FortisBC Connect to Gas Program Update – Outdoor Appliance Top-up

by | Jun 25, 2020 | Consumer News, Member News

With summer in full swing, many customers may be prioritizing outdoor renovations over space heating and water heater upgrades. To help customers with undertaking outdoor renovations projects, while also getting them to think about space heating and water heating upgrades, FortisBC is introducing an additional $300 rebate offer for outdoor appliances under the Connect to Gas program effective July 1, 2020.

Who is eligible?

  • Customers who replace their old oil, wood or propane primary space heating system with an eligible ENERGY STAR® high-efficiency natural gas furnace, boiler or combination heating and hot water system, and also install a natural gas outdoor appliance (BBQ, patio heater, outdoor fireplace or fire pit) are now eligible for up to $2,000 in rebates.
  • Customers whose homes are already connected to natural gas, can now receive up to $1,400 in rebates when they install a direct vent wall furnace, water heater and a natural gas outdoor appliance (BBQ, patio heater, outdoor fireplace or fire pit).

Increased contractor incentives

Also effective July 1, contractors who take part in the Connect to Gas program can receive up to $175 in incentives: $100 for an eligible space heating upgrade, $150 for an eligible space and water heating upgrade and an additional $25 incentive for an outdoor appliance.
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For any questions about the program, please visit the FortisBC Connect to Gas website page, call 1-877-740-0055, or email rebates@fortisbc.com.
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Residential Construction Rebate Program Launched in Newfoundland

by | Jun 22, 2020 | Consumer News, Member News

The Residential Construction Rebate Program will allow homeowners to save money on construction and renovation projects, while also helping to stimulate the economy and employment in the province’s construction industry.

HPBA Canada has clarified that new installations as well as retrofits of both solid-fuel and gas hearth appliances are eligible for rebate as part of this program.

This program applies to projects contracted between June 8 and August 7, 2020 and started on or after June 8, 2020, with work substantially completed by March 31, 2021.
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Renovation Projects

A 25 per cent rebate is available for renovation projects for principal residences, up to a maximum rebate of $10,000 (based on a $40,000 project).

New Home Construction

A rebate of $10,000 is available for new home construction on homes valued up to $350,000 before HST.

The rebate will apply to work on a primary residence contracted within a 60-day period from the start of COVID-19 Alert Level 3, and the project must be substantially complete by March 31, 2021. To qualify, homeowners must use an eligible contractor, which includes those who have general liability insurance and are registered (i.e., HST registered, valid Business Number or Workers Compensation registered). 

For further information about this program or questions, please contact:

Canadian Home Builders’ Association NL
48 Welland Street
St. John’s, NL A1E 6C1
T: 709-753-2000
TF: 1-800-265-2800
admin@chbanl.ca
www.chba.ca
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Click here for more information
Understanding the Manufacturer’s Manual

Understanding the Manufacturer’s Manual

by | Nov 28, 2019 | Consumer News

If you have a new hearth appliance, or you’ve inherited an existing appliance in a new residence, you’ll want to read the manual carefully before operating your appliance to ensure safe and proper operation. If you can’t locate the manual you should be able to download a copy from the manufacturer’s website. You can find the manufacturer, brand and model on the rating card or plate. The following items will be of particular importance to you as the owner of the appliance.

Safety

Read this section carefully as it provides you with important and helpful tips, and recommendations for the safe use of your device.

Rating Label or Card

Essential information such as brand and model are clearly indicated in the manual. This information may be requested by your insurer or municipality, or if you plan to participate in a rebate program. In addition, you will find information on safety and performance certifications, efficiency and emissions ratings, BTUs and serial number, etc. or instructions on where to find this information on the appliance.

Installation

This section explains important information for you and your installer on clearances from combustibles, chimney or venting installation and more. This information will be useful to you or your contractor for planning or finishing after installation.

Operation

In this section, the manufacturer guides you to the optimal operation of the device, the location and use of the combustion air control lever or dampers and lighting instructions on woodburning appliances, remote control operation and lighting procedures on gas hearth appliances and more.

Servicing & Maintenance

While maintenance instructions and checklists are included in the manual for basic cleaning instructions and for checking the appliance we recommend you have your appliance inspected and serviced annually by a qualified technician. A professional service technician can perform a complete cleaning and inspection giving you piece of mind.

Lists of Replacement Parts

In this section you will find a complete list of replacement parts. All you need to do is contact your specialty hearth retailer if you need to have a part replaced.

Warranties

This section provides information on the manufacturer’s warranty, provides instructions for dealing with problems and gives you the procedure to follow to register your device.

Keep your manual on hand. If you sell your property, do not forget to give it to the new owners.

Don’t Burn Garbage!

Don’t Burn Garbage!

by | Nov 28, 2019 | Consumer News

Some might think it’s better to burn garbage rather than bury it in a landfill, but that’s not the case.

Never burn garbage in your wood stove, your fireplace or a barrel in your yard. These devices are not incinerators.

Food packaging is one of the biggest sources of household waste. A good way to reduce your waste production is to avoid buying overpackaged products. Most papers and plastics can be recycled. Recycling is more environmentally friendly than burning because it does not pollute the air and is the raw material for many new products.

Unlike natural wood, garbage contains a wide range of materials and products that cause damage to the inside walls of your appliance and chimney. Most manufacturers specify that the warranty on your woodburning appliance will no longer be valid if damage is caused by burning garbage or other material which is prohibited. Check your owner’s manual but this will likely include treated or painted wood, driftwood, coal, garbage or plastic.

Burning garbage does not destroy the chemicals it contains, quite the opposite. Burning changes the chemicals, causing unpredictable and harmful chemical reactions. Dioxins are just one of the many pollutants produced by burning garbage. These highly toxic carcinogens do not decompose; they are bio-accumulative. Airborne dioxins are deposited on the ground, in water and on vegetation, and can be ingested by animals and fish. Burning garbage at home or in the cottage is the fifth largest source of dioxin in Canada.

Even paper burning can be risky due to chemical contamination. Always remember that diapers, cardboard, cardboard boxes and magazines usually contain plastics, additives and dyes.

In short, only burn firewood and recycle plastic and paper.

Ottawa Wood Burning Changeout Program Provides Incentives to Replace Inefficient Appliances

by | Apr 26, 2019 | Consumer News, Press Releases

OTTAWA – Today, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada, with funding support from the City of Ottawa, launched the Ottawa Wood Burning Changeout Program. The program, open to all rural residents of Ottawa, provides a financial incentive in the form of a rebate to encourage residents to replace an old, inefficient wood burning appliance with a new, certified appliance.

Pre-1992 wood stoves have limited controls on smoke emissions. In contrast, today’s modern stoves and fireplaces cut emissions by over 70 percent. Installing CSA/EPA-certified wood burning appliances have dramatic impacts on the indoor and outdoor air quality of communities, and woodstove changeout programs are proven to incentivize investment. In addition to the environmental benefit, there is also a financial benefit to home owners, as new appliances are more efficient, requiring less wood to produce the same amount of heat.

The program provides a rebate of up to 25% of the cost of purchasing and installing a new, certified wood burning appliance, to a maximum cap of $750. The program also benefits Ottawa area businesses, which serve as the exclusive retailers for the program. Applicants will also be required to prove that their old outgoing appliance is properly disposed of, to ensure that they are permanently removed from circulation.

“This program is a very practical investment that will have a positive and measurable environmental impact, both in the short and long-term,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Having Ottawa businesses as exclusive retailers shows how environmental and economic benefits don’t have to be at odds with one another.”

The program will also feature a number of educational sessions on best burning practices, proper use of the appliances, proper preparation and storage of fuel, and more. For full program details, list of participating retailers, and to apply, residents should visit hpbacanada.org/ottawachangeoutprogram.

“Residents in our rural communities will really appreciate the chance to have a new appliance that provides the same comfortable heat, using less fuel than their old appliance, and with greatly reduced emissions,” said Councillor Eli El-Chantiry, Chair of the City of Ottawa’s  Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee. “And the fact that these new appliances all come from small, local Ottawa businesses makes the program ideal.”

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada is the national not-for-profit industry association that represents businesses which produce, sell, or service appliances and accessories in the hearth and barbecue industries in Canada.

 

Contact:

Adam De Caire
Director, Public Affairs
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada
647-998-4235
adam@hpbacanada.org