- Why aren't portable humidifiers eligible for a rebate in this program?
- Is there a limit to how many humidifier rebates per household?
- Do humidifiers purchased for new construction qualify?
- Do humidifiers purchased for businesses and/or industrial use qualify?
- Why do some humidifiers qualify for a $30 rebate and others for a $70 rebate?
- Why is there only one humidifier, other than steam humidifiers, qualifying for the $70 rebate?
- Where can I purchase my new furnace mounted humidifier?
- Why are drum-style humidifiers not on the list of eligible models?
- Are dehumidifiers included in the list of eligible models?
- As a retailer in York Region, how can I promote the program?
- Do I have to buy the humidifier at a participating retailer?
- Can I receive a rebate if I purchase my humidifier through an HVAC professional?
- How long until I receive my rebate cheque?
- What if I lost my cheque or the date on my cheque has expired can I receive a replacement cheque?
- Will York Region really inspect installed humidifiers?
- Why does York Region inspect installed humidifiers?
- How do I dispose of my used humidifier?
- Can I recycle my used humidifier?
Q1: Why aren't portable humidifiers eligible for a rebate in this program?
A: The goal of this program is to encourage the replacement of water wasting flow-through furnace mounted humidifiers which can send up to 200 litres of water directly to drain every day. Furnace mounted humidifiers circulate air throughout the entire house as they are typically mounted on the air ducts of the furnace. Portable humidifiers cannot function in the same capacity and therefore are not considered a replacement for a furnace mounted flow-through humidifier. York Region designed the Humidifier Rebate Program to promote the purchase and installation of permanent water-efficient humidifiers as a part of the Water for Tomorrow initiative to promote long-term water-efficiency and conservation in our area. We strive to give rebates only for the top-of-the-line and most water-efficient products that produce the most savings - and in this case it includes only furnace mount humidifiers.
Q2: Is there a limit to how many humidifier rebates per household?
A: A single family home owner located in York Region can receive a rebate on the purchase of a maximum of one humidifier for their residence. The rebate is not available for multiple unit apartments, builders or contractors. For a complete list of terms and conditions please click here.
Q3: Do humidifiers purchased for new construction qualify?
A: No. The rebate is available only for humidifiers installed as retrofits in existing residences. For a complete list of term and conditions please click here.
Q4: Do humidifiers purchased for businesses and/or industrial use qualify?
A: No. The rebate is available only for single family home owners located in York Region. For a complete list of term and conditions please click here.
Q5: Why do some humidifiers qualify for a $30 rebate and others for a $70 rebate?
A: Rebate amounts for approved home humidifier models are based on the total volume of water per day to drain, on a daily basis, during normal operation of the home humidifier:
- $30 rebate for an approved humidifier, which sends less than 50 litres of water per day to drain.
- $70 rebate for an approved humidifier, which sends less than 10 litres of water per day to drain.
For more information on the eligible models please click here.
Q6: Why is there only one model, other than steam humidifiers, qualifying for the $70 rebate?
A: The Desert Spring Rotary Disc with Auto Flush model is currently the only furnace mounted humidifier currently available for purchase by our residents returning less than 10L of water per day to the drain other than steam humidfiers.
For more information on the eligible models please click here.
Q7: Where can I purchase my new furnace mounted humidifier?
A: Approved furnace mounted humidifiers are available at a number of local retailers, heating ventilation and air condition (HVAC) suppliers and HVAC professionals. Make sure the model you purchase is an approved model in order to qualify for a rebate from York Region.
For more information on the eligible models please click here.
Q8: Why are drum-style humidifiers not on the list of eligible models?
A: Although drum-style humidifiers do not send water to drain, they can contain standing water for long periods of time. Health Canada advises that the standing water in humidifiers and air conditioners may lead to growth of bacteria and fungi.
For more information, please visit the Health Canada website at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/environ/air-eng.php.
Q9: Are dehumidifiers included in the list of eligible models?
A: No. Dehumidifiers act opposite to humidifiers by removing remove water from the air. They do not use or waste water.
Q10: As a retailer in York Region, how can I promote the program?
A: If you would like more information and in-store promotional materials, please email us with your request and we will contact you with further details.
Q11: Do I have to buy the humidifier at a participating retailer?
A: A variety of York Region retailers are participating in this program by displaying promotional materials in their store and sharing information about their product numbers for each eligible humidifier they sell (the number shown on their sales receipt). Providing this information will help York Region to provide timely rebate cheques. You may purchase an eligible humidifier from another retailer, however, the make and model number of the humidifier must be clearly stated on the receipt. Without it, there will be a delay in processing your application.
Q12: Can I receive a rebate if I purchase my humidifier through a heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC) professional?
A: Yes you can still receive a rebate if you purchase an eligible humidifier through a HVAC professional. Ask your HVAC professional to ensure the make and model of the humidifier purchased and installed is clearly stated on the receipt along with the company or professional's name and contact information. If the make and model is not clearly stated on the receipt, there will be a delay in processing your application. HVAC professionals may not apply for rebates on their clients' behalf.
Q13: How long until I receive my rebate cheque?
A: The rebate cheque will take approximately 10 to 12 weeks from the time of approval. You can check the status of your rebate application online or via telephone at 1-800-215-4060. Please allow four weeks for mail-in rebate forms to be received before checking the status.
Q14: What if I lost my cheque or the date on my cheque has expired? May I receive a replacement cheque?
A: If this occurs, please call 1-800-215-4060. Re-issuing a rebate cheque costs York Region between $15 and $20 in banking, postage and printing fees. You may receive a replacement cheque for the rebate amount minus these charges.
Q15: Will York Region really inspect installed humidifiers?
A: Yes. York Region will randomly inspect approximately 10 per cent of all participants' humidifiers installed for which a rebate was issued. If you are randomly chosen for an inspection we will call to set up an appointment.
Q16: Why does York Region inspect humidifiers?
A: We perform inspections to verify that rebates were given for eligible humidifiers that were installed and thus saving water, in York Region. This will help verify the amount of water saved and success of the program. Inspections will also help us to evaluate customer satisfaction, which will improve the program.
Q17: How do I dispose of my used humidifier?
A: If you are having your humidifier replaced by a HVAC professional, ask if he/she will take the humidifier away as part of the service. Humidifiers can be disposed of as waste, for a fee, at the Region's Waste Transfer Station in Georgina and at the McCleary Court Community Environmental Centre in Vaughan. You can also check with your local municipality regarding the curbside collection of humidifiers in your area.
Q18: Can I recycle my used humidifier?
A: No. Humidifiers are made from a number of different materials including steel, plastic and foam, so it is difficult to separate the components for recycling.
