Energy Saving Tips from House Smart Home Improvements : Replace Your Aging Water Heater and be Eligible for a Rebate up to $500! Until December 31, 2013

Replace your aging water heater with a qualifying natural gas ENERGY STAR model and you could save on energy costs, plus you’ll be eligible for a rebate of up to $500.

Why ENERGY STAR?

Heating water typically takes between 20 per cent and 35 per cent of your home’s total energy use. So it makes sense to install the most efficient model you can afford. Natural gas water heater efficiency is usually measured by an energy factor (EF) rating. The higher the EF rating, the more efficient the water heater. To qualify as ENERGY STAR, gas-fired water heaters must achieve a minimum 0.67EF rating.

Keep the tank, add some savings

ENERGY STAR non-condensing storage tank models have an EF between 0.67 and 0.70 making them more efficient than standard storage tank models (typically between 0.50 and 0.62 EF) operating in many homes today. As these models aren’t as efficient as tankless and/or condensing technology, their price point is more affordable.
Some model numbers are similar, however, efficiency ratings may differ. Please check our qualifying water heater list prior to making your purchase. Note: the John Wood model JW850S40ES is 0.62EF and is not on our qualifying list. The John Wood model JW850S40ES2 is 0.68EF and is on our qualifying list.

Go tankless to boost efficiency

ENERGY STAR tankless models have an EF between 0.82 and 0.99, making them much more efficient than standard natural gas storage tanks typically found in homes today. They also take up much less space, freeing up valuable square footage.
Tankless models don’t store hot water, so they may not be able to meet many simultaneous demands like a storage tank can. Before deciding if you want to go tankless, consider the ways you use hot water at home, including appliances, faucets and the number of people using hot water at any given time.

Tankless not for you?

Consider a hybrid or condensing storage tank. Hybrids offer the best features of a tankless model with the added convenience of a small storage tank. Condensing storage tanks provide all the benefits of a traditional gas-fired storage tank, but at a much higher efficiency. You won't find an energy factor if you choose one of these technologies, but you will find a thermal efficiency (TE) rating. Rebate qualifying condensing storage tanks and hybrid water heaters will not have an ENERGY STAR® label at this time (both technologies are currently under review to be eligible for the ENERGY STAR label).

Available rebates

Water heater type	Efficiency rating*	Rebate
Storage tank	0.67 - 0.69 EF	$200
Non-condensing tankless	0.82 - 0.89 EF	$400
Condensing tankless	0.90 - 0.99 EF	$500
Condensing hybrid	90 - 99% TE	$500
Condensing storage tank	90 - 99% TE	$1,000

*Ef - energy factor; TE = thermal efficiency

Still not sure?

Deciding which technology is right for you can be tough. It’s a balance between how much you want to spend and how much you hope to save over time. You’ll likely pay more for a water heater with a higher EF or TE rating, but your utility costs should be lower.

The professionals at House Smart Home Improvements can answer all your questions about water heaters during your free in-home visit! Call House Smart Home Improvements today at 604-585-2020.

How to apply

Review the terms and conditions on the reverse side of the applicaiton form.
Purchase a qualifying water heater and have it installed by a gas contractor registered with the BC Safety Authority (BCSA), for example House Smart Home Improvements.
Complete your application form and include a copy of the invoice showing details of all work performed, the purchase date, make and model number and the installation permit number.
Submit the completed and signed application with the invoice to (or let House Smart Home Improvements handle the details for you! 604-585-2020) :

ENERGY STAR Water Heater Program
FortisBC
PO Box 9090
Surrey, BC V3T 5W4
If you qualify, we’ll mail you the rebate. Please allow a minimum of 90 days to process.

Deadlines

0.67 EF, Tankless & Hybrid and Condensing storage tank water heaters must be purchased between January 31, 2013 and December 31, 2013.
Applications must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2014.
Applications must be submitted within 60 days of purchase.