Upgrading to a more energy-efficient heating system can help save you money on monthly utility bills while also benefiting the environment by lowering your household’s carbon footprint. Installing a new furnace or heat pump might come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, several rebate programs exist to help Calgary families offset the initial cost of heating upgrades.
An efficient, reliable heating system is essential to keep you and your family safe and warm this winter. Energy rebates are one of the best ways to save hundreds of dollars on a new home comfort system. We’ve compiled a list of a few programs that may help with energy-efficient heating upgrades in Calgary.
What Type of Heating Equipment can Qualify for Rebates in Calgary?
If you’re upgrading your home’s current heating system, you have a few options:
- Natural Gas Furnace – A natural gas furnace may be the heating method you are most familiar with. When looking at energy efficiency, it’s important to consider the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. AFUE is a standard measurement of how efficiently your heating system converts energy from the fuel it uses into warm air for your home. Today’s modern gas furnaces are much more energy-efficient than those of a few decades ago, with some high-efficiency models boasting an AFUE rating of over 90%. In Alberta, natural gas is cheaper than electricity for most homeowners, making a natural gas furnace an economical option. Make sure the furnace you choose has an EnergyStar symbol, meaning it has met eco-friendly standards.
- Electric Furnace – As the name suggests, electric furnaces use electricity rather than natural gas to warm the air circulating through your ductwork. Electric furnaces can be more efficient than gas furnaces, with a typical AFUE rating of 95-100%. However, electric furnaces may be less efficient in colder climates because they have to work harder to produce heat. Electricity is usually more expensive than natural gas so they may cost more to run.
- Heat Pump – A heat pump is an energy-efficient alternative to a furnace to heat your home. Air source heat pumps work by extracting heat from outdoors and transferring it inside the home. A heat pump uses electricity to absorb heat from outdoor air, even when it’s cold outside. Air source heat pumps can also cool your home during the summer months by transferring warm indoor air outside, similar to an air conditioner.
- Smart Thermostat – You may be able to qualify for a rebate by pairing your heating system with a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat is a device that can be programmed to your preferred temperature settings, based on your daily schedule. By automatically adjusting the temperature when you are away or asleep you can save both energy and money!
Which Rebate Programs are Available in Calgary, Alberta?
There are a few rebate programs that may help with energy-efficient heating upgrades in Calgary, including:
- Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) – The city of Calgary offers the Clean Energy Improvement Program, a financing tool that helps homeowners with energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements. The program offers lower interest rates secured by the municipality.
- Canada Greener Homes Grant (CGHG) – The Canada Greener Homes Grant is a federal program that offers financial support for energy-efficient home retrofits, including HVAC upgrades. The CGHC offers up to $5000 in grants, plus up to $600 for pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations. To be eligible, a homeowner must be a Canadian citizen, the primary resident of their home, and provide proof of ownership.
- Alberta Clean Energy Program – Homeowners in Alberta can receive up to $3,500 in rebates for installing an energy-efficient heat pump. One of the features of this program is its focus on rural and remote areas.
- Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program – This is a federal program that offers funding to income-qualified homeowners who switch from oil heating to a heat pump. To be eligible, homeowners must provide proof of purchasing 500L of heating oil in the past 12 months.
Rebates may be available through municipal or provincial utility companies, local distributors, financial institutions, or local energy or climate organizations. Before applying for a rebate, you can get an energy audit to help you determine the best options for your household.
Energy-efficiency rebates are a great way to save money while upgrading your current HVAC system. For more information, or to install a new heating system contact us today at Mr. Mike’s in Calgary!
