SaskEnergy is introducing a new Heating Affordability Program (HAP), helping homeowners facing financial barriers lower their heating costs. Their new furnace replacement program will provide new high-efficiency furnaces to eligible income-qualified households, free of charge.
Older, lower-efficiency heating equipment results in higher energy bills as more fuel is used to provide the same amount of heat as a high-efficiency model. With a new high-efficiency furnace, customers can save up to $650 on natural gas and energy costs every year.
In a release issued by SaskEnergy, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Guillet, outlines their commitment to helping customers meet their energy needs.
“HAP is a program that helps customers save money and improve energy efficiency while they keep their homes warm during the colder months.”
This upcoming heating season, SaskEnergy aims to replace up to 50 furnaces in eligible households. To access HAP, customers must be part of SaskPower’s Energy Assistance Program and meet income and existing heating equipment criteria. Eligible homeowners will be contacted directly with an invitation to participate.
The installation will include a 96% annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) single stage natural gas furnace, required modifications to the home’s venting, three furnace filters and a programmable thermostat if needed.
HAP is replacing SaskPower’s Tune-Up Assistance Program, that provided furnace maintenance to income-qualified customers. Support for furnace maintenance will still be provided through their Network Home Heating Tune-Up, which offers optional on-bill financing.