The Sunshine Coast Clean Air Society received a $25,000 grant from the wood stove exchange program to encourage residents to trade in their smoky old wood stoves for a high-efficiency model or other clean-burning appliance, Environment Minister Terry Lake announced Nov. 23.
Earlier this year, the provincial government provided $200,000 to the BC Lung Association to continue and expand the successful wood stove exchange program into 2012. The funding allows the Clean Air Society and other participating organizations and communities to offer a $250 rebate on the purchase of a new wood stove, insert, pellet stove or gas stove/fireplace. Dealers, manufacturers and suppliers may also offer additional discounts.
"The wood stove exchange program helps raise awareness about the problems associated with older wood stoves and encourages homeowners to replace 'old smoky,'" said Lake in a news release. "Upgrading to a newer high-efficiency appliance will help improve air quality and reduce the harmful effects of wood smoke."
New high-efficiency wood stoves are proven to burn one-third less wood, reduce emissions by up to 70 per cent and significantly reduce the risk of chimney fires. The approximately 116,000 older model stoves currently in use around the province can affect the health of homeowners, their neighbours and overall airshed health.
Wood smoke contains tiny particles called particulate matter (PM).
Particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or less in diameter, called PM2.5, is small enough to be breathed into the deepest parts of the lungs. It is associated with all sorts of health problems, from a runny nose and coughing, to bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, heart disease and even premature death.
Further rebates are available through: the LiveSmart BC efficiency incentive program at www.livesmartbc.ca/incentives/efficiency-home/index.html or through the federal ecoENERGY retrofit grants at http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/grants.cfm.
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