Brrrrr….cold weather has arrived. The focus quickly shifted from cooling our homes to heating them!
Pre-qualified homeowners who use old wood stoves (freestanding or inserted into firebox) may qualify for an $800 to $1,000 “instant rebate” off a new device.
“These incentives are helping people replace their inefficient, old wood stoves,” said Lisa Woodard, Spokane Clean Air Communications and Outreach Manager. “Replacing them with new, more efficient devices has a direct and positive impact on air quality.”
During the heating season, wood heating is the main contributor to fine particle pollution. Particles can affect both indoor and outdoor air quality.
“There are many benefits to upgrading old woodstoves,” explained Woodard. “Not only is there a savings on heating costs , but also a health benefit by reducing dust and soot inside homes.”
To be eligible, applicants must be homeowners in Spokane County (incorporated or unincorporated), who regularly heat with wood in a stove that is at least 20 years old or non-EPA certified. Owners of rental homes are eligible to apply on behalf of their renters. This incentive program is not retroactive.
Approved applicants with a valid voucher qualify for a discount from a participating business. The businesses subtracts the incentive amount at the time of purchase and installation. The incentive amount is based on the type of device selected for the upgrade:
- $800 toward wood
- $1,200 toward pellet
- $1,600 toward a gas stove *
- $2,000 toward a ductless mini-split heat pump
* New state grant funding requirement: Applicants wishing to switch from wood heat to gas, must document that gas is the most cost-effective option for them.
Spokane Clean Air has been administering various woodstove change-out programs since 2005. Over 770 uncertified wood heating devices replaced with cleaner options, reducing hundreds of tons of fine particle pollution from our air.
This program is funding with a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Additional information can be found on our Wood Stove Change-Out webpage.
