Current Rebates Available for Home Improvements

 

Eligible Upgrades and Incentives – April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014

The first step to become eligible for incentives is to have an energy efficiency assessment of your home. To find a Certified Energy Advisor in your area call 604-585-2020 and set up a Free In-Home Consultation from House Smart Home Improvements today.

Up to $1,200 for Exterior Wall Insulation from Fortis BC Rebates..Plus More!

With support from utility partners, FortisBC and BC Hydro, the LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program is continuing until March 31, 2014. Rebates are available for insulation, air sealing and more.

Available incentives

The following home energy efficiency upgrades are eligible for incentives:

Air sealing and ventilation

• Up to $400 for air tightness upgrades
• Up to $25 for an ENERGY STAR® bathroom fan

Insulation

• Up to $1,200 for exterior wall insulation
• Up to $1,000 for basement insulation
• Up to $600 for attic insulation

Contact House Smart Home Improvements for a Free In-Home Consultation. Our expert will explain all of the rebates available to you and walk you through the steps you need to take. Call Us Today at 604-585-2020.

How to apply

Pre-retrofit evaluation

Hire a Certified Energy Advisor to perform a pre-retrofit home energy assessment by December 31, 2013.

House Smart Home Improvements can set you up with the right adviser during your Free In-Home Consultation. Call 604-585-2020 Today.

Do your retrofit. Keep your receipts.

Choose, purchase and install eligible improvements. The more upgrades you implement, the more money you can receive, and the more energy you can save.

Post-retrofit evaluation

Complete your renovations and obtain a post-retrofit evaluation assessment by March 31, 2014. Your advisor will apply for the incentives on your behalf.

What is a Home Energy Assessment?

Performed by a Certified Energy Advisor licensed by Natural Resources Canada, a Home Energy Assessment identifies improvements you can make to your home's space and water heating, cooling, insulation, air leakage and other energy uses that could result in hundreds of dollars in energy savings each year. Your home will also receive an EnerGuide® for Houses rating. In addition to saving energy, you'll also be helping to minimize your carbon footprint.
A typical assessment involves the following steps:

• a walk-through assessment of your home's insulation, heating and cooling systems and other energy uses
• a blower door depressurization test to identify leaks and drafts
• a personalized Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report and EnerGuide for Houses rating

Terms and conditions

These incentives are subject to revision and will be paid in accordance with the Terms and conditions in place at the time of the homeowner’s second energy assessment.

Questions?

Contact House Smart Home Improvements for a Free In-Home Consultation. Our expert will explain all of the rebates available to you and walk you through the steps you need to take. Call Us Today at 604-585-2020.

If You had a Retrofit Energy Assessment Prior to April 1, 2012, You May be Eligible for Additional Rebates for upgrades!

New LiveSmart BC Rebate Program 

If you have had a pre-retrofit energy assessment or a post-retrofit energy assessment prior to April 1, 2012, you may be able to re-enter the LiveSmart BC program for additional rebates for upgrades!

LiveSmart BC has partnered with BC Hydro and FortisBC to provide a new phase of subsidies for energy assessments and rebates for making energy efficient upgrades to British Columbia homes.

In this program, rebates for upgrades are available:

• For insulation and air sealing upgrades (not space or water heating systems or other upgrades). See  grant chart for details.
• For homes that are heated primarily with electricity, natural gas or propane supplied by either BC Hydro or FortisBC. Electrically heated customers served by local municipal utilities within the service territories of BC Hydro or FortisBC (electric) are also eligible.
• Homes primarily heated by wood, oil, or other fuels at the time of the pre-retrofit energy assessment are not eligible. Homes heated primarily by natural gas or propane that is not supplied by FortisBC are not eligible. If you are in a home heated with oil, we encourage you to check out the FortisBC incentive for upgrading to an efficient gas heating system. 

To access rebates, there are three simple steps:

1. Complete a new pre-retrofit assessment ($300, as program re-entrants are not eligible for energy assessment subsidies)* by December 31, 2013.
2. Complete eligible upgrades, and keep all receipts.  Be sure to check the LiveSmart BC website to ensure that your upgrades meet all requirements of the program.
3. Complete a post-retrofit assessment ($150)* before the March 31, 2014 deadline.

*Tax not included. Additional fees may also apply.

Call House Smart Home Improvements today to have one of our friendly professionals answer any of your questions. 604-585-2020

Best,

House Smart Home Improvements

	Max. LiveSmart BC Rebate
Air Tightness	$400
Bathroom Fans	$25
Insulation
Attic, Cathedral or Flat Roof Insulation	$600
Exterior Wall Insulation	$1200
Basement, Crawlspace, and Exposed Floor Insulation	$1000

Featured Local Government Incentives

• Campbell River $150 voucher for an energy assessment
• $3000 for solar hot water heating from Solar Colwood
• $500 for ductless split heat pumps from Solar Colwood
• Discounted energy assessments from Nelson ecoSave

More Energy Efficiency Incentives: Grants, Rebates, Discounts

• $150 Reduce Your Use Rebate for an initial energy assessment from FortisBC.
• $1000 from FortisBC for switching from oil to an efficient gas furnace or boiler
• $800 from FortisBC for upgrading a gas furnace or boiler
• $500 for upgrading to an efficient gas water heater from FortisBC
• $300 for an EnerChoice gas fireplace from FortisBC
• Up to $2,000 for low-income clients from BC Hydro ECAP
• Check out the Searchable Incentive Database for more

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

1. Review the terms and conditions on the reverse side of the applicaiton form.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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.

Questions?

Read the frequently asked questions, and/or call House Smart Home Improvements today at 604-585-2020.

Call for Free Home Estimate:
House Smart Home Improvements
Phone: 604 581 1904 / Fax: 604 581 1985
info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com

Get an 800 Dollar Rebate on your Energy Star Model Now until July 1, 2013!

Get $800 when you replace your old furnace (or boiler) with an eligible ENERGY STAR® model

Is your old furnace guilty of stealing your energy? Then convict your energy offender and replace it with an eligible ENERGY STAR model that's 95 per cent efficient or higher. You could receive an $800 rebate. But hurry! You must pre-qualify for your rebate by July 1, 2013.

Pre-qualify first

As this is a pilot program rebates are limited. Therefore in order to qualify for the rebate you must apply for a pre-qualification code before you purchase your new furnace or boiler. If your application meets all other terms and conditions, this code could get you a rebate.

What makes a furnace or boiler high-efficiency?

Today’s high-efficiency natural gas furnaces and boilers are up to 98 per cent efficient. To be eligible for the rebate, the model you choose must be ENERGY STAR rated and at least 95 per cent efficient for furnaces and 94 per cent efficient for boilers.

Why replace your old furnace or boiler?  

Just because something works, doesn’t mean it’s working efficiently. So convict it and put it away for life. You could get an $800 rebate and perhaps some peace of mind, knowing that your new heating system is more efficient and you’ll be saving money and energy for years to come.

Emergency replacements and repairs

Your old heating system must be in working order to qualify for the $800 rebate. Furnaces and boilers deemed unsafe to operate and not repairable, or requiring repairs over $1,000 in pre-tax dollars (including parts and labour), do not qualify for a rebate.

This Information brought to you by Fortis BC via House Smart Home Improvements.

Questions?

Call House Smart Home Improvements Today at 604-585-2020
Or Visit www.housesmarthomeimprovements.com. One of our professionals will gladly explain of all the new government incentives and help you take the proper procedures, during our Free In-Home Energy Assessment.

Natural Room Scents

Who says you have to spend a fortune to cover odors in your home and make it smell wonderful? Actually, you don’t have to spend anything on air fresheners when you can just make them yourself. The Yummy Life has a great tutorial on how to make your own natural room air fresheners and you make them with things that you pick up at the grocery store or just outside in your yard. They are cheap, easy to make and smell wonderful and because they take little effort to make, you can change the scents every time you want a little something new.
There are many harmful ingredients in artificial air fresheners. Particularly they are hard on people with asthma, hay fever and allergies.

 Fragrant items for naturally scenting your home:

• citrus - Lemons and oranges are particularly fragrant and have the best staying power in these scented waters.
• herbs -- Any herb can be used for making a room scent, but the ones that are sturdier and on woody twigs hold up the best. Use rosemary and thyme.
• pine or cedar twigs/needles -- There may be other fragrant trees that will work, too; pine and cedar have the most appealing, fresh fragrance.
• extracts -- A touch of vanilla or almond extract improves most room fragrance mixtures. Mint extract has a nice fresh scent. You can also use whole vanilla beans instead of vanilla extract; pricey but amazingly fragrant.
• spices -- You can use ground or whole sweet spices. The whole spices look prettier, if your scented water will be in a location where it will be seen. Cinnamon sticks and whole cloves have the most scent staying power. Cinnamon sticks can be rinsed off and reused several times. They keep on giving. 

Recipies:

Scent #1: Oranges, cinnamon & cloves (allspice and anise are optional). This scent carries into multiple rooms better, and it can be reheated to scent your rooms for several days.
 Scent #2: Lemon, rosemary, & vanilla. It has a lovely freshness to it.
Scent #3: Lime, thyme, mint & vanilla extract. This combination has such a fresh, pleasant scent. Mint is optional.
Scent #4: Orange, ginger (fresh or powdered), and almond extract. This is a sweet, delicious scent.
Scent # 5: Pine or cedar twigs (or other fragrant twigs), bay leaves, and nutmeg. These scents combine for a complex aroma. If you have whole nutmeg, use a microplane to grate off the outer surface--this will release the scent. Add the whole nutmeg piece along with the gratings. 

Stove Top Method:

It's easy as can be. Simply combine the ingredients in a pot on the stove, bring them to a boil, and then lower the heat to a simmer. They will immediately begin to scent your kitchen and spread to other rooms. How far the scent spreads depends on the size and layout of your house. A simmering pot like this makes all four rooms on our first floor smell good. The only drawback of this method is that you have to keep a close eye on the water level. If the pan dries out, you'll be smelling burned citrus instead of sweet, fragrant citrus.  NOTE: For a stronger scent, simply double or triple the recipe in a larger pot on the stove.

Uncovered Slow Cooker Method:

Use a mini slow cooker--the kind made for keeping dips and sauces warm. Some have only one low heat setting. The mixture never actually bubbles and visibly steams. Leave it uncovered on your kitchen counter to slowly release scent throughout the day. It's subtle, but creates a pleasant smell in your kitchen and a hint of scent in surrounding rooms. It's easy and uses very little electricity. Fill in the morning; it won't dry out for an entire day. If you're concerned about accidentally letting it run dry, you can put a lamp timer on it so that it automatically shuts off at the desired time. Put a scented jar mixture in the microwave for 2 minutes to get it really hot before adding it to the slow cooker. That gives it a jump start on releasing the scent.  NOTE: For a stronger scent, simply double or triple the recipe in a larger, full-size slow cooker and set it on high.

Fondue Pot Method:

 If you have a fondue pot, then you have a portable scent station. Set it up in any room you'd like to scent. Below is a small ceramic fondue pot that uses a tea light for heat. So, this will only remain warm as long as the candle lasts--3-1/2 to 4 hours. Like the slow cooker, this is a low level of heat and releases a very subtle scent--enough for a small room. Get the scent mixture boiling hot before adding it to the fondue pot.

Find out more at The Yummy Life

Photos from The Yummy Life

Natural Room Scents is brought to you by House Smart Home Improvements. For professionals in windows and doors installations, furnace and heat pump installations, call for a Free In-Home Consultation today. 604-585-2020 

Use a Thermal Reusable Bag when Buying Meat

Here are a few facts about plastic bags to help demonstrate the value of reusable bags—to consumers and the environment:

• Plastic bags aren’t biodegradable. They actually go through a process called photodegradation—breaking down into smaller and smaller toxic particles that contaminate both soil and water, and end up entering the food chain when animals accidentally ingest them.


• According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 380 billion plastic bags are used in the United States every year. Of those, approximately 100 billion are plastic shopping bags, which cost retailers about $4 billion annually.


• According to various estimates, Taiwan consumes 20 billion plastic bags annually (900 per person), Japan consumes 300 billion bags each year (300 per person), and Australia consumes 6.9 billion plastic bags annually (326 per person).


• Hundreds of thousands of whales, dolphins, sea turtles and other marine mammals die every year after eating discarded plastic bags they mistake for food.

Stronger, reusable bags are an inexpensive and readily available option.

 

But what about when you buy meat? Even though you have brought your own reusable bags, you are always tempted to put the meat in a separate plastic bag
anyway to protect your family from bacteria such as e.coli and save your bags from becoming contaminated. This concern is certainly important and well noted. So why not always bring one thermal bag? It can be washed out with soap and water home and reused for things like buying meat! Problem solved.


This environment tip brought to you by House Smart Home Improvements. We are the professionals for home replacement windows and doors, energy-efficient furnaces and heat pumps. Call Today for a Free In-Home Energy-Saving Estimation with No Obligation.604-585-2020 http://www.housesmarthomeimprovements.com