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2012 Wood Stove Exchange Program
The 2012 Wood Stove Exchange Program is expected to launch in Fall 2012. Please check back then for an update on this year's program and related permit fee waivers - or call Terry Robert @ PGAIR at 250.612.0252 for more information.
Visit the following participating retailers for more information about the program:
- Dales Wood and Gas Heating
- Fraser Plumbing and Heating
- Furnaceland
- Mainline Plumbing and Heating
If you would like more information please contact the PGAIR program coordinator at (250) 612-0252
BC Wood Stove Exchange Program
Residential wood burning is believed to be a significant cumulative source of fine particulate matter (PM) in BC, including Prince George. Exposure to fine PM has been linked to adverse human health impacts, including respiratory diseases (such as asthma, emphysema, pneumonia and bronchitis), cardiovascular problems, and premature death.
Since 1994, all solid fuel wood burning appliances sold in BC must meet stringent CSA/EPA emission standards. However, there are still a significant number of old technology units in operation that emit much more PM compared to newer appliances or alternative fuels (such as natural gas, propane and pellets).
The wood stove exchange is a joint government-industry program designed to encourage British Columbians to exchange older, smoky wood burning appliances for low emission appliances, including gas, pellet, and EPA-certified clean burning wood stoves or inserts. The program, which is carried out at a community level, offers discounts and rebates to promote exchanges, as well as education to assist residents operate wood burning appliances efficiently and reduce their emissions.
PGAIR 2012 Wood Stove Exchange Program
Program Overview
Prince George is one of the communities participating in the wood stove exchange program in 2012. The program is being carried out by the Prince George Air Improvement Roundtable [PGAIR], with support from partners and sponsors.
The PGAIR 2012 Wood Stove Exchange Program will run from September 01, 2012 to December 31, 2012. The first 50 residents who replace their qualifying old wood burning appliance with a qualifying new gas, pellet or wood burning appliance will receive a $500 provincial rebate. Contact your PGAIR representative for details and to get a voucher. Phone: 250.612.0252 and ask for Terry or email: trobert@pgairquality.com.
British Columbians replacing their old wood burning appliance may be eligible for additional rebates or incentives. (These rebates and incentives are NOT part of the wood stove exchange program and must be applied for separately.)
NEW – Permit Fee Waiver!
Check back soon for permit fee waiver information - or call Terry Robert @ 250-612-0252 for up to date program information.
Qualifying Original Appliances
The following original appliances qualify for an exchange under this Program:
- A free-standing non-EPA certified “stove” or a “homemade” or “barrel” stove.
- A so-called “airtight” non-EPA certified fireplace insert, or tube type heat exchanger with a face plate and door (like the “Free Heat Machine” or Welenco or Heatalator that is currently installed in an open hearth fireplace.
- A non-EPA certified “wood furnace” (ducted, forced air, home heating appliance) – may only be replaced by an EPA certified wood furnace or pellet furnace.
- A wood-burning cook stove.
Qualifying Replacement Appliances
The following NEW appliances qualify to replace a qualifying old wood burning appliance under this Program:
BEFORE you replace your old wood burning appliance, contact your insurance company to learn if you can save on home insurance (by qualifying as a secondary heat source) AND if your insurance company imposes any additional requirements (such as a WETT inspection).
- A high efficiency natural gas or propane stove/fireplace, a pellet stove, an electric stove, or an EPA certified clean burning wood stove.
- A high efficiency natural gas or propane insert, a pellet insert, an electric insert, or an EPA certified clean burning wood insert.
- An EPA certified factory-built fireplace – may ONLY be accepted if it is replacing a non-EPA certified wood stove or insert (NOT an existing factory built fireplace).
The following original appliances do NOT qualify for an exchange under this Program (program funding will NOT be provided to install these appliances):
- A new insert to an existing open hearth fireplace that does NOT currently have an insert installed in it. An exchange of an existing wood appliance must take place.
- Factory built (“zero clearance”) fireplaces.
- Wood cook stoves (These are EPA exempt therefore are not covered by this program. They may be replaced by an EPA certified stove or other “non- cooking” product within the qualification list above).
- Outdoor appliances (replacement unit must be installed in an area with 4 walls, ceiling and a door).
- Tin heaters/tent stoves (something NOT used in a residential application)
Participating Retailers
The following retailers are currently participating in the PGAIR 2012 Wood Stove Exchange Program:
- Dales Wood and Gas Heating - www.daleswoodandgasheat.com (1221 3rd Avenue) - 250-562-8366
- Furnaceland - www.furnaceland.bc.ca (550 3rd Avenue) – 250-564-1414
- Fraser Plumbing & Heating - www.frasercanada.com (430 3rd Avenue) – 250-562-6777
- Mainline Plumbing & Heating - www.mainlineplumbingandheating.com (3658 Opie Crescent) – 250-564-9808
Proper Wood Burning & Storage Practices
If there is a lot of wood smoke coming from your chimney, or if you can smell it long after your fire has been burning, the “Burn It Smart” campaign can help. Both novices and seasoned veterans can learn how to have cleaner, safer, more efficient fires that reduce wood smoke that contain fine particulate matter and other substances that impact air quality and human health.
When wood is burned at a high temperature, virtually nothing but carbon dioxide and water vapour are produced, but when you allow your fire to smoulder, then blue/grey smoke is produced, which means creosote is forming at the same time. Creosote is deposited on the inside of your chimney when wood is not burned completely and becomes a highly volatile fuel during a chimney fire! Safe and healthy wood burning go hand-in hand. When little or no smoke is produced, both the chimney and the air are kept clean.
Instructional Videos
- Efficient Wood Stove Operation (Environment Canada)
- Firewood, From the Forest to the Shed (Environment Canada)
Online Guides & Pamphlets
- BC Air Quality - Smoke and Burning (Government of British Columbia, 2012)
- Woodheat.org
- Burndryfirewood.com
- Residential Wood Heating (Environment Canada, 2011)
PGAIR 2012 Wood Stove Exchange Program Sponsored By:
