Programs Offer Incentives for Changing Out Old Woodstoves
BENNINGTON, Vt. — There are now several ways for Massachusetts residents to replace their old woodstoves with more efficient ones - and save them money on heating costs and help protect the environment, too.
But time is running out.
From now through Aug. 22, 2016, Massachusetts residents can apply for the Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out program, a partnership between MassCEC, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Energy Resources, offers rebates to assist Massachusetts residents in replacing non-EPA-certified wood stoves with cleaner, more efficient EPA-certified wood or pellet stoves.
Homeowners are eligible for a standard rebate if their old woodstove is currently operational, non-EPA certified, and located in a residential building AND the stove they plan to purchase is EPA-certified and meets Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program emissions requirements for new stoves.
Homeowners are eligible for a low-income rebate if they meet all requirements for the standard rebate and their annual household income falls below 80 percent of the Massachusetts state median income.
From now through Aug. 31, Jotul, an international manufacturer of cast iron stoves and fireplaces, is partnering with its North American dealers to offer its fourth annual Woodstove Changeout program. People purchasing a new Jotul wood or gas fireplace or stove can received up to $300 when they trade in their old non-EPA certified wood stove.
And from now through Dec. 31, the federal government is offering a Biomass Stove Tax Credit, which encourages people to make energy-conscious purchases that improve the energy efficiency of their home. It is a $300 dollar-for-dollar tax credit for purchasing a qualifying biomass-burning stove.
Dick Wood, owner of Bennington Pool & Hearth in Bennington, Vt., and Friends of the Sun in Manchester, Vt., both of which participate in the program, said his staff can help homeowners navigate the process of getting the best deal for replacing their woodstoves.
Massachusetts began its program in 2012; in 2016, the state committed $700,000 in funding to the program. Standard rebates can be up to $1,500 depending on the stove model, or the low-income rebate can be up to $2,500 depending on the stove model.
"There have been various programs by states trying to clean up the air," he said. "Alternative energy sources are all the rage. And there's no carbon footprint with wood."
With the federal government's 10 percent tax rebate, up to a max of $300, and the Jotul changeout program, homeowners can benefit in many ways.
Wood said that by replacing an old non-EPA certified wood stove with a high efficiency, low emissions wood or pellet stove, homeowners can improve air quality. The new stoves are up to 50 percent more efficient then older models, and decrease pollution by 70 percent. EPA-certified stoves on average require one-third of the amount of renewable wood sources to produce the same amount of heat as older models.
“New, more efficient woodstoves will save homeowners money on wood costs, while improving public health and air quality,” said Massachusetts' Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “This popular program helps Massachusetts reduce our energy use and meet our ambitious greenhouse gas emissions goals under the Global Warming Solutions Act.”
“It’s great to see this continued commitment and collaboration in promoting conservation, energy efficiency and reducing air pollution in our communities,” said state Rep. Paul Mark, D-Peru.
And, of course, homeowners can reduce their heating bills.
"The savings under this program are huge," Wood said. "For example, if you wanted to purchase a Jotul f45 wood stove, and you qualify for the standard rebate, the regular price is $2,149, and with the $1,000 rebate, you end up paying $1,149 for the stove. If you want to switch from burning wood to pellets the savings is even greater - especially with the new Jotul changeout incentive.
"If you qualify for the rebate, and you purchase a Quadra-Fire Santa Fe pellet stove at $2,299, subtract the rebate of $1,500, you will end up paying $799, plus tax and installation."
Wood said Massachusetts homeowners who want to take advantage of the program can come into either of his locations – Bennington Pool & Hearth at 126 Hicks Avenue in Bennington and Friends of the Sun159 Depot Street. in Manchester - by mid-July at the latest and his staff will assist in determining eligibility, filling out the application, choosing the right replacement stove and arranging for installation. Wood emphasized that installation should be done by a licensed professional and in accordance with any local regulations, as many cities and towns require permits.
Any of the friendly staff can assist in the Woodstove Change-Out program, such as Nate or Marty at Friends of the Sun or Charlie and Corey at Bennington Pool & Hearth.
"If you look at the list of stoves that qualify, we sell most of them here, Jotul, Hearthstone, Quadra-Fire, Enviro and more," Wood said from the office above the Bennington location. The business itself has been in operation for nearly 30 years.
With the program entering its final stages, Wood said there's no reason for homeowners not to take advantage of it.
"It saves money, number one. And you're going to get yourself a more efficient, better unit out of it," he said.
