Space Heating Rebates for BC Consumers
BIG Heating Rebates for BC Consumers Even though utility prices are fairly reasonable in BC, those bills still add up. Making energy-efficient changes in your home or business is a great way to save money over the long term, and some of those changes are eligible for rebates for consumers in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and Langley. Last week we explored rebates for draft-proofing. Here's another way to get money back: energy efficient changes in space heating. FortisBC offers two types of space heating rebates, both of which encourage BC consumers to make energy-efficient changes. These changes result in less energy use over the long term. EnerChoice Fireplaces EnerChoice, like ENERGY STAR, is a mark that a fireplace meets a given standard of efficiency. ENERGY STAR does not certify fireplaces, so Canadian evaluators have created a separate mark of fireplace efficiency. Every fireplace sold in BC carries an EnerGuide™ label describing its efficiency. The most efficient fireplaces are rewarded with the EnerChoice label. An EnerChoice fireplace converts a high percentage of the energy used into heat -- 61% for an insert, 62.4% for a fireplace, or 66% for a free-standing stove. This places the appliance in the top 25% of fireplace efficiency. $300 Fireplace Rebate FortisBC offers a rebate of up to $300 for installing an EnerChoice model fireplace, and claiming the rebate is simple. First, select a EnerChoice model fireplace. Have it installed by a certified gas contractor. Then fill out the application for a rebate available at the FortisBC website (PDF) and mail it to: EnerChoice Fireplace Program FortisBC P.O. Box 9090 Surrey, BC V3T 5W4 Deadline March 31 The deadline to claim your rebate for an EnerChoice fireplace is approaching fast. The fireplace must be purchased by March 31, 2015, and the application postmarked no later than April 30, 2015. Move quickly to claim a rebate for an EnerChoice fireplace. $800 Rebate for Heat Pump Installation Electrically heated homes are also eligible for a rebate of up to $800 for installing a ductless air source heat pump. An air source heat pump is an efficient, environmentally friendly way of heating an indoor space. They work by drawing heat from outside during the winter, and rejecting warm air during the summer. Deadline March 31 FortisBC offers rebates of up to $800 for installing an air source heat pump. As an alternative, FortisBC offers loans to assist with the upfront cost of installing an eligible unit. To claim your rebate for an air source heat pump, choose an eligible ENERGY STAR model and have it installed by a qualified HVAC technician. Apply for the Home Energy Rebate Offer at the FortisBC website. As for the EnerChoice fireplace, time is running out to qualify for a rebate for an air source heat pump. Complete the installation by March 31, 2015, to qualify. Are you interested in upgrading your space heating and taking advantage of valuable FortisBC rebates? Pro Ace supplies HVAC technicians throughout Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and Langley. Pro Ace are BC experts who will assist you in selecting a unit, installing it safely, and maintaining it on an on-going basis. Contact Pro Ace at 604-293-3770 with any rebate questions or for energy upgrade HVAC installations!More Rebates for BC Customers: Water Heating
More Rebates for BC Customers: Natural Gas Water Heater Welcome back! This is the fourth in a series of blog entries telling you how customers in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Langley, and Surrey can take advantage of home energy rebates from their utility companies. FortisBC and BC Hydro want you to make your home more energy efficient, and they're willing to pay you to do it. As a result, home improvements -- improvements you may well have wanted to do anyway -- will be that much less expensive, provided you complete them within the short window remaining on the rebate. Taking advantage of all of the home energy rebates available from FortisBC can save you thousands of dollars! We've already covered rebates for draft-proofing, bathroom fans, and space heating rebates, so it's time to move on to a big-ticket item: a new, ENERGY SMART, natural gas water heater. What's a Natural Gas Water Heater? No one likes a cold shower, so we all heat the water in our home. That water is heated by an appliance called a water heater, either a storage water heater, or a tankless water heater. The water heater must be powered by some sort of fuel, whether oil, propane, electricity, natural gas, solar, or geothermal power. In BC, most consumers have chosen to use hot water heaters powered by electricity or by natural gas. What's an ENERGY SMART Water Heater? The efficiency of a water heater is measured in EF: Energy Factor. EF is a measure of the amount of energy the water heater used relative to the amount of water heated. A higher EF means less waste; A lower EF means more energy is used to heat less water. An ENERGY STAR non-condensing water heater has an EF between 0.67 and 0.70, rather than a non-ENERGY STAR model, which has an EF between 0.50 and 0.62. Why ENERGY STAR? Water heating is one of the biggest energy users in the home, often second only to lighting and space heating. That means it's a prime target to make cuts that translate into lower energy bills. Water heaters don't last forever, and a warm, leaking, or corroded water heater may indicate yours is due for replacement anyway. Choosing an ENERGY STAR model now allows you to take advantage of the FortisBC rebate program as well as saving money going forward. Claiming Your FortisBC Rebate FortisBC offers a rebate of up to $1000 for installing an ENERGY SMART natural gas furnace., Choose an ENERGY STAR-certified natural gas furnace with the help of your plumber. Then fill out the application for a rebate available at the FortisBC website (PDF) and mail it to: Home Energy Rebate Offer FortisBC P.O. Box 9090 Surrey, BC V3T 5W4 The water heater must be purchased by March 31, 2015, and the application postmarked no later than April 30, 2015. Contacting Pro Ace Plumbers in Vancouver Maybe your water heater isn't as efficient as it could be. If saving $1000 is something that interests you, Pro Ace has plumbers and technicians that can help you select and install a qualifying water heater. Pro Ace supplies plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians throughout Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey, and Langley. Contact Pro Ace at 604-293-3770 with any plumbing & hot water heater questions.Hot Tub Wiring & Electrical Installations
Hot Tub Help: Vancouver Hot Tub Electricians Hot tubs are an attractive amenity, whether as an adjunct to your current home or as a perk in new home construction. This mild winter is reminding us that we have a wonderful climate in the Pacific Northwest, and an outdoor hot tub can be particularly appealing to residents of Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey, and Langley. If you are considering a hot tub, what do you need to keep in mind? All About Hot Tubs Hot tubs are artificial pools of water for therapy or relaxation. They can be indoor s or outdoors, but outdoors is a popular option for homeowners. They may or may not have jets. Hot tubs are available in a wide variety of materials, including plastic, fiberglass, wood, stainless steel, or cement. Hot Tub Wiring It may surprise you to know that there are important electrical concerns to keep in mind when choosing and installing a hot tub. Hot tubs are available either in 120v or 240v. The 240v hot tubs require their own permanent dedicated electrical source. Because hot tubs are wet, they require outlets with GCFI, a ground fault circuit interrupter. A GCFI will cause the electricity to shut off if it detects that electricity is flowing in the wrong direction, such as through water. GCFI outlets are an important safety feature anywhere water is likely to be present, such as in bathrooms. In addition, adding a hot tub may overwhelm the existing electrical panel. Hiring an Electrician A common question homeowners ask is this: "Do I really need an electrician to install my hot tub? Can't I do it myself?" The answer is that like most electrical jobs, hot tub wiring is best addressed by a professional. In fact, in many jurisdictions, a licensed electrician is required when installing a hot tub. An electrician can help you obtain the necessary electrical permit before beginning installation of your hot tub. An electrician will complete all the wiring necessary to hook your hot tub up to your household electrical system. Your electrician will ensure that your new hot tub is installed safely, that if necessary it has a dedicated outlet, that all the best safety procedures are followed, and that the electrical load once the hot tub is added does not overwhelm your household. Electricians are experts in hot tub wiring, and know how to complete each step carefully and completely to ensure that your home's new amenity is fully compliant with the best safety standards. Pro Ace Hot Tub Electricians in Vancouver When installed and used correctly, hot tubs are a safe and fun option for your family, but installed incorrectly, they can become a hazard. Pro Ace Electrical has licensed electricians available for hot tub installation throughout Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey, and Langley. Call Pro Ace at 604-293-3770 to discuss any electrical concerns.Common Furnace Issues (And When to Call a Professional)
Troubleshooting Furnaces: Furnace Repairs & When to Get Help Are you concerned that something may be wrong with your furnace? Sometimes home and business owners are tempted to ignore possible issues with their furnace because they're afraid of a costly service calls. Pro Ace Heating & Cooling knows that home and business owners don't want to spend hard-earned money without getting answers, but problems don't get better on their own, and letting issues go unaddressed can result in a much more expensive problem. If you have any of these issues, consider calling an HVAC technician sooner rather than later: 1) Your Furnace Hasn't Been Seen For More Than a Year Government agencies recommend you have your furnace seen annually, so that an HVAC technician can look it over and perform routine maintenance. If your furnace hasn't been seen in more than a year, especially if it's an older furnace, have it looked at now. The best time to fix a problem is before it starts. 2) Your Furnace Isn't Heating Up Some causes of a cool furnace are easy to fix. Make sure your thermostat is set correctly and check that you haven't accidentally tripped a circuit breaker. Be sure the pilot light is lit. If you've checked the obvious causes, call in a technician right away. The last thing you want is a cold building during the winter. 3) Your Furnace Isn't Heating Up Enough Sometimes your furnace works, but seems to be unable to heat your building sufficiently. One common cause is dirty filters; Replacing filters is part of routine furnace maintenance. Sometimes your ducts are not balanced. For more complicated problems, an HVAC technician can inspect your furnace as well as your duct work and troubleshoot the problem. 4) Your Heating Bills are Too High Have your heating bills been climbing? If your heating costs are going up faster than they should, and if you're not using more heat, this could indicate a problem. An HVAC technician will be able to perform an energy evaluation. Pro Ace uses electronic tablet technology to offer a comprehensive 40-point inspection that will provide you with a comprehensive picture of exactly how your furnace and your heating system function, where waste is occurring, and what your next step should be. What To Do If you Suspect Problems with your Furnace If you suspect an issue with your furnace, don't delay. Call your nearest Pro Ace and immediately speak to a licensed professional who can provide you with licensed and reliable service at a reasonable price. Don't put off routine maintenance and don't let a small problem turn into a large one. Pro Ace is proud to provide licensed and bonded HVAC technicians to homes and businesses throughout Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and Langley. Call Pro Ace at 604-293-3770 to discuss any HVAC heating and cooling concerns.Simple Ways to Lower a BC Business' Electricity Prices
Simple Ways to Lower Your Business' Electricity Prices in Vancouver BC Electrical bills are a major business expense. Even though consumers in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey, and Langley benefit from reasonably priced electricity, the bills can still add up. Small changes in your business can result in lower costs on an on-going basis. A few simple steps can keep your energy bill reasonable on an on-going basis. Energy Audit Basics Prioritise an energy audit. An energy audit is invaluable for bench-marking your energy usage and identifying possible improvements. Funding may even be available from BC Hydro to assist certain businesses in paying for an energy audit. Install lighting controls. Motion and occupancy sensors ensure that lights don't stay on when no one is in the room. Dimmer switches mean you'll only use as much light as you need. Use lighting controls to save by solving that on-going problem in homes and businesses both: Who forgot to turn off the light? Update your lighting. Overhead fluorescent lighting is a major driver of energy costs. Update from older 1.5 inch bulbs to newer 1 inch bulbs for reduced costs with no loss in performance. The 1 inch bulbs warm the room less too, so you'll save on air conditioning when summer comes. Reign in electricity-guzzling office equipment. Target older appliances for replacement with newer, more efficient varieties. When choosing a new appliance, look for Energy Star certified models. Always turn off appliances at the end of the day or when not in use for an extended period. In an industrial business, consider updates to the industrial process. A more energy efficient industrial process may be available and may pay for itself in energy savings. Insulate, insulate, insulate. Remember when your mother used to tell you to close the door and stop heating the great outdoors? Mom was right, and poor insulation wastes money for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Seal cracks, double glaze windows, and look for places that heated air escapes in the winter or cooled air escapes in the summer. Make a plan. A plan outlining your current use and laying out changes to reduce usage could be one of the most important investments your business makes this year. Get Professional Electrical Help from a Vancouver Electrician Could your business benefit from a lower electricity bill, and you'd like an audit, or assistance in making changes to your electrical system? Pro Ace offers qualified electricians to businesses throughout Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and Langley. Contact Pro Ace and arrange to speak to an electrician who is an expert in business electrical systems and can get all your questions answered. Call Pro Ace at 604-293-3770 to discuss any electrical concerns.Electrical Safety Tips
Vancouver Electrical Safety Hazards Every home or business owner is afraid of fire. At best a fire can do irreparable damage to property. At worst, your family's life could be at risk. Prudent homeowners in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and Langley take take safety precautions to safeguard their homes, possessions, businesses, and families. They install fire detectors and handle flames with care. But too many of us overlook the danger of electrical fires, and behave in ways that make electrical fires more likely. When considering the fire safety of your building, don't overlook these common causes of electrical fires. Overloading outlets. Ever seen an outlet stuffed with extension cords, power bars, and every manner of electrical appliance? It's common in the Lower Mainland because many of us live in older houses with too few outlets for our modern, gadget-enhanced lives. Overusing those outlets is dangerous and extension cords should be a short-term solution. Instead, call an electrician to update your electrical system. Using appliances that are past their best-before date. Appliances don't last forever, and older appliances can be a fire hazard. Be particularly careful of appliances in poor condition, those with frayed or damaged cords, or those with damaged plugs. Read the maintenance instructions for your major appliances, and follow them. In addition, always be careful to use the correct bulb in your lighting fixtures. As we approach holiday decorating time, remember to carefully inspect any electrical item that has been stored for the year before plugging it in. Placing appliances in dangerous locations. It's important to be careful when using appliances near flammable material, such as curtains. As we enter the cold winter months, pay particular attention to heating pads, space heaters, and electric blankets. Supervise their use and use them sparingly. Bedding, curtains, and other fabric are all very flammable. Only Use Licensed Electricians Never allow anyone to do electrical work in your home or building except for a licensed electrician. Licensed electricians undergo years of training to ensure that the work they do for you meets the highest standards of safety. Electrical work is never a DIY job. The consequences of a mistake can be deadly. Get an Electrical Safety Inspection from a Vancouver Electrician If you suspect your electrical system may be a fire risk, calling a licensed electrician and arranging an inspection may be the best decision you make all year. Pro Ace has licensed electricians available to inspect your electrical system, update your wiring, and make necessary repairs. Pro Ace electricians serve Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Langley, and Surrey. Call Pro Ace at 604-293-3770 for your electrical inspection today!Vancouver Heat Pump Cleaning & Maintenance
Heat Pump Cleaning and Maintenance Not every home and building is heated in the same way, but whatever heating system you've chosen for your home or business, it needs regular cleaning and maintenance. Heat pumps are a popular heating option throughout the Lower Mainland. If you live in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, or Langley, it's a great time of year to think about cleaning and maintaining your heat pump. Heat pump? What's that? A heat pump is a method of heating and cooling, a bit like the better known forced air heating found in most BC homes. On cold days, heat pumps take warm air from the outside, or warmth from the ground, and move it inside. In hot weather, a heat pump does the opposite, taking cool air from outside and moving it inside. Though a heat pump is rarely sufficient to heat a Vancouver-area building on its own, it can work in concert with another method of heating, such as a forced air or gas furnace. The heat pump takes some of the pressure off of the furnace, so it doesn't have to work as hard. Maintaining a Heat Pump Like furnaces and air conditioners, heat pumps require regular maintenance from a professional. If you have a heat pump, experts such as BC Hydro strongly suggest you have it serviced annually by a qualified HVAC technician. A technician can help keep your heat pump in working order by performing some important tasks: - Cleaning the coils. Heat pumps have condenser coils that must be cleaned regularly to keep them free of debris. Debris can attach to the coils and must be carefully removed, without bending the coils or affecting the fan or wires. - Lubricating the motor. - Changing the filters. - In a belt-driven heat pump, checking the belt tension and adjust it as necessary. Like a furnace or an air conditioner, a heat pump requires regular maintenance to ensure it operates at its maximum efficiency and does not endure undue wear and tear. A well-maintained unit lasts longer, and the increased efficiency will result in a more comfortable environment and possibly even a lower electrical bill. Regular maintenance will also give you the opportunity to address any possible concerns early, rather than waiting until the unit has obvious problems. Call an HVAC Technician in Vancouver Has your heat pump been serviced in the last 12 months? If not, it's time to call an HVAC technician. Pro Ace supplies qualified HVAC technicians to homes and businesses through Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and Langley. Call Pro Ace HVAC technicians at 604-293-3770.What's a Smart Meter, Anyway?
All About Vancouver Smart Meters In 2013, BC Hydro began changing over most homes in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Langley, and Surrey from conventional meters to smart meters. These smart meters have proved controversial to some Lower Mainland residents. What are smart meters, and what does this change mean to homes and businesses? What's a Smart Meter, Anyway? When the original electrical grid was installed in the early twentieth century, they were unidirectional. Electricity was dispensed and billed according to either a fixed tariff, or a dual tariff, with lower prices for nighttime usage. As the grid modernizes and the demand for electricity keeps increasing, electricity providers developed the smart grid. The smart grid is dual-directional. Information is gathered on electricity usage in a home or business, stored in a confidential way, and transmitted back to the utility company. The utility company then uses this information to make decisions and policy, to increase operational efficiency, to respond to power outages, and to fine-tune billing. How Will Smart Meters Change Energy Usage? BC Hydro expects that smart meters will change energy usage in BC in a number of important ways: Outage Detection Your smart meter will inform BC Hydro when you experience an outage, whereas previously that was information you had to report yourself. Theft Detection Smart meters are more effective at preventing electricity theft, which increases electricity prices for everyone. They're alarmed against tampering. Supports Complex Rate Structures Rather than single or dual tariffs, smart meters are capable of supporting complex rate structures that steer customers towards more efficient energy usage. Provides Conservation Information Consumers will be able to gain a much more detailed picture of their energy usage, and use it to develop an energy conservation strategy. How Will Smart Meters Change in the Future? This isn't the end of the advances in the smart grid. BC Hydro expects to see further advances ahead. Eventually, smart meters will be self-healing, will be integrated with more renewable energy, and will support an even wider array of consumer choices. Consumers will be able to sell excess energy back to BC Hydro, including their own solar or wind power, or the charge in the battery of their electric car. Another promising idea that smart meters make possible: microgrids, where a group of users isolate themselves from the grid and operate autonomously. What are Some Concerns About Smart Meters? Some consumer groups have questioned the safety of smart meters, claiming they are more likely to catch fire, or that the radio signals used to transmit information back to the utility company are unsafe. BC Hydro has provided the option for consumers to opt out of the new smart meters by paying a fee for a version that does not use radio signals as a mode of transmission. Hire a Licensed Electrician in Vancouver BC Is your electrical system out of date and costing you money? The licensed electricians at Pro Ace are experts you can turn to for your home, business, or construction project. Pro Ace electricians serve Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey, and Langley. Call Pro Ace at 604-293-3770 for your electrical inspection today!Wiring a New Home Addition for Vancouver
Wiring a New Addition for Vancouver Homes Real estate values are soaring throughout Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and Langley, and many savvy homeowners are taking advantage of the great real estate climate to add value to their property with a new home addition. When planning your new home addition, be sure to think of electrical wiring. A licensed electrician is an essential member of your construction team. Planning for your Addition An electrician's job begins when your addition is being planned. An electrician will evaluate your construction plans and help design an electrical system that meets your individual needs. Then the electrician plans out the wiring necessary to make that system happen. Types of Wiring in a New Addition Wiring for a new addition doesn't involve a single type of wiring. The different types of electrical devices in your home will require different wiring. An electrician will wire for: - Lighting and power; - Appliances, including both larger permanent appliances and small appliances; - Heating and ventilation system controls; - Security and surveillance systems; - Computers; and, as necessary, - Home theatre systems. Acquiring a Permit Almost all electrical work in BC, including work throughout Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and Langley, requires an electrical permit. Permits must be obtained before work can begin and generally take at least several days to process. Performing work without a permit can result in costly delays and fines. A Vancouver electrician in licensed will obtain the appropriate permit before beginning work on your new home addition. Code Compliant Electrical work in BC is governed by the BC Electrical Code, which lays out minimum standards that all electrical work must meet. The Code is not a how-to manual, but rather lays out the minimum standard that electrical work must rise to in order to be considered safe. Licensed electricians install electrical wiring that meets or exceeds code standards. A Nasty Shock Electrical work is complicated and mistakes can be deadly. Badly done wiring may result in serious electrical shock leading to injury or death, or in an electrical fire that damages or destroys some or all of your home. It is almost never a good idea to DIY home electrical work. Choosing a trustworthy professional to complete your home wiring is one of the most serious decisions you will make in the planning process for your new home addition. Pro Ace Electricians in Vancouver BC If you are planning a home addition, a Pro Ace electrician electrician can assist you with every step of the process. An electrician will evaluate your current home and your needs to design an electrical system that meets your needs. Once the plans are complete, your electrician ensures that the necessary electrical permit is acquired. While the addition is being constructed, the electrician will complete the wiring to a standard equal to or better than that specified in the BC Electrical Code. After construction, a Pro Ace electrician can troubleshoot your system to ensure it works as designed. If you are considering an addition to your home in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, or Langley, Pro Ace dispatches highly qualified electricians for new home additions throughout the Lower Mainland. Call Pro Ace at 604-293-3770 for your electrical inspection today!Top 5 Questions To Ask Before Hiring an Electrician
What Questions Should I Ask Before I Hire an Electrician? Choosing an electrician is one of the most important decisions you will make as a home or business owner. The wrong decision puts your safety at risk, as well as the safety of your building and your family or employees. Home and business owners in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey, and Langley have many options to choose from when looking for an electrician. Unfortunately, many of us don't even know what to look for. What makes a trustworthy electrician? Here are five questions that should be at the top of your list. Are you licensed? The top question you need to ask may seem obvious: Is the professional you are considering a licensed electrician? A licensed electrician has had both classroom training and an extensive apprenticeship. They are able to perform work that meets the minimum standards of the BC and Canadian Electrical Codes. In addition, most types of electrical work can only be legally performed by licensed electricians. Are you insured? If anything goes wrong, you want to know that you are fully protected. Choosing an insured professional means that you won't suffer loss if anyone is hurt working on your property. How much experience do you have? What are your specialties? A license guarantees a certain minimum level of experience, but there's no substitute for years on the job. In addition, many types of jobs (such as construction and industrial electrical work) require a specialist electrician. Make sure that the person you are considering has the experience you need and is able to handle the job you have in mind. What are your rates? Do you offer any guarantees or special pricing? Cost isn't the only consideration, but there's no doubt it's a major factor. Ask about prices up-front and avoid any nasty surprises when the work is done. Be sure to ask about satisfaction guarantees. Do you have any references I can check? Are you registered with the Better Business Bureau? Don't just get references -- check them! Your electrician should be able to point you to satisfied customers who were happy with jobs similar to what you're having done. The Better Business Bureau collects information on a business and provides a method of resolving disputes. You can go online and check out the business you are considering to ensure that it is in good standing and that any complaints have been resolved. Pro Ace Electricians in Vancouver BC Pro Ace Electricians are fully licensed and insured, with years of experience and hundreds of satisfied customers. We provide electricians to residences, businesses, industrial sites, and construction sites throughout the Lower Mainland. Give us a call for a free electrical quote, or to find out about our current specials.
