Natural gas is an efficient option for BC homes, ideal for heating, cooking and more. But to ensure your natural gas appliances continue to operate at their best for years to come, is essential.

Furnaces, boilers, fireplaces and water heaters can provide years of affordable comfort if treated right, and annual servicing helps ensure they含羞草研究社檙e operating safely and efficiently, explains Ian Turnbull, Damage Prevention & Emergency Services Manager, FortisBC.

含羞草研究社淚t含羞草研究社檚 just like having your vehicle serviced,含羞草研究社� Turnbull says. 含羞草研究社淵our natural gas appliance is a mechanical device, so you can have pet fur, dust and dirt end up in your burners and that can cause them to get plugged up and not operate efficiently.含羞草研究社�

A Technical Safety BC-licensed gas contractor can clean out that debris so the appliance does its job, without having to work harder.

含羞草研究社淗aving gas-fuelled appliances like furnaces, boilers, water heater heaters and fireplaces checked and serviced at least annually is important for safety, but can also have the benefit of reducing costs,含羞草研究社� explains Brian Zinn, Acting Gas Technical Leader. 含羞草研究社淧roper maintenance saves homeowners money by ensuring equipment is operating efficiently. Meanwhile, preventative maintenance by licensed contractors provides peace of mind.含羞草研究社�

Here含羞草研究社檚 how:

• Safety 含羞草研究社� inspecting the area around your appliances ensures there is nothing nearby that could pose the risk of fire. Similarly, having licensed contractors check appliance venting and air supply systems can also prevent carbon monoxide exposure.
• Efficiency 含羞草研究社� regular maintenance helps your system operate at optimal energy-efficiency standards.
• Longevity 含羞草研究社� your contractor can identify any worn parts and replace them before they fail, helping sustain your equipment含羞草研究社檚 safe functioning and lifespan. It also helps you plan for future replacement, Turnbull says, and when the weather turns cold, you含羞草研究社檒l have the added peace-of-mind a properly serviced appliance provides.
• Air quality 含羞草研究社� your contractor can check your furnace filter, showing you when and how to replace it. 含羞草研究社淚f you have questions, they含羞草研究社檒l go through it with you,含羞草研究社� Turnbull says.
• Warranty 含羞草研究社� most manufacturers require regular servicing to ensure your warranty remains valid.

Appliance maintenance rebates available

The great news is that servicing is more affordable than ever, thanks to FortisBC含羞草研究社檚 . To qualify, customers must have appliances serviced by a licensed gas contractor 含羞草研究社� find a contractor near you through FortisBC含羞草研究社檚 .

Residential natural gas customers who have their natural gas furnace or boiler, tankless water heater and/or fireplace(s) serviced by a licensed gas contractor are eligible for a rebate of $25 or $50 on each appliance. Rebate applications must be submitted by Nov. 30, 2019 to be eligible.

To learn more and apply, visit .