Thousands of dollars in rebates are now available for replacing old wood stoves.
Through federal, provincial and regional rebate programs, huge savings are available for completing energy efficient upgrades — plus money can be saved every year from lower heating and cooling costs.
The Great Okanagan and Similkameen Woodstove Exchange Program is one rebate available for residents living in municipal and rural areas of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen.
Residents are eligible for $250 rebates for recycling their non-EPA certified woodstove and replacing it with a new, cleaner technology electric, pellet, gas or wood stove or insert. Since 2001, the exchange program has been utilized by more than 1,500 people.
The federal ecoEnergy rebate program has been extended until March 31, 2012 for woodstove exchanges. Registered participants can qualify for a $375 rebate for replacing a wood burning appliance with an EPA certified wood burning appliance, pellet stove or masonry heater.
Program participants are encouraged to complete other energy efficiency upgrades and can qualify for up to $5,000 in rebates.
The provincial efficiency incentive program, LiveSmart B.C., has been extended until March 31, 2013. Participants can qualify for a $500 rebate for replacing an existing wood stove or gas fireplace with a pellet stove that meets or exceeds Washington State emission standards.
Residents that live in FortisBC service areas may also qualify for a $300 rebate on the purchase and installation of an EnerChoice fireplace until May 31, 2012. For more information on this and other FortisBC incentives and programs for energy efficiency visit www.fortisbc.com.
To qualify for the provincial and federal rebate you must have an energy audit completed by a certified energy advisor before starting any upgrades and again after completion.
There is a fee for the initial and final audit. The energy advisor will assist you through the process to ensure that you meet all requirements for federal and provincial rebates.
A list of certified energy advisors can be found at www.livesmartbc.ca or by calling 1-866-430-8765.