SCAM
ALERT
BY BRYDEN GAGE |
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Did you know that weatherizing your doors and windows can save you $450 per year? How about upgrading your existing gas furnace with a high energy efficiency furnace and saving $260 annually.
The recent changes brought on by the carbon taxes, rising fuel costs and subsidies for energy efficient products have many consumers contacting the BBB to find out more on how to save.
While there are savings to be had, we would like consumers to do business with companies that are legitimate energy advisors when getting a consultation.
This is the season when many operators visit door-to-door offering furnace checks, and in some cases offer home energy audits.
Before you allow someone to let them into your home consider the following:
Check their record. Start with the BBB to check their records and get quotes. Click here to
check out a business.
Make sure they are licensed. If they offer to clean fans, blowers, or furnaces they require a gas fitter's license. Ask to see their license from the BC Safety Authority.
If they claim to be energy advisors or provide home energy audits, check them out. Businesses that are qualified energy advisors are licensed by Natural Resources Canada to deliver the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes energy evaluation service in your area. You can call 1-800-O-CANADA to verify that they are licensed.
Audits are partially refundable only if you make the improvements. If you are looking for a home energy audit, it may cost up to $300. The energy advisor will inspect your doors, windows, insulation, heating and cooling systems and provide advice and information on improving your home’s efficiency. The BC government may pay up to half, but you will only be refunded once you make the recommended improvements of the audit.
Audit yourself. You can start by doing a home energy audit yourself by doing things like switching to energy efficient bulbs, turning lights, TVs and computers off when not in use, and maybe even hanging your clothes to dry to save on energy costs.
For consumers who are curious to learn more about what they can do to become more energy efficient, and learn about government rebates and grants check out
www.livesmartbc.ca For more helpful tips like these visit the
Resource Library on the Better Business Bureau website.
Click here to download a PDF version of this article.