Ottawa Wood Burning Changeout Program Provides Incentives to Replace Inefficient Appliances

by | Apr 26, 2019 | Consumer News, Press Releases

OTTAWA – Today, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada, with funding support from the City of Ottawa, launched the Ottawa Wood Burning Changeout Program. The program, open to all rural residents of Ottawa, provides a financial incentive in the form of a rebate to encourage residents to replace an old, inefficient wood burning appliance with a new, certified appliance.

Pre-1992 wood stoves have limited controls on smoke emissions. In contrast, today’s modern stoves and fireplaces cut emissions by over 70 percent. Installing CSA/EPA-certified wood burning appliances have dramatic impacts on the indoor and outdoor air quality of communities, and woodstove changeout programs are proven to incentivize investment. In addition to the environmental benefit, there is also a financial benefit to home owners, as new appliances are more efficient, requiring less wood to produce the same amount of heat.

The program provides a rebate of up to 25% of the cost of purchasing and installing a new, certified wood burning appliance, to a maximum cap of $750. The program also benefits Ottawa area businesses, which serve as the exclusive retailers for the program. Applicants will also be required to prove that their old outgoing appliance is properly disposed of, to ensure that they are permanently removed from circulation.

“This program is a very practical investment that will have a positive and measurable environmental impact, both in the short and long-term,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Having Ottawa businesses as exclusive retailers shows how environmental and economic benefits don’t have to be at odds with one another.”

The program will also feature a number of educational sessions on best burning practices, proper use of the appliances, proper preparation and storage of fuel, and more. For full program details, list of participating retailers, and to apply, residents should visit hpbacanada.org/ottawachangeoutprogram.

“Residents in our rural communities will really appreciate the chance to have a new appliance that provides the same comfortable heat, using less fuel than their old appliance, and with greatly reduced emissions,” said Councillor Eli El-Chantiry, Chair of the City of Ottawa’s  Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee. “And the fact that these new appliances all come from small, local Ottawa businesses makes the program ideal.”

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada is the national not-for-profit industry association that represents businesses which produce, sell, or service appliances and accessories in the hearth and barbecue industries in Canada.

 

Contact:

Adam De Caire
Director, Public Affairs
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada
647-998-4235
adam@hpbacanada.org

Canadian Hearth Industry Celebrates Earth Day

by | Apr 10, 2017 | Consumer News, Press Releases

Every year in April, we are encouraged to consider our impact on the environment around Earth Day on April 22nd. With continued innovation in the energy sector and government regulation being put in place in the fight against climate change, Canadians are becoming more aware of the effect we have on the environment and ways we can help to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

Wood is Good

Choosing to burn locally-sourced, seasoned wood as a source of heat in an efficient appliance can be a great way to both reduce your dependence on the power grid and to reduce your home’s emissions. The Canadian hearth industry has continued to develop innovative products that substantially reduce particulate matter emissions, which contribute to air quality concerns. Advanced technology, certified wood stoves can use as little as 1/3 of the wood required to generate the same amount of heat as an old uncertified stove, saving homeowners both fuel and money. If you’re interested in learning more about smart wood burning practices, visit the EPA’s Burn Wise website for all the information you need!

The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association of Canada promotes wood stove changeout programs across Canada. These programs help retire old, uncertified stoves and replace them with cleanerburning, more efficient EPA/CSA-certified stoves by offering incentives. Wood stove changeouts are hugely beneficial, especially when replacing stoves made prior to 1992, when wood stoves had limited control on smoke emissions. By changing out an old unit for a new certified stove and using good wood burning practices, homeowners can reduce particulate emissions by over 90%.

Heating with Gas

Using natural gas as a fuel source can be a cozy and convenient option for space heating. Natural gas freestanding stoves, inserts and fireplaces are easy to use and there are units designed to be excellent supplementary heaters within a home. Zone heating can reduce your fuel consumption which saves money on your heating bill and reduces your carbon footprint. A central furnace cycles on and off several times an hour and heats your entire house – even unoccupied rooms – wasting money and energy. Turn on your supplemental gas hearth appliance and turn down the thermostat for the central furnace and save. Studies how that zone heating solutions can provide energy savings of 20-40%.

An important part of owning a hearth appliance and ensuring you are operating it to best serve the environment is maintenance. Seasonal inspection and cleaning is crucial to ensure clean operation and safety. No matter what fuel source you are using, having your unit serviced and cleaned at least once a year will reduce its emissions and give you peace of mind knowing you are being environmentally responsible and safe.

Take Advantage!

Within Canada there are currently several jurisdictions with rebate incentive programs for hearth products. Always stay tuned to HPBAC alerts and news of new programs at that could benefit you!