Alan remembers heating his Victoria home using an oil-based furnace. Since switching to natural gas in the early 1990s he has installed a natural gas water heater, furnace, cook-top, and a barbecue. "I made the switch to natural gas as soon as it was available in my neighbourhood. It's so nice to get rid of the oil tank and now I have the convenience and comfort of natural gas. I also qualified for some great rebates from FortisBC."
Alan isn't alone in realizing the savings, comfort, and convenience of natural gas. Barb, a homeowner in White Rock, found out about FortisBC's Efficient Water Heater Pilot Program. Since getting a hybrid high-efficiency water heater, Barb has seen energy savings, and, like Alan, qualified for a rebate from FortisBC. "I planned to wait to replace the water heater as long as I could, but FortisBC's offer was one I couldn't pass up."
Homeowners like Alan and Barb know that natural gas helps improve the energy efficiency of your home and can save you some money on your energy bills at the same time. But it's the comfort, convenience and reliability that makes natural gas the number one choice for heating in Canada.
After all, you can't beat the ambience and cosy warmth of a natural gas fireplace on a cold, dreary evening. They're convenient, safe, and stylish, and don't require keeping supplies of firewood on hand. And some models are energy efficient too. All fireplaces sold in Canada have an EnerGuide T rating, which tells you the energy efficiency
of a fireplace unit. In BC, manufacturers developed the EnerChoice ® designation to identify the most efficient models. When shopping for a new fireplace, look for the EnerChoice logo. FortisBC also offers a $300 fireplace rebate for EnerChoice models.
The versatility doesn't end in the family room. Take natural gas into the kitchen with cook tops and ovens. Natural gas cooking appliances deliver reliable, safe, and even heat instantly with a simple turn of a switch. Natural gas appliances not only mean better results for heating water, space or cooking food, but it means home owners could save money on their energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, benefitting the environment.
If you're not already using natural gas visit fortisbc.com/gasisgood to learn how you can get the most out of this popular energy source in your home. If upgrading natural gas appliances is on your to-do list, check out FortisBC's rebates for energy efficient models at fortisbc.com/offers.
