Save on Energy with Ontario's Home Thermostat Rebate
February 25, 2018
Homeowners throughout Ontario can now receive a home thermostat rebate of $100 when purchasing an eligible smart thermostat. Today’s smart thermostats provide more efficient heating and cooling, thus reducing seasonal energy costs, and saving money on annual utilities.
The $100 rebate is an initiative from the Green Ontario Fund, and available to residents in homes, apartments, and condos. Existing heating and cooling systems must be technically compatible with a smart thermostat. For renters, landlord consent must be given to participate in the program.
The home thermostat rebate is for “smart” thermostats
In recent years, smart thermostats have started to replace old manual thermostats, and even later model programmable thermostats. The new generation of thermostats provides more precision, more programming choices, and even wireless operation with a Wi-Fi network.
Programmable thermostats
The first “digital” thermostats were just refined versions of the manual thermostats that were standard in every home. They offered a large digital display, some additional operations, and greater accuracy in adjusting heating and cooling performance of the HVAC system.
When programmable digital thermostats were introduced (and recommended) they went even further. Programmable thermostats allowed homeowners to custom-set heating and cooling levels, depending on occupancy needs. This was both convenient and cost saving.
With a programmable digital thermostat, you can program the HVAC system to run with minimal effort when the home is empty, and run optimally – and with better performance – when the home is occupied. This way, heating is not wasted in winter, and cooling is not wasted in summer.
Overall, from season to season, a programmable thermostat will keep monthly utility bills in check without compromising home comfort. On the downside, these devices have always been difficult to understand and set up, especially when there are multiple features.
Advanced smart thermostats
Smart thermostats have advanced in technology in the same way as smart phones. The difference today is that: smart thermostats are loaded with practical features; are far easier to use than ever before; and can be easily integrated with other devices like computers and phones and tablets.
Some examples:
- they can fully customize temperature changes throughout the day
- they can create specific heating and cooling schedules – and simply
- they can be controlled/adjusted with any Wi-Fi connected device
- they can monitor/track/report energy consumption in real-time
- they can provide an overview of the efficiency of the HVAC system
- needless to say, smart thermostats are highly advanced when compared to devices of the past. However, the technology does come with a higher price tag. And while energy efficiency and utility savings have a long-term payback, the initial cost has some people waiting for the purchase price to lower. This makes the $100 home thermostat rebate the perfect opportunity.
Eligibility for the $100 home thermostat rebate
The $100 home thermostat rebate is offered to Ontario residents who purchase and install a smart thermostat from one of the various qualifying models. When the thermostat is installed, ideally by a professional, it is connected to a Wi-Fi service and can be formally registered online. This will also allow for online submission of the rebate application through the manufacturer’s Internet portal. Rebate cheques are sent out within 8 - 12 weeks of the online submission.
