If the recent cold snap has you dreading your next home heating bill, it may be time to consider an upgrade.
The good news is, if you’re a Fortis BC customer, they’re making it easier to switch to a high-efficiency furnace!
“Most furnaces made before 1995 are only about 65 per cent efficient,” explains Allan Lake, owner of Good Guys Heating, Cooling and Plumbing in Surrey. “This means that only 65 per cent of the heat produced actually enters your home – the rest is wasted out the chimney.”
Changing regulations meant that most furnaces installed between 1995 and 2010 are about 80 per cent efficient. In 2010, the minimum standard was raised to 90 per cent efficiency, and most new furnaces installed by Good Guys Heating are 93 to 98 per cent efficient.
“This means you can save up to 40 per cent on your home heating costs by upgrading to a new furnace, and since space heating accounts for about 60 per cent of the average home’s energy cost, these savings can be substantial,” Lake says.
With the Fortis BC Furnace Rebate, you can receive up to $1,150 back when you install a new, high-efficiency furnace.
Here’s how it works:
- The rebate provides for $800 on a 95- to 96.9-per-cent-efficient furnace or $1,000 on a 97- to 99 per cent-efficient furnace. In addition, you can receive an extra $150 if you install a connected thermostat with your furnace. A connected thermostat offers more effective use of some of the more advanced features of new high-efficiency furnaces.
- Qualifying furnaces also have electronically commutated motors (also known as variable speed or constant torque motors), which use less electricity than those in older furnaces and more basic new models, and can provide more even and consistent airflow.
- Your current furnace must be more than 10 years old.
To see all terms and conditions, see the CleanBC rebate program PDF.
Two Upgrade Bonus: Get $300 more with a second energy upgrade
When you make another qualified upgrade in addition to your new furnace, you can receive another $300.
A common choice is an Energy Star hot water tank, which when installed with a new furnace can offer a $300 two-upgrade bonus – in addition to the $200 water heater rebate and your furnace rebate. Other options include a tankless water heater, a heat pump, insulation, new doors and/or windows, or a fireplace. A connected thermostat does not count as a second upgrade for the purposes of this bonus.
Larger rebates for low-income households
Low-income households may qualify for larger rebates: $2,000 for a 95- to 96.9-per-cent-efficient furnace or $3,000 for a 97- to 99-per-cent-efficient furnace. The connected thermostat rebate remains $150.
Find more details about the FortisBC income-qualified furnace and boiler rebate here.
Learn more about your new furnace options at 604goodguy.com/furnaces
To schedule a free in-home consultation and quote on a new furnace, call 604-GOOD GUY (604-466-3489) or use their convenient online booking form.