Grants, rebates, and incentives are offered by the government to install new energy-efficient furnaces.
Home heating bills can be an expensive part of a family's budget, especially in a province that experiences extreme temperatures. As of March 2011, Ontario homeowners replacing existing furnaces may be eligible for combined grants and rebates of up to $1,040 from the provincial government and Ontario Power Authority. Apply for both programs immediately as the Ontario Home Energy Savings Program closes on March 31, 2011.
Note: The ecoEnergy Retrofit Homes federal rebate program for replacing existing furnaces with energy efficient models is now only available to homeowners who applied prior to March 31, 2010. All installations, retrofits and final evaluations must be completed by March 31, 2011 to get the rebate.
Ontario Home Energy Savings Program Rebates
OHESP offers rebates to homeowners who renovate to save energy. OHESP rebates apply to oil and gas furnaces and boilers installed in residential single-family or multi-unit homes. Installations and final audits must be completed by March 31, 2011. Rebates range from $190 to $790, depending on the type of furnace and whether it is the primary or secondary furnace (for multi-residential units.) New installations must be Energy Star qualified, meaning they meet stringent guidelines developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. See Resources for specific information regarding eligible furnaces and OHESP rebate amounts.
Applying for an OHESP Rebate
Find a certified energy advisor using the link in Resources, and book a home energy audit. Have the new furnace installed. Book a final audit which is required to inspect the completed work and confirm energy savings. In addition to the rebate, half of the audit cost of $300 is refunded upon confirmation of completion of energy-efficient renovations. The certified energy advisor is responsible for completing and submitting the paperwork to the Ontario Ministry of Energy for processing.
Ontario Power Authority Incentives
Ontario Power Authority is the organization that oversees municipal and regional electricity providers. Apply for an OPA Save On Energy Heating and Cooling Incentive when your existing heating or cooling system is replaced with an Energy Star system between January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. Upgrade an existing furnace to a high-efficiency model outfitted with an Electronically Commutated Motor for a $250 incentive. See the Resources section for further information on additional incentives for upgrades to central air conditioning systems.
Applying for OPA Incentives
Locate a qualified participating contractor to install your new system and ensure you are eligible for the incentive (see Resources). Have the furnace installed, and confirm the contractor completes and submits your application online. Give the contractor your email address so a summary and confirmation of incentive application can be emailed to you. When received, review the information carefully. Mail in or email copies of your invoice and online application to the addresses noted in the link on Resources, and monitor the status of your application online.
Tags: March 2011, Ontario Power, Ontario Power Authority, Power Authority, application online
