Nanaimo residents who want to upgrade their pre-1994 wood stoves to newer models that meets today’s standards can get some financial relief from the city starting Wednesday, Jan. 30.
New, more efficient wood stoves can improve Nanaimo’s air quality in winter, reducing smoke emissions by up to 90 per cent, according to the city.
As a result, the city is offering the following rebates to those who replace old wood stoves with approved units at participating retailers:
A $250 rebate will be offered to switch from non-EPA certified stoves to cleaner-burning models.
A $400 rebate is available to replace a wood stove with an electric heat pump, gas or propane, or pellet-fueled stove.
The rebate program, which has been offered in previous years, is on a first-come, first-served basis while quantities last. There are as many as 40 rebates are available.
Participating retailers may offer additional discounts.
To be eligible, homeowners must have an existing non EPA certified wood burning appliance or insert installed in an open-hearth fireplace that does not comply with current smoke emission standards, typically an appliance built and installed before 1994.
For more information on the rebate program, a list of participating retailers and to see a list of eligible appliances, visit www.nanaimo.ca.