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Spare YOUR/OUR Air with Woodstove Rebates
By Jennifer Larocque
Starting October 15th residents and
businesses in the Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District, encompassing the northern and western portions of Sonoma County, may apply for a rebate program to change out their old wood stove for one that will be better for
air quality. The rebate change-out program offers rebates between $1,000 and $2,500 for the replacement of old, dirty woodstoves and fireplaces for cleaner burning gas, pellet, or EPA- certified wood burning appliances.
EPA stoves REBURN smoke until all particles are incinerated
The District is awarding rebates on a first come first serve basis until all funding is expended; at which point a waiting list will start for next winter season. “Many households in rural Sonoma County depend on wood stoves for heat,” said District Director Efren Carrillo. “This program provides a necessary benefit to the community – in the past two years we’ve replaced 33 old stoves. We have clean air and it is something we can take pride in. It is programs like this and the community’s commitment to burn clean and otherwise reduce air pollution that keeps our air clean.”
Moisture meter
natural gas or propane log lighter (some stoves come with these buit in)
• Build HOT FIRES with good air flow. A smoldering fire reduces efficiency
This district is one of 35 California
air districts established to regulate the emissions of air pollution from stationary sources that could be detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the public. They have dedicated $30,000 towards rebates for replacing the old, inefficient stoves with EPA Phase II Wood stoves, natural gas, propane, or pellet stoves or inserts. This funding comes from the Air District’s Community Fund, which is generated by fines for illegal polluting activities. These fines must be used on programs that improve the quality of air in the District.
Simple Steps to Clean Heating
To improve your heat and fuel efficiency and decrease pollution you can “Burn Wise.” Only
dry, seasoned wood should be used in wood burning appliances. Ensuring your fire receives an appropriate amount of air contributes to hotter, more efficient fires (more bang for your buck when it comes to wood fuel), and less dust and smoke emitted from your chimney.
For hot and clean fire, consider these
recommendations:
• Store your wood in a dry location (covered, off the ground).
• Season wood for at least 6 months before burning.
• Use a moistue meter or tap wood for hollow sound (dry wood)
• Start fires with newspaper, dry kindling, natural fire starters, or install a
and increases pollution.
• Do NOT fill fire box - leave room for air to flow
Burning SMART and CLEAN
helps contribute
to a reduction in fine wood smoke particles that harm the environment and people’s health. Visit us on the web at sonomacounty. ca.gov/NSCAPCD
Emissions of fine particles
Fireplace
OLD EPA Stove Stove
Pellet Oil Stove
Gas
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