Replace Your Old Wood Burning Stove for Cash

If you're looking to replace your old wood burning appliance for a more modern, cleaner unit, you're in luck because the Regional District of Central Okanagan is currently offering exchange rebates.

While funds last, the Regional Air Quality program's Wood Stove Exchange is providing rebates of $250 when customers purchase a new, cleaner burning EPA/CSA certified wood stove, and recycle their old wood burning appliance. In addition, participating central Okanagan retailers will take care of recycling your old stove and provide all the necessary paperwork for the rebates.

In addition to the $250 rebate, during the months of March and April, participating retailers may offer additional rebates of $150 or more off the suggested retail price of a new wood burning stove.

Photo Credit: Contributed

For those looking to exchange their old wood burning stove for a gas appliance, Fortis BC is offering an additional $300 rebate for eligible EnerChoice gas fireplaces.

Smoke from wood burning produces particulate matter, one of the main pollutants that leads to poor air quality and can have serious health impacts. It’s estimated over 12,000 valley homes are still equipped with inefficient conventional wood stoves or masonry fireplaces, adding a lot of smoke pollution to their homes.

“Smoke from inefficient wood fireplaces and stove contributes to poor air quality throughout the Central Okanagan. By replace old wood burning appliances with newer, cleaner-burning certified technology homeowners can use up to one-third less wood and reduce smoke by up to 90 per cent. That will help us all breathe a little easier,” said Regional Air Quality Program Coordinator, Nancy Mora Castro.

To take part in the program, visit one of the participating retailers in the Regional District of Central Okanagan, or contact the Regional Air Quality Program for more information. A list of participating retailers can be found on the Regional District's website.

Photo Credit: Contributed