Penticton

Over the next two months many Okanagan and Similkameen residents will save money and reduce air pollution.

Replace old wood burning stoves or wood inserts with new,clean-burning high-efficiency units from any participating retailer. Take advantage of the savings offered during the 10th annual 'Great Okanagan Similkameen Wood Stove Change Out Program.'

The Regional Air quality program gives consumers a $250 rebate (funding is limited) when they purchase a new EPA/CSA emission-approved wood, gas, pellet or electric appliance to replace their old appliance.

Participating manufacturers, distributors and retailers also offer a minimum rebate of $150 off suggested MRP of new EPA/CSA approved replacement appliances. Consumers receive the rebate when they surrender their old wood burning appliances for recycling. Retailers have program information and documentation to show the emission ratings of all new stoves, which can burn up to 90 per cent cleaner than old ones.

The program has made a significant difference in our air quality. Over the past nine years, 1,258 old wood-burning appliances have been traded out. As a result, approximately 450 tonnes of smoke particulates have been kept out of our airshed. That equates to 15,000 fewer cords of wood burned. Lined up end to end, that would be the length of 363 football fields!

To learn more about smart wood heating and EPA stoves, program information and a list of participating retailers go to the RDOS website, click on air quality, then wood heating.