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Oil to heat pump
Oil to heat pump conversion in Nanaimo
Trade the oil deliveries and the slow, noisy start up for a heat pump that heats in winter and cools in summer.
Why switch
Why convert from an oil furnace to a heat pump?
Oil furnaces are becoming less and less common, and they run the opposite way to the direction BC is taking on home heating. You're paying for oil deliveries, changing the oil filter, and waiting while an older furnace works its way up to blowing warm air. A heat pump moves heat instead of burning fuel, heats your home in winter and cools it in summer, and runs on electricity. Norm's has long lasting knowledge of oil furnaces, so we understand what you have now as well as what you're switching to.
How it works
What an oil to heat pump conversion looks like.
- Home visit
We look at the layout, the oil furnace, the ductwork and the electrical panel, and ask how you use each room.
- Sizing and options
A heat-load calculation sets the size. You get options with running costs and rebates side by side.
- Rebates first
Our rebate team checks the program rules before any work starts, because most programs need pre-approval.
- Install
We place the indoor and outdoor units and handle the wiring, connections and installation.
- Test and tune
Before we leave, we test and fine-tune the system so it runs properly.
Ducted or ductless
Can I use my oil furnace ducts for a heat pump?
Often. If your oil furnace is forced air, you already have ductwork, and a ducted heat pump can often use it, sometimes paired with an electric furnace for backup heat. That's what one Cedar homeowner did when he dumped his oil furnace for a high-efficiency electric furnace and heat pump installed by Norm's. Homes heated by an oil boiler or without good ducts can look at ductless heat pumps instead. We check the ducts at the home visit and tell you which way makes sense.
Electrical panel
Will I need an electrical panel upgrade?
Sometimes. Switching from oil to electric heat adds load to your electrical service. In the Cedar conversion, the homeowner needed a service panel upgrade to handle the fully electric forced air furnace and heat pump. We check your panel at the home visit and tell you before you commit if an upgrade is needed, so it's in your quote and not a surprise.
Your oil tank
What happens to my oil tank?
Plan for it from the start. Our staff are trained in safely removing oil tanks, so we can take care of it as part of the switch. Natural Resources Canada notes that your province or territory may require removal of an oil tank that is no longer in use, and that you should check your plans with your home insurance provider and your local authority before decommissioning or removing a tank. Norm's installs and services oil furnaces and oil tanks, so ask us about your tank at the quote and we'll tell you how we'll handle it. Checked October 21, 2026. Rules change, and we confirm them at your quote.
Rebates
Is there a CleanBC rebate for switching from oil to a heat pump?
CleanBC Better Homes lists the current BC heat pump rebates, including income-qualified offers through the Energy Savings Program. Eligibility depends on things like household income, your existing heating system, the new equipment and the timing of the project, and most programs require a program-registered contractor and pre-approval. Rebates change often, so we confirm current programs and amounts at your quote. The federal Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program closed to new applications on July 31, 2026, according to Natural Resources Canada. Checked October 21, 2026. Rules change, and we confirm them at your quote.
Rebate help
Can Norm's help with the rebate paperwork?
Yes. Rebate programs can feel overwhelming, so we've built a team trained to help you through them. They help identify which rebates you qualify for, guide you through the paperwork and applications, make sure the technical requirements are met, and coordinate EnerGuide evaluations when they're needed.
Dual fuel
What about a dual fuel system?
Dual fuel pairs a heat pump with a natural gas furnace, so it only applies if your home has natural gas available. Most oil-heated homes don't, and for them the choice is a heat pump on its own or a heat pump with an electric furnace or electric backup. If gas is available at your street, we can walk you through both.
Not ready yet?
I'm not ready to switch. Can you still service my oil furnace?
Yes. Oil furnaces need annual maintenance just like gas furnaces. The most common no-heat calls we get on oil furnaces come from a clogged nozzle, a dirty oil filter or a failed transformer, and we stock common replacement parts. Change your oil filter every 3 months along with your air filter, and check that you have oil before you call.
Why Norm's
A clean switch, start to finish.
Long lasting knowledge of oil furnaces and tanks, so we plan around what's in your home now.
Norm's is a FortisBC Trade Ally Network member, and our rebate team checks the program rules before any work starts.
A proper heat-load calculation, not a guess based on the old furnace.
All our work is guaranteed and covered by our no-hassle warranty, with competitive rates and no hidden costs.
Dan Came to the house on time and was honest, efficient and skillful. He dealt with our heat pump + furnace issues quickly and honestly. I would not hesitate to recommend this company for your HVAC needs.
Great work by the team at Norm’s. The heat pump and indoor units were installed today. The guys were efficient, tidy, personable and the work was done well. Cleaned up all the boxes and made sure everything was vacuumed before they left. Would definitely recommend Norm’s
What it costs
What does an oil to heat pump conversion cost?
Every conversion is quoted for your home. The price depends on the size of system your home needs, ducted or ductless, whether the electrical panel needs an upgrade, what happens with the oil tank, and which rebates you qualify for. Monthly payment options are available through Financeit, with standard interest rates from 12.99% to 15.99% and amortization up to 240 months.
- Quoted for your home
- Rebates checked before work starts
- Monthly payment options through Financeit
FAQ
Oil to heat pump questions, answered
Can a heat pump replace my oil furnace completely?
In many homes, yes, often paired with an electric furnace for backup heat. It depends on your home's size, layout and ductwork, which we look at during the home visit.
Can I keep my existing ducts?
If your oil furnace is forced air, a ducted heat pump can often use the existing ductwork. We check the ducts at the home visit.
Do I need to remove my oil tank?
If it is no longer in use it may need to come out, and our staff are trained in safely removing oil tanks. Natural Resources Canada notes your province or territory may require removal of a tank that's no longer in use, and advises checking with your insurer and local authority first. Ask us about your tank at the quote.
Is there a rebate for switching from oil to a heat pump in BC?
CleanBC Better Homes lists the current heat pump rebates, including income-qualified offers. Programs and amounts change, so we confirm what applies to your home at your quote.
Is the federal oil to heat pump grant still open?
Natural Resources Canada says the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program closed to new applications on July 31, 2026. Applications submitted before the deadline are still being processed.
Can I get a dual fuel system instead?
Only if natural gas is available at your home. Dual fuel pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace.
Will I need an electrical upgrade?
Sometimes. We check your electrical panel at the home visit and tell you before you commit.
Do you offer monthly payment options?
Yes, through Financeit, with standard interest rates from 12.99% to 15.99% and amortization up to 240 months. Ask about it at your quote.
Related services
Ready when you are
Leave oil behind for good.
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