Government of Canada January 27, 2004 Edmonton ¿ January 21, 2004 ¿ Homeowners can now receive up to $400 in rebates when replacing their old furnaces, thanks to Energy Solutions Alberta (ESA) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). The pilot Alberta Furnace Replacement Program was launched in the basement of the Edmonton h ome of Jim Mortemore today. ¿The rebate was a motivating factor in our decision to install a new furnace,¿ said Mortemore, the first homeowner to sign up for the program. ¿The rebate, along with substantial utility bill savings and positive environmental impacts, left us with no reasons to keep our old beast of a furnace.¿ To qualify, homeowners in Alberta must purchase a new ENERGY STAR ® qualified furnace to replace an existing furnace between January 19 and March 31, 2004. Approved applicants will receive a rebate cheque within a month. Commercial properties and other heating systems do not qualify for the rebates. ESA and NRCan jointly provide a $200 rebate with the purchase of an ENERGY STAR ® qualified furnace and an additional $100 if the furnace is equipped with a high-efficiency motor. A further $100 is available on request through an in-store manufacturer's rebate at point of purchase. ¿Making one's home more energy-efficient is an important step in helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with climate change,¿ said the Honourable John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. ¿Reducing demand for natural resources by upgrading a home's heating system can be a significant step in reducing energy consumption and environmental impact . Every homeowner can make a difference.¿ ¿This is one more way that Albertans can take personal action with a positive impact on the environment and the pocketbook,¿ said Lorne Taylor, Alberta Minister of Environment and co-chair of Climate Change Central, the organization that runs ESA as a source for information on energy efficiency in Alberta. Any furnace that is more than 15 years old is a good candidate for replacement. Furnaces installed before 1985 waste 40 to 50 per cent of their heating energy. Although upfront costs can be higher, these efficient furnaces pay for themselves in the long term. For more information on Alberta's Furnace Replacement Program or to get an application form, visit www.energysolutionsalberta.com or call 1-866-ESA-0999. Climate Change Central is a private-public partnership established as a catalyst for and coordinator of activities by individuals, businesses, institutions and governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Alberta. Energy Solutions Alberta is Climate Change Central's energy efficiency office. Federal funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003 federal budget. The initiative helps enhance our quality of life by supporting knowledge, innovation and technology in the natural resources sectors, which are vital to Canada's economy and society. It also advances the Government of Canada's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions related to climate change, and strengthening the foundations of Canadian life, building a 21st -century economy and ensuring Canada's place in the world. For more information, media may contact: Helen Corbett Alexandra Muir Communications Director Director of Communications Climate Change Central Office of the Minister (403)517-2717 Natural Resources Canada (613)947-8246 Val Mellesmoen Communications Director Alberta Environment (780)427-6267
