Don’t Delay: Get Your Heating & Cooling Incentive Today!

December 31, 2017, is the deadline to receive financial incentives for replacing outdated A/C and heating systems. Ontario provides these incentives to encourage Toronto area homeowners and small businesses to install Energy Star-certified heating and cooling appliances. The goal is an overall province-wide reduction in energy usage as well as utility bill savings, each of which can have a positive impact on Ontario’s carbon footprint. There is no doubt it feels good to pitch in and help save the planet we all rely on. But when we can save the planet and get cash incentives for our participation, it feels even better! Read on to learn more about these incentives, what types of equipment qualify, and how to participate for 2017.

Qualifying Equipment and Appliances

Shipton’s can assist you with upgrading your existing equipment and appliances with the following qualifying equipment and appliances. When you make these upgrades, you will become eligible for the financial incentives as outlined here.

• High efficiency furnace. Qualifying unit must have an electronically commutated motor (ECM). Fuel can include oil, natural gas, electric, propane. $250 incentive.
• Energy Star-certified central air conditioner (CAC). Qualifying unit must have a minimum SEER rating of 18, a minimum EER of 13, and an indoor coil. $600 incentive.
• Circulator pump. Qualifying unit must have an electronically commutated motor (ECM) that is also a variable speed motor connected to an existing hydroponic heating system (NOT on a domestic water heater system). $30 incentive.
• Ductless single or multiport OR ducted air-source heat pump (ASHP). Qualifying unit must have a minimum SEER rating of 15, a minimum EER rating of 12.5, and a heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) of 8.5. Fuel for heating in the space must be at least 70 percent electric. As well, the interior and exterior units must be compatible with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) standards. $1,000 incentive (ductless); $1,250 incentive (ducted); $3,000 incentive (ductless multiport).
• Cold climate (CC) versions of ductless single/multiport OR ducted ASHP. Same requirements apply as for above category. $1,500 incentive (CC single ductless); $4,000 (CC multiport ductless); $4,000 incentive (CC ducted).
• Adaptive thermostat. Qualifying thermostat must be installed on a ducted electric furnace or ducted air-source heat pump. The thermostat must also be web-enabled with a temperature control function that features a heat pump lockout. $50 incentive.

All incentive rebates will arrive within 8 to 12 weeks of application in the form of a cheque. To read the full terms of conditions of the Ontario Save on Energy program, click here.

Choosing Your Contractor

In order to qualify to receive the available financial incentives for making energy-efficient appliance and equipment upgrades, you will need to work with a participating contractor. Specifically, you will need to make sure you work with a contractor in these two areas:

1. Purchasing your new equipment or appliance.
2. Installing your new equipment or appliance.

The reason for this is simple: a participating contractor can ensure you purchase a qualifying unit and that it is properly installed to deliver the maximum level of energy efficiency and savings. As well, by working with a participating contractor, you will have the assurance that your contractor is appropriately licensed and insured by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) as well as the appropriate trade organization to perform your installation.

Tips to Increase Energy Efficiency and Reduce Utility Costs

After your upgraded equipment or appliances are installed, you will want to make sure you get off on the most energy-efficient foot in terms of performing seasonal maintenance. Luckily, the new breed of energy-efficient equipment and appliances are also simpler and more streamlined in their operation and maintenance needs. However, there are still a few regular details you will need to attend to in order to get the most benefit from your investment.

• Change filters regularly. By regularly (every 30 days during peak usage months and every 90 days during low usage months) changing your filters and using appropriately rated filters (MERV 6+), you will ensure your new unit always runs at peak efficiency with minimal fire risk.
• Schedule regular maintenance and inspection service calls. Every 6 to 12 months, you should have your heating and air conditioning systems inspected and maintained. A little regular routine maintenance can save you on the costs of unexpected repairs.
• Use your thermostat to control costs. The primary benefit of upgrading to a temperature control system connected to a programmable thermostat is the ability to avoid paying to heat or cool an empty space.

Refer Your Friends to Shipton’s and Get Cash Back!

Right now, when you refer a friend or colleague to Shipton’s and that individual hires us to do heating or air conditioning work, we will pay you for the privilege of making that new connection. With 89+ years of expertise serving clients in the Hamilton and surrounding areas, we are confident we can do a great job. The new Shipton’s Refer a Friend Program gives you two easy ways to earn:

• $25: for any referral that turns into a new paid service call or new service agreement subscription.
• $100: for any referral that turns into a purchase of a new air conditioning or furnace system.

All you need to do is make sure anyone you refer mentions you by name when they contact us. All Refer a Friend incentives will be mailed in the form of a cheque.

Give Us a Call

Would you like to win $1,000 off your purchase of a new air conditioner, furnace, boiler, or combo? Play our Scratch and Win game during Shipton’s Golden Savings Event! You can also give us a call to learn more at 905-549-4616.