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9 months ago, Fortis BC introduced an online application for all Natural Gas Rebates. If you’re buying a new natural gas fireplace for your home, townhouse or condominium, upgrade to an eligible EnerChoice^® model and you could get a $300 Natural gas fireplace rebate.

In the 9 months since the online system was launched, 70% of applications are now being made online

However, Fortis BC have noticed that that outdated application forms are occasionally being submitted. To prevent misunderstandings or lost applications, We want to ensure our Fireplace by Maxwell customers are not using outdated rebate application forms, which may have:

• the old Fortis BC mailing address, which will not be serviced after June 30, 2021
• incorrect rebate amounts
• outdated terms and conditions – The current terms and conditions can be viewed here.

We advise our customers to apply for Fortis BC Rebates using the Apply online service. Applying for rebates online allows for customers to track their application and for Fortis BC to process rebates faster.

Turn your hearth into a hub of high-efficiency comfort. Purchase a FortisBC eligible EnerChoice natural gas fireplace , and you may be eligible for a $300 rebate from FortisBC

Eligibility requirements*

• You must be a FortisBC residential natural gas customer.
• Electricity, natural gas, oil, or propane is the primary heating fuel for the home.
• In addition to being EnerChoice rated, FortisBC eligible fireplaces must be direct-vented, temperature modulating and not have a standing pilot. Please check the Qualifying EnerChoice Fireplace Models  and ask us if you have any questions about which Gas Fireplace models are eligible for the rebate from Fortis BC CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program
• Your application must be postmarked within 60 days of the purchase date.

*You can find a complete list of requirements under the terms and conditions.

How to apply

1. Review the terms & conditions.
2. Purchase a FortisBC QualifyingEnerChoiceFireplaceModels and have it installed in your existing home by a gas contractor registered with the BC Safety Authority (BCSA). You can find a list of retailers at enerchoice.org.
3. Complete the application online and include a copy of the purchase invoice including make and model of the fireplace and the contractor invoice that contains the date of installation, details of the work performed and the registration number of the gas fitter and installation permit number.

Questions?

For more information, call Fortis BC toll-free at 1-800-663-8400 or email us at rebates@fortisbc.com or call into our North Vancouver showroom to discuss the options with the knowledgeable showroom staff at Fireplace by Maxwell.

Valor Gas Fireplaces can use a  unique HeatShift ™ system that transfers convective heat upwards through hidden ducts and directs it back into the room, completely bypassing walls and surface areas around the fireplace. 

This allows you to enjoy the peace of mind that surrounding walls, artwork, electronics and construction materials stay cool and are protected.

HeatShift ™ elevates heat naturally using gravity and convection – hot air rises. A raised heat outlet improves convection airflow and circulates air back into the room at a higher elevation, reducing wall temperatures and improving overall performance.

How HeatShift ™ works with your Valor Gas Fireplace

1. Radiant heat from the firebox warm the people and objects in it’s path in the room
2. Convective air rises naturally with HeatShift™, instead of conducting out and heating the wall and surrounds of the fireplace as a traditionally designed fireplace would
3. Better heat exchange and superior air flow is created by shifting the hot air outlets higher up the wall, increasing comfort

Installation options

There are different installation options available with the LX2, Linea, Valor H5 and Valor H6 gas fireplaces

If you are interested in heating other areas of your home, talk to us about Valor’s Remote Blower option for multizone heating

Modern thermal comfort in winter is provided by heating the entire volume of air in a room or building. In earlier times, our ancestor’s  heating methods  were more localized: heating people, not places and things.

They used radiant heat sources such as a fire,  that warmed only certain parts of a room, creating microclimates of comfort. These people countered the large temperature differences with insulating furniture, such as hooded chairs and folding screens and sat close to the fire. 

So what is Radiant heat and what other types of heat are there?

The are 3 types of heat source

1. Radiant Heat – This is the transfer of heat via electromagnetic radiation and the infrared waves that are emitted are absorbed by people and furniture as opposed to heating the air in the room. Fireplaces of all types (Wood, Gas) emit radiant heat – we feel the warmth on our skin in the same way as we feel warmth from the sun. 
2.  Conduction – This is the transfer of heat due to physical contact between 2 objects. Thermal energy (heat) will flow from the warmer to the cooler object. The speed of transfer depends on the material – metal transfers heat quickly whereas wood will be slower. Conduction all occurs between physical objects and air, but this effect is limited due to the high thermal resistance of air.  Zero clearance fireplaces such as those using Valor HeatShift Technology will transfer conductive heat away from the fireplace and upwards through hidden ducts to direct it back into the room. This allows them to be installed close to combustible materials and not need a traditional fireplace hearth
3. Convection is the most common form of space heating. Convection occurs when the air in the room is heated, it becomes less dense and rises away from the heat source. As it moves further away, it cools, becomes heavier and falls back to the ground. This creates a convection current. Convection stoves heat and circulate warm air around a room by air being drawn in and using fans to assist the distribution of heat around the room

If you’re buying a new natural gas fireplace for your house, townhouse or condominium, consider a high-efficiency eligible EnerChoice® Fireplace model.

You must have your new natural gas fireplace installed by March 31st 2021 and apply for your rebates, using your unique promo code you applied above, within 6 months of installation invoice date

To register for your Fortis BC double rebate ($600) click here

Before beginning the fireplace replacment, make sure you qualify for this rebate by reviewing the Program Rebate Requirements, as outlined in the terms and conditions and the eligibility and rebate details below

1. You must be a residential natural gas customer, and your FortisBC gas account must be in your name.
2. The EnerChoice fireplace you purchase must be on our eligible fireplace list. (Note: not all EnerChoice models qualify for a rebate.)
3. Only interior installations are eligible for a rebate. Outdoor fireplaces do not qualify.
4. The fireplace must be installed a Technical Safety BC licensed gas contractor with a GST number and valid BC business license.
5. Applications must be submitted within six months of the invoice date.
6. Register for a promo code by December 31, 2020.
7. The fireplace must be installed and invoice dated between October 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021.
8. Include your promo code on your application. Note: the double rebate will be applied after your application is reviewed and approved. Your application must include a copy of the paid invoice showing details of all work performed, including:
   • the purchase date
   • make and model number
   • installation permit number
   • gas contactor’s Technical Safety BC licence number
9. Applications may take up to 90 days to process.
   

If you have any questions, the team at Maxwell Fireplace will be happy to help you find and install a Gas Fireplace to match your requirements and be eligible for the Fortis Natural Gas Fireplace Rebate

Every fireplace shipped in Canada is tested for efficiency and will have an EnerGuide rating which is also known as Fireplace Efficiency (FE).  The EnerChoice designation is only granted to models that meet the defined efficiency thresholds. 

This trademark was developed to assist consumers in identifying which fireplaces are most suitable for supplemental heating solutions. It has its origins in British Columbia (BC), Canada.  This designation and labelling was developed to identify to consumers which fireplaces are most suitable for supplemental heating solutions.    These thresholds were established as part of a consultation process with Industry, Gas Utilities, Regulators and other stakeholders.

An EnerChoice designation is granted to models that meet the efficiency thresholds that indicate the most efficient models in the market.

ENERCHOICE THRESHOLDS

Vented Gas Fireplace Inserts – 61%
Vented Freestanding Gas Stoves – 66%
Zero Clearance Vented Gas Fireplace – 62.4%

If intended for use as a heating appliance, an EnerChoice rated model can save money and energy. The actual savings depends on many factors such as local climate, the cost of fuel, the efficiency of the appliance and the efficiency of the dwelling itself.  

Only the efficiency calculated by the CSA P.4.1 test is considered when determining eligibility to bear the registered EnerChoice trademark.  When looking at fireplace efficiency, make sure you are looking at the FE generated by the CSA P.4.1 test

Fireplace by Maxwell stocks a wide range of EnerChoice Fireplaces. These vendors have shown a commitment to the EnerGuide program that allow these initiatives to continue and grow.

When a gas fireplace, stove or insert is endorsed by EnerChoice logo this approval is your assurance that these units are “among the most efficient of gas hearth products available in that category”