From oil to efficiency: One Saanich homeowner’s path to cleaner heating
HOME ENERGY AND RESILIENCE UPGRADES
Home-energy upgrade financing program
British Columbia
When Purnima Govindarajulu received a flyer from the District of Saanich, British Columbia, tucked into her utility bill, she almost dismissed it. “It talked about a pilot program offering financing for energy upgrades,” she recalls. “At first, I wasn’t sure if it was relevant. But it came at just the right time.”
Purnima had already been thinking about replacing her home’s aging oil furnace. “Our oil tank was nearing end of life, and I didn’t want to invest in another one,” she says. “I’d been wanting to switch to something cleaner for years.”
That flyer introduced her to Saanich’s CleanBC-supported home energy retrofit financing pilot, that offered local homeowners a simple way to access up to $12,000 in zero-interest financing for eligible upgrades repaid gradually through the property tax bill.
Choosing comfort and clean energy
Purnima decided to participate in the pilot and used the financing to replace her oil furnace with a modern heat pump system. She also stacked the financing with a $5,000 federal rebate through the Greener Homes Canada program, covering a significant portion of the project cost.
The change has been noticeable. “The heat is more comfortable—gentler and more even,” she says. “It’s also so much quieter, and we’ve felt a real improvement in air quality.”
Purnima had already invested in other energy upgrades over the years, including solar panels, window sealing, insulation and a high-efficiency fireplace insert. But removing oil felt like the most impactful step. “It’s cleaner, safer and it was something I’d wanted to do for a long time,” she explains. “This program just made it financially possible.”
A smooth, municipal-led process
One of the standout features of the Saanich pilot was its accessibility. From application to loan approval, Purnima found the process straightforward. “Everything was clear, and I felt like there was a human on the other end,” she says. “It wasn’t complicated or intimidating.”
The program’s structure allows for direct contractor payment from the municipality, so homeowners don’t need to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. Loan repayments are spread over 10 years and applied directly to participants’ annual property tax bills.
Purnima appreciated how the municipality managed the process. “It was well-communicated, and I always knew what to expect,” she says. While she experienced some minor contractor delays, she emphasizes that the municipality remained responsive and helpful throughout.
Lasting benefits, local leadership
Beyond immediate comfort, Purnima is pleased to know she’s no longer burning oil. “It feels good,” she says. “We’re not dependent on a fuel that’s becoming less and less viable, and we’re contributing to something better.”
While she isn’t sure of the exact cost savings—largely due to her solar panels offsetting electricity use—she’s confident that the investment was worthwhile. “This was about the long-term,” she explains. “About health, climate and peace of mind.”
She also sees local governments playing an essential role in accelerating retrofits across Canada. “Having the municipality involved made it feel trustworthy,” she says. “You know it’s not a scam, and it helps you navigate all the moving pieces.”
Advice for other homeowners: Start with a plan
For others considering a retrofit, Purnima recommends beginning with an energy assessment. “It helps you understand where your home is losing energy and what will make the biggest difference,” she says.
From there, she suggests making a prioritized list based on budget and impact. “You don’t have to do everything at once. I did solar panels years ago. Then insulation. Then windows. And now the heat pump,” she explains. “Every step builds on the last.”
And while rebates and financing help, she stresses the importance of timing. “Sometimes the opportunity comes when you’re not expecting it. If it’s the right time and the support is there—go for it.”
A scalable model for home energy action
The District of Saanich’s financing pilot reached 18 households and demonstrated strong demand for simple, locally delivered energy upgrade supports. The District of Saanich also launched an online tool to help homeowners plan their retrofits, identify rebates and estimate costs.
For Purnima, the program offered not just financing—but momentum. “It helped us take the next step,” she says. “And now we have a home that’s healthier, more efficient and aligned with our values.”
Saanich’s Heat Pump Financing Program is funded by the Green Municipal Fund, a program of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.
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