program deadline and all terms. Check the official requirements before quoting a rebate, because eligibility depends on the home, fuel being replaced, equipment and timing.

See FortisBC’s Connect to Gas space and water heating rebates · Check eligible furnace and boiler models.

Can furnace maintenance qualify for a rebate?

Eligible residential FortisBC natural gas customers may qualify for up to $150 in total appliance-maintenance rebates. The current program lists $50 for servicing either one furnace or one boiler (not both), $50 for one eligible tankless water heater, and $25 for each of up to two eligible fireplaces. Storage tank water heaters and outdoor fireplaces are not eligible. Service must be completed by a licensed gas contractor, and the customer must apply within 60 days of the service invoice date with the required account information and paid receipts. FortisBC reviews each application and determines eligibility, so confirm the current program terms before booking or relying on a rebate.

Read the official FortisBC appliance maintenance rebate details.

How can I book furnace service?

Contact Trust Heating & Cooling to discuss furnace repair, replacement or maintenance and arrange an assessment. When possible, have the furnace make and model, approximate age, symptoms, any visible error code and recent service history ready.

What Does Professional Furnace Maintenance Include?

A proper furnace maintenance visit is more than a quick visual check. Depending on the furnace model and manufacturer instructions, a qualified gas technician may check the thermostat and operating sequence, inspect safety controls and venting components, examine burners and clean them if needed, and assess the blower and other accessible components. The technician should explain any concerns found and identify repairs that may be needed. FortisBC recommends regular servicing by a licensed gas contractor; ask for a written service record describing the work completed.

Service procedures vary by equipment. Homeowners should not remove furnace panels, adjust gas components or bypass safety controls.

What to Check Before Calling About a Furnace

• Note whether the furnace will not start, shuts off repeatedly, makes unusual noises or fails to heat the home evenly.
• Check the thermostat setting and batteries, if applicable.
• Check the air filter and replace it only if needed, following the equipment instructions.
• Make sure supply and return vents are not blocked by furniture or other items.
• Record any displayed fault code without removing panels or attempting internal repairs.

Do not bypass safety controls or attempt gas or electrical repairs. If you smell gas, leave the area and contact the appropriate emergency gas service. A qualified technician can diagnose the cause and explain repair or replacement options.

Related Heating Services in Chilliwack

Visit our furnace repair and installation, heat pump services, HVAC maintenance and boiler and water heater services pages.

Visit our Furnace Repair & Installation page.

Rebate programs and eligibility may change. Confirm all requirements with the program administrator before committing to equipment or installation.