It might be a good time to start thinking about exchanging your old wood stove, since the B.C. government announced the 2017 rebate program for upgrading to a new stove.
The rebate program, in partnership with BC Lung Association, offers a $250 incentive to replace old wood-burning stoves with a new wood-burning stove or natural gas stove.
According to the press release, newer wood-burning stoves burn one-third less wood and can be up to 70 per cent more efficient.
The initiative is part of the Provincial Wood Stove Exchange program. Last year, the program saw 600 stoves exchanged, and the program is hoping to match that this year.
“The BC Lung Association is pleased to continue partnering with the Ministry of Environment to improve air quality in communities throughout the province through the Provincial Wood Stove Exchange Program. Wood smoke is a major contributor to air pollution and replacing old wood-burning appliances with new, cleaner models is not only beneficial for the environment but also helps reduce impacts to public health,” said Scott McDonald, CEO of the BC Lung Association.
John Vere, woodstove program coordinator for Grand Forks and Area D, said that in the eight years the program has been running in Grand Forks and area, the program has upgraded about 200 woodstoves, making a significant difference in air quality in the area.
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) received $6,500 for the program. For more information on how to claim your rebate for upgrading your woodstove, call Vere at 1-866-992-9663 or email at woodstove@telus.net.