Download the news release here.

1. You need to know the right questions to ask
2. Be careful to not give away personal information
3. But if all else fails and you feel pressured to sign a contract, just remember you can always IGNORE THE DOOR

Please feel free to share YOUR stories with us at www.ignorethedoor.ca.

1. Use cold water in your laundry whenever possible and wash full loads.
2. Fix leaky faucets that waste water and energy. One drip per second can cost up to 40 dollars a year in energy losses!
3. Wash full loads in the dishwasher and use the economy wash feature.
4. Install low flow showerheads and flow-restricted faucets where possible.
5. Use cold water instead of hot to soak pots and pans which require scouring.

• Ensuring that no combustible, hazardous or flammable materials are used or stored in the same room or near the water heater;
• Ensuring that the water heater is not confined in a location where it is difficult to service or remove or where there is inadequate ventilation;
• Ensuring that the vents and openings are kept clear and clean and otherwise well maintained;
• Ensuring that the water heater is located in an area with sufficient drainage in the vicinity, and that the drainage is open and unrestricted;
• Ensuring that the floor drain is free of obstructions and that there is a clear water path between the water heater and the drain
• Avoid storing valuable items near your water heater

Bathroom

Always test the water temperature before you enter the bath or shower

Children

Supervise infants and small children around the faucet

Plumbing

Watch for sudden increases in water temperature when another faucet is turned on in a different area of the home

Insulation

Use wraps for the water heater lines to keep them insulated; do not use a wrap on your water heater tank

Tankless Water Heaters

Sometimes called instantaneous or on-demand water heaters, “tankless” water heaters are a relatively new type of water heating solution for homeowners. These systems have many benefits:

• Endless supply of hot water
• Only heat your water when you turn your faucet on
• The temperature can be set to your exact comfort level
• Wall-mounted design saves valuable floor space
• Runs more quietly than your fridge
• Designed to meet the needs families of four or more, where hot water consumption is high
• Energy efficiency is in the 82%+ range compared to .62 for standard tank water heaters

Conventional Storage Water Heater

A conventional storage water heater keeps a reservoir of hot water available at all times.

This means when you turn on the taps, the water you are using comes from this reservoir. The energy supply to heat up the water comes from natural gas or electricity:

Gas Storage-type Water Heaters

A natural gas water heater can be anywhere from 45 per cent (75 gal pre-1990) to 61 per cent energy efficient.  Newer ENERGY STAR^® models are 62 per cent energy efficient or above.  Natural gas water heaters need to be vented, either to a brick-lined or metal chimney, or out the side wall with a plastic pipe.

Electric storage-type Water Heaters

These tanks are in the 93 per cent energy efficient range, although the cost of the energy they use is typically more expensive.  The recovery time is longer, and heating capacity is lower compared to natural gas water heater tanks but they do not require an external vent.

Be alert and ensure you are thoroughly informed before you sign a water heater contract.  Before you open your door, keep in mind the top five “Dos and Don’ts” for door to door sales.

DO

Always ask the salesperson for identification and which company they represent.

Check out the sellers and their business organization by calling the Better Business Bureau before agreeing to buy.

Be wary of high pressure sales tactics. Take the time to consider whether you really need or want the product or service being offered.

Get additional expert opinions/estimates when door-to-door salespersons assert that a replacement product is needed.

If you feel pressured, ask the salesperson to leave. If you feel threatened, ask them to leave and call the police if they do not immediately comply.

DON’T

Don’t let the salesperson into your home.

Don’t show the salesperson your existing contract or monthly bills.

Don’t sign a contract until you have read it carefully and understand it thoroughly.

Don’t sign a contract that doesn’t explain a specified number of days during which you may cancel a contract with a door to door salesperson. For example, in Ontario, contracts and agreements should contain a Buyer’s Right to Cancel under the Consumer’s Protection Act section.

Don’t be seduced by free gifts or “too good to be true” offers.

Additional Links

Tips on buying from the door (Government of Ontario)

Canadian Consumer Handbook (Industry Canada)