Old wood burning appliances burn inefficiently, creating more pollution and creosote than new appliances. New, EPA-certified wood burning appliances heat more efficiently, using about 1/3 less wood and creating 90% less smoke. When used correctly, it is possible to burn without creating any visible smoke. The Wood Burning Best Practices pages provide great information and videos to assist you in burning cleaner. 

If you heat with wood, the woodstove exchange program is a great opportunity to replace your old wood burning appliance with a new cleaner burning model. Central Okanagan residents that recycle their old uncertified wood stove or wood insert and purchase a new, EPA-certified wood stove (or approved pellet, electric or gas hearth product) are eligible to receive a $250 rebate!

The Woodstove Exchange Program is a partnership between the Ministry of Environment, Regional District of Central Okanagan and Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen. Please note that there is a limit of one rebate per person/household, rebates are available for a limited time and other conditions apply.
 

How to participate in the Wood Stove Exchange Program
 

• Visit your local participating Hearth Product Retailers.
• Pick out a new, cleaner-burning, EPA certified wood, pellet, electric or gas burning hearth product (freestanding or fireplace insert).
• The retailer will provide a tracking form for you to complete at the time of purchase.
• The retailer can also assist with recycling your old wood stove.
• Obtain proper permit(s) for installation.
• The retailer will submit your paperwork for the rebate.
• Receive a $250 cash rebate in the mail.

Woodstove Exchange Program Eligibility

• To be eligible for the $250 rebate, customers must live in the Regional District of Central Okanagan or Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen, and the address where the unit is installed must also be within one of these Regional Districts. 
•  Only certain appliances qualify under the program (for details please refer to the Provincial Program Guidelines). 
• A building permit must be obtained for legal installation.
• The old wood burning appliance must be recycled and proof of recycling or destruction of old stove must be provided (recycling documentation from landfill or metal recycling, or pictures of the old unit before removing and after disabling). Contact program coordinator to confirm requirements.  
• Rebates are limited, therefore they will be issued on a first come, first served basis for those who meet all program requirements.
• Rebate money will be available starting January 1, 2013 and will be available until December 31, 2013, or until all rebates have been awarded.
• Rebates will be processed using the information supplied in the Tracking Form. Rebates will normally be processed within approximately 30-60 days of receiving all paperwork.
• Qualifying products must be purchased within the same year as the rebate program.
• Rebates are limited to one per person/household.

If you burn wood for heating, ensure you are burning properly. It is illegal to burn anything other than untreated, seasoned (dry) wood. Wood must be split, stacked and properly covered to allow air flow at least 8 months before burning. The Wood Burning Best Practices pages have videos with great advice on preparing wood and woodstove use.