What is the Cool Savings Rebate Program?
Offered by the Ontario Power Authority, this is a program created to inspire customers to purchase and install energy efficient heating and cooling equipment.
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What is the goal of the Cool Savings Rebate Program?
The goal is to reduce electricity consumption and demand of residential and small business heating and cooling in Ontario.
To accomplish that goal, Ontario residents and businesses (with residential-type systems) are incented to:
- Replace their existing Central Air Conditioning (CAC) system with an ENERGY STAR qualified system (or better).
- Replace their existing furnace systems with an eligible mid or high-efficiency furnace equipped with an Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM).
- Replace a non-programmable thermostat with a programmable thermostat purchased from and installed by a participating contractor.
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How does the Cool Savings Rebate Program work?
Incentives are offered for homeowners and businesses (with residential-type system) replacing their existing furnaces with an eligible furnace that is equipped with an ECM, replacing their existing CAC system with a ENERGY STAR qualified CAC system or purchasing and installing a programmable thermostat to replace their old, non-programmable one.
Please note that to be eligible for the rebates, the above services MUST be performed within the dates noted on the rebates. Once the product has been installed, your participating contractor will complete an online rebate and will email you your rebate details so that you can review the information provided and approve your rebate submission.
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When does the Cool Savings Rebate Program start and end?
Eligible equipment installed by a participating contractor between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 may qualify for an incentive. Your contractor must enter your online rebate by January 10, 2011 and you must submit your proof of purchase (invoice) no later than February 1, 2011.
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What is the deadline for submitting my online rebate claim and sending in my proof of purchase?
Claims for eligible ENERGY STAR qualified (or better) CAC system replacements, ECM-equipped furnace installations, and programmable thermostat rebates must be submitted on our online rebate system no later than 11:59 p.m. January 10th, 2011. Consumers must send in their proof of purchase not later than February 1st, 2011 and it may be sent in by one of three different methods:
- Email
- Fax
- Mail – if you choose to mail in your proof of purchase, we recommend Registered Mail – must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2011
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My new equipment was installed before January 1, 2010. Are the rebates retroactive?
All programs have starting and ending dates. For this one, the eligible dates for the work to be performed are January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010.
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Who is eligible to receive the rebates?
Any Ontario resident or business (with residential-type systems) who replaces their existing CAC system with an ENERGY STAR qualified system, and/or has an eligible ECM equipped furnace installed to replace their existing furnace and/or installs a new, programmable thermostat is eligible. Be sure to check the specific terms and conditions for each rebate. To ensure your eligibility for the different rebates, have a look at the eligibility rules. Note the dates for participating and claiming your rebate. For detailed rebate rules, See our Terms and Conditions.
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What are the terms of the $125 eligible ECM-equipped furnace installation offer?
For the $125 rebate on the installation of an eligible ECM-equipped furnace:
- Homeowners and businesses (with residential-type systems) must have an existing mid-efficiency or high-efficiency furnace that’s not currently equipped with an ECM. A new mid-efficiency or high-efficiency furnace equipped with an ECM has to be purchased.
- Service (including purchase and installation) MUST be performed by a participating contractor with the program.
- Homeowners and businesses (with residential-type systems) must install a mid- or high-efficiency furnace equipped with an ECM that is on the contractor’s list of eligible products.
- Your building has fewer than six self-contained residential units, and is zoned residential.
- Installation must occur between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010.
- Your contractor must enter your online rebate by January 10, 2011 and the proof of purchase for eligible furnace ECM rebates must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2011.
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What’s an ECM Motor?
An ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) is a brushless motor technology in forced air heating applications that works to reduce the electrical consumption of the furnace motor by as much as 60% (over a standard motor).
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Do oil, natural gas and propane furnaces qualify?
Yes, as long as they are included on the list of eligible products.
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Why do electric furnaces no longer qualify for a rebate?
Because this is a rebate program that promotes electricity savings by replacing old inefficient furnaces to ENERGY STAR qualified high-efficiency furnaces, electric furnaces do not contribute sufficiently to electricity savings and therefore are no longer included in the rebates.
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How do I know if the furnace equipment I am purchasing qualifies for the rebate?
Participating contractors have a list, by manufacturer, of the eligible ECM-equipped furnaces.
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What are the terms of the $25 programmable thermostat rebate?
With the $25 programmable thermostat rebate:
- The offer applies to customers who don’t currently have a programmable thermostat.
- Your building has fewer than six self-contained residential units, and is zoned residential.
- The programmable thermostat MUST be purchased from and installed by a participating contractor.
- Service MUST be performed between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010.
- Your contractor must enter your online rebate by January 10, 2011 and the proof of purchase for thermostat rebate must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2011.
- Proof of purchase needs to indicate the word “programmable” in the description of the thermostat and should list the manufacturer’s name and model number.
- Where the thermostat is offered in combination with other products or services (for example, as part of a purchase of a complete heating and cooling system) the price of the thermostat doesn’t have to be shown separately on the invoice.
- Where the contractor’s invoice covers only the purchase and installation of a programmable thermostat, and no other pricing information pertaining to the purchase of the equipment or servicing is indicated, the invoice MUST clearly list the price of the thermostat.
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What’s a programmable thermostat?
A programmable thermostat is a device which controls heating/cooling systems according to a set (or programmed) schedule that you determine. The thermostat allows you to automatically change the temperature in your home for different preset periods of time.
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What are the benefits of installing a programmable thermostat?
A programmable thermostat with a built-in timer lets you automatically change the temperature in your home when you leave for the day, and sets it back automatically to your desired temperature just before you return. Research indicates that the energy savings from thermostat setback is approximately 1% per degree Celsius.
Properly programmed, these thermostats can easily pay for themselves in the first year. Imagine the savings that could be had over a five or ten year period!
For example, while you’re home during the hot summer when your CAC is running, your thermostat can be set at 25ºC but when you’re away from the house your thermostat can be programmed for 28ºC.
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I already have a programmable thermostat, but it’s old and I’d like to replace it. Am I eligible for the rebate?
Unfortunately not with this program, residents and businesses (with residential-type systems) who currently have a programmable thermostat are not eligible for the rebate.
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Why can’t customers who have an existing programmable thermostat get the $25 rebate for installing a new unit?
The goal of this particular program is to encourage those individuals who have not installed a programmable thermostat to do so. That way, they can enjoy the energy and money savings these units make possible.
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If I purchase and install a programmable thermostat myself, can I get the rebate?
In order to be eligible for the rebate, your thermostat MUST be supplied and installed by a participating contractor.
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Why doesn’t the Cool Savings Rebate Program allow customers to buy and install programmable thermostats themselves?
It’s important that you take advantage of your participating contractor’s expertise. While having your furnace serviced, have your programmable thermostat installed. Your contractor knows the best thermostat for your system. After it’s installed you’ll be shown how to use it properly to maximize energy efficiency.
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Why doesn’t the Cool Savings Rebate Program offer rebates for homeowners installing new air conditioning systems?
This program focuses on the estimated 2 million central air conditioning units in Ontario that are running inefficiently or need to be replaced. When those old, inefficient units are replaced homeowners and businesses (with residential-type systems) save on their cooling costs, the government saves money on electricity generation and the environment benefits from reduced emissions. This is just one of the tools we have for helping you control your electricity costs.
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What are the terms of the $250 ENERGY STAR qualified CAC system replacement offer?
The terms are as follows:
- The installation must be done between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010.
- This is an offer that only applies to customers with existing CAC systems.
- Your building has fewer than six self-contained residential units and is zoned residential.
- Your contractor must enter your online rebate by January 10, 2011 and the proof of purchase for ENERGY STAR qualified CAC system rebates must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2011
- The CAC system must be purchased and installed by a participating contractor
- ENERGY STAR qualified criteria = minimum 14.5 SEER and 12 EER
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What are the terms of the $400 rebate to customers for the purchase of a replacement stand-alone “Tier 2″ level central air conditioning system?
For this rebate:
- Installation must be done between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010.
- This offer applies only to customers with existing CAC systems.
- Your building has fewer than six self-contained residential units and is zoned residential.
- Your contractor must enter your online rebate by January 1, 2011 and the proof of purchase for eligible Tier 2 system rebates must be submitted no later than February 1, 2011.
- The system must be purchased and installed by a program registered contractor
- CEE’s “Tier 2″ level means the installed product must be at least 15 SEER and 12.5 EER.
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I replaced my existing CAC system with an ENERGY STAR qualified system before January 1, 2010. Do I qualify for the rebate?
No, to be eligible for the rebate, the installation of the replacement system must be done between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010.
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What is an ENERGY STAR qualified air conditioning system?
The ENERGY STAR rating lets consumers know that any product carrying this designation meets or exceeds a premium level of energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR in Canada is a voluntary arrangement between Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency and organizations that manufacture sell or promote products that meet the ENERGY STAR levels of energy performance. To learn more, visit www.energystar.gc.ca.
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What’s an ARI Reference Number?
To qualify for the Cool Savings Rebate , the newly installed system must include an ENERGY STAR rated outdoor unit matched to a properly sized and specified indoor evaporator coil.
The ARI/CEE Verified Directory is the reference source for the new rebate fulfillment house when processing claims for ENERGY STAR qualified systems. Systems not listed on this database will not be accepted for claims. The ARI Reference number is MANDATORY and MUST be provided on the online rebate submission form. If not, the contractor will receive a letter from the new rebate fulfillment house requesting this information. A copy of this letter will be sent to the customer. Online rebate submission forms without the ARI Reference Number will be held up until an ARI Reference Number is obtained.
If you have questions or would like to know more about the ARI/CEE website, please contact HRAI.
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When can I expect my cheque?
After the proof of purchase is received and provided the rebate application is approved, it usually takes between 4 to 8 weeks for the rebate cheque to arrive. Make sure the equipment meets the eligible requirements and that all of your documentation is in order. Check to make sure that the original invoice has been also been submitted.
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Is it possible to check the status of my rebate submission?
Yes. You have two ways to check the status of your rebate submission:
- By accessing the online rebate form you’ve already approved.
- You may also check the status of your rebate by calling 1-877-797-9473.
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How can I find a participating contractor in my area?
For the complete list of registered contractors, simply click here or call 1-877-797-9473.
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Can the Ontario Power Authority or the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada recommend a contractor for me to use?
Unfortunately not. The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) and the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) do not endorse contractors participating in the Program. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees as to, and assume no responsibility for, the conduct, products or services of or provided by the program approved contractors.
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I’ve never hired a contractor. How should I go about it?
To get you started, please check out this website for tips on selecting and hiring a furnace or air conditioning contractor:http://www.hrac.ca/pages/consumertips.htm
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How do contractors become program registered contractors in the Cool Savings Rebate Program?
To register with the program, contractors must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- For ECM-equipped furnace installations: TSSA Registration number to confirm licensed technicians (Gas Technician 1 or 2 or OBT 1 or 2 certification number).
- For ENERGY STAR qualified CAC system replacements: 313A Refrigeration and Air Conditioning license or a 313D Residential Air Conditioning License
- Minimum of $2 million in liability insurance coverage.
- Letter of clearance from WSIB. (If the contractor is a sole proprietor, then they are WSIB exempt.)
- Signed Contractor Participation Agreement (Click here to download agreement)
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Why do contractors have to be registered to participate in the Cool Savings Rebate Program?
To register, all of the contractors must complete a detailed orientation session to become knowledgeable about all aspects of the program. During the registration process they will need to confirm that they do have the qualified technicians needed to perform the required work. They’ll also need to present the necessary business licenses. We want to ensure they meet our requirements.
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Do contractors have to be a member of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors of Canada (HRAC) to participate in the Cool Savings Rebate Program?
No. Non HRAC-members are able to participate in the Program if the owner provides the following:
- For ECM-equipped furnace installations: TSSA Registration number to confirm licensed technicians (Gas Technician 1 or 2 or OBT 1 or 2 certification number).
- For ENERGY STAR qualified CAC system replacements: 313A Refrigeration and Air Conditioning license or a 313D Residential Air Conditioning License.
- Minimum of $2 million in liability insurance coverage.
- Letter of clearance from WSIB. (If the contractor is a sole proprietor, then they are WSIB exempt.)
- Signed Contractor Participation Agreement (Click here to download agreement)
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Who is funding the Cool Savings Rebate Program?
The Ontario Power Authority is funding this rebate program.
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Who is the Ontario Power Authority?
The Ontario Power Authority was established under the Electricity Restructuring Act, 2004 and commenced operations in January, 2005. It is a not-for-profit corporation without share capital and is governed by an independent Board of Directors, with its activities and programs directed by a Chief Executive Officer. The OPA reports to the Ontario Legislative Assembly through the Minister of Energy and is licensed and regulated by the Ontario Energy Board.
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What is the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada?
The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), is the national HVACR industry association. HRAI is a partnership of industry sector organizations that represents Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) manufacturers, wholesalers and contractors who provide the Canadian public with products and services for indoor comfort and essential refrigeration processes.
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How is the HRAI involved in the Cool Savings Rebate Program?
The HRAI is providing administrative and technical support to the Ontario Power Authority in the design, management and execution of the program.
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Are there other Programs that I can take advantage of to save electricity and money?
peaksaver®
Sign-up and give your local electricity utility permission to cycle down your central air conditioning on sweltering summer days and receive $25.
Click here for more information.
The Great Refrigerator Roundup
Interested in saving between $120 - $150 per year in electricity? Book an appointment and we’ll come pick it up for FREE – we’ll even haul it out of your basement for you. While we’re there, we can also remove your old freezer or room air conditioner or dehumidifier. To book your appointment or to learn more, click here.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
Designed to provide you with years of coverage and protection, our Worry-Free Warranties are a great complement to the quality built into your WaterFurnace system. Using extensive quality assurance procedures, our units are built by skilled technicians to exacting specifications and thoroughly tested to ensure reliability. As a result, we’re able to provide you with the finest warranty coverage so you can rest easy knowing that your system is protected for years of worry-free operation, energy savings and quiet comfort. Our warranty coverage is more than a piece of paper… it is peace of mind.
Most consumers are familiar with the term “hybrid” in reference to cars that combine electric and gas fuel for better performance. Long before dual-fuel cars were on the market, a consumer could get a dual-fuel heating and cooling system. A central hybrid comfort system uses gas and electric heat to reduce heating expenses in the winter while also keeping your home comfortable. It is one of the most economical type of system that does not compromise comfort.
