TORONTO - The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) along with local electric utilities introduced the HVAC Incentives Initiative for 2011-2014. The new Heating & Cooling Incentive will be marketed as one of a family of energy-efficient initiatives for the home. This new initiative retains many of the components of the Cool Savings Rebate program that ended on Dec. 31, 2010.

The initiative provides the following incentives to consumers:

• a $250 incentive for the replacement of an existing central air conditioning system with the purchase and installation of an Energy Star® qualified central air conditioning system (minimum 14.5 SEER and 12.0 EER);

• a $400 incentive for the replacement of an existing central air conditioning system with the purchase and installation of an Energy Star qualified CEE Tier 2 level central air conditioning system (minimum 15 SEER and 12.5 EER); and

• a $250 incentive for the replacement of an existing furnace with the purchase and installation of a furnace equipped with an electronically commutated motor (ECM).

The following systems no longer qualify for the incentive:

• heat pumps, including geothermal systems;

• air handlers; and

• programmable thermostats.

For more information, visit saveonenergyontario.ca.

Publication date:02/21/2011