We C.A.R.E.

"Switch the Stat"

Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare is proud to be taking part in "Switch the Stat", a residential and commercial thermostat exchange program. The Clean Air Foundation works with heating and cooling contractors to encourage the installation of energy-efficient programmable thermostats, while simultaneously, diverting the older mercury containing thermostats from landfills to a safe storage facility. Switching to newer and more energy-efficient programmable thermostats and responsibly disposing of older mercury-containing thermostats reduces energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and prevents mercury from contaminating our air, soil, and water.

The rapid increase in programmable thermostat installations for residential energy savings has meant that an increased number of older mercury-containing thermostats are being disposed of in household waste that ends up in landfills. An older thermostat can contain approximately 2.5-7.5 grams of mercury - it only takes one gram of mercury to contaminate a 20-acre lake to the point where the fish are not edible for a full year. Mercury is especially toxic to young children and women of child-bearing age because it can inhibit the development of the brain and nervous system.

Financial incentives to "Switch the Stat"

Financial incentives and rebates for switching to programmable thermostats are available year-round for home and business owners.

The Ontario Power Authority is offering a $50 rebate off the purchase and installation of a programmable thermostat through the Cool Savings Rebate Program until March 31, 2008 (check out www.coolsavingsrebate.com for more information).

In addition, Enbridge Gas Distribution and Union Gas both offer a $15 on-bill credit for the installation of any programmable thermostat (check out the Enbridge rebate Web page and Union Gas rebate Web page for more information).

Newer programmable thermostats can cost between $70 and $300. However, there is no cost to consumers and contractors for the collection, transportation, and safe disposal of the older mercury containing thermostats. It is also free to drop off your mercury containing thermostat at our showroom/office.

Sun Park Challenge

Throughout 2007 Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare participated in a campaign which enabled the ClimateCare co-op to donate more than $10,000 to Canada's first solar energy park, Sunpark.

A solar park, which generates electricity in a safe, sustainable and environmentally-friendly way, is comprised of thousands of solar cells, each of which will make a great contribution to the environment over its life span.

The power generated from Sunpark is fed directly into the Ontario power grid, meaning no matter where you live in Ontario, you'll benefit!

For more information on Sunpark visit: www.sunpark.ca