The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) is partnering with the Conservation Bureau of the Ontario Power Authority in a residential air conditioning incentive program to promote preseason maintenance and replacement of old, inefficient systems with Energy Star qualified equipment. The program, "Cool Savings Rebate," offers incentives to homeowners for having prescribed maintenance tune-ups conducted on their systems and replacing older air conditioning systems with a high-efficiency Energy Star qualified system rated at 14 SEER or higher. This year's program is part of a three-year commitment that will include incentives for commercial air conditioning in 2007 and 2008.

The rebate for the maintenance portion of the program is $50, while the rebate for replacement is $500. A rebate of up to $75 is also offered to the homeowner for the installation of a programmable thermostat. To participate in the program, contractors must register with HRAI and participate in an online orientation course detailing how the program works. They must also provide confirmation that they have properly qualified staff as well as business insurance and WSIB coverage. Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors of Canada (HRAC) members will be automatically qualified based on their membership requirements.

The maintenance rebate will be offered until June 30 and the replacement and thermostat rebates will be offered until August 31. For more information, contact Nancy Larsen at 800-267-2231 ext. 236, or e-mail nlarsen@hrai.ca.