Upcoming HSPF2/SEER2 Changes and Provincial Rebate Programs (Jan 2023)

This webinar was hosted by the HPSC on January 17, 2023, on behalf of the HPCN program partners: FortisBC, BC Hydro, and CleanBC.

Press the play button above to start the recording. You can also drag the progress bar to skip ahead to the sections outlines below.

0:00 - 1:45 - Introduction

1:46 - 6:51 - Overview of M1 Test Standard (HSPF2 and SEER2)

6:52 - 8:44 - Program Requirements and the New M1 Standard

8:45 - 19:44 - Helping your Customers - Qualified Product List, Applications, Quotes, and Invoices

19:45 - 40:41 - Q&A

Slides

Click here to download the presentation slides.

Rebate Program Questions or Support

For customers: Direct customers to contact a Better Homes energy coach, available M-F, 9am to 5pm.

For contractors:

BC Hydro Home Renovation Rebate

alliance@bchydro.com

www.bchydro.com/homerebates

CleanBC Better Homes and Income Qualified Offer

betterhomesbc@gov.bc.ca

www.betterhomesbc.ca/

https://betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/income-qualified/

IQPcontractorsupport@clearesult.com

FortisBC Home Renovation Rebate

homereno@fortisbc.com

www.fortisbc.com/homerebates

  • If you are not receiving emails about rebate program updates, please reach out to Alliance@bchydro.com to provide your email address to the distribution lists.

Q&A Transcript

Question

Answer

M1 testing standard - does the Jan. 1, 2023, effective date apply to the 'manufacture date' or 'date imported to Canada?

This applies to the manufacturers date.

Are the HSPF2 requirements for Region IV or Region V?

The program refers to all AHRI data for Region IV (4) and the program will continue to reference Region IV (4) data.

When do you think you'll get M1 ratings loaded?

We are hoping to have it updated sometime in the spring. We will send a notification when it has been updated.

If a product has been tested under both and qualifies under M1 but not M, will it show as qualified, or can it be added?

For products manufactured after January 1, 2023, they will be listed if the product has been tested under M1 standards and meets the requirements.

Is there a map that shows where geographically certain applications apply?

Here is the link to the FortisBC service area: https://www.fortisbc.com/about-us/corporate-information/our-service-areas

Additionally, customers can look up rebates (and links to both FortisBC and BC Hydro) here: https://www.betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/cleanbc-better-homes-and-home-renovation-rebate-programs/

In reference to: "Ducted mini split only in a home under 1200 square feet or less."

The only system impacted by that regulation was the single zone ductless mini-split heat pump previously. If this information is correct, does it apply to a system such as AHRI 205123809?

Ducted mini splits can fall under the central ducted category. Sometimes the heat pump is identified as ducted or ductless and is added to the mini- or multi-split ductless list, in this case, please reach out to the program partners to make a change to the qualified product list.

Are heat load calculations only required for dual fuel systems? Are they required for mini split or central systems?

At this time a heat load calculation is only required for a dual fuel system. However, we recommend a heat load calculation be completed for all types of heat pump installations.

If the equipment installed is larger capacity than what's recommended in the energy analysis is it still eligible for rebate? (To make sure it's AHRI compliant)

Yes, however per best practices we encourage that the proper sized system is installed.

Are the M1 changes also applicable for dual fuel?

Yes.

Will the Greener Homes Initiative use a similar requirement for HSPF2 and SEER2 to qualify for heat pump rebates?

We believe they will be accepting M1 (HSPF2 and SEER2) products.

Please see the Greener Homes Grant website for additional information on their programs.

What region is the Okanagan?

Please see the regional climate zone map for details: https://www.betterhomesbc.ca/faqs/climate-zone/

Other than efficiency, are there any requirements or road map for different refrigeration? Such as R410A, R32?

The Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program does not have any refrigeration requirements. These changes will be managed by the federal government, who will work directly with the HVAC industry.

Can you please specify who to reach out to about verifying or adding products to QPL?

Customers and contractors can contact: betterhomesbc@gov.bc.ca

Manufacturers can contact: alliance@bchydro.com

When will you stop accepting HSPF1 and SEER1 equipment?

Currently the program has not put an end date to that equipment. The program will reach out to industry with end dates when applicable.

When will you require a refrigeration ticket for the installer?

The Home Performance Stakeholder Council does not currently require a refrigeration ticket to become a HPCN member.

The HPSC is working on consultation and advocacy towards this.

For more information you can see our FAQs (https://guides.co/g/hpcn-registration-hvac/231448) or contact the HPSC at info@homeperformance.ca