Breathing Easier: The Woodstove Replacement Program in Mammoth Lakes
The town of Mammoth Lakes, California, has announced its 2023 Woodstove Replacement Program, which offers financial incentives to residents who replace their old, inefficient wood-burning stoves with new, cleaner-burning models. The program is part of the town’s ongoing efforts to improve air quality and reduce the amount of pollution generated by wood-burning stoves.
Why Replace Your Old Woodstove?
Older wood-burning stoves can be inefficient and produce a significant amount of smoke and pollutants. In fact, the smoke from wood-burning stoves contains harmful particles, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to respiratory problems, heart disease, and other health issues. These pollutants can also harm the environment by contributing to smog, acid rain, and climate change.
By replacing your old wood-burning stove with a new, cleaner-burning model, you can reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants and help protect the environment. Newer wood-burning stoves are designed to be more efficient, produce less smoke, and burn wood more completely, resulting in less pollution and higher heat output.
Benefits of the 2023 Woodstove Replacement Program
The 2023 Woodstove Replacement Program in Mammoth Lakes offers several benefits to residents who participate, including financial incentives, improved air quality, and reduced environmental impact.
Financial Incentives
Through the program, residents who replace their old wood-burning stoves with new, cleaner-burning models can receive financial incentives of up to $2,000 per household and up to $4,000 for lower-income households.
To be eligible for the Enhanced Incentive, applicants need to show that their household income is within the low-income limits set by the California Department of Housing and Community Development or below 80 percent of the Statewide Median Household Income. Another way to establish eligibility is by providing evidence of participation in a federal or state low-income assistance program.
The exact amount of the incentive will depend on the type of stove you purchase and the efficiency of the stove.
Improved Air Quality
By replacing your old wood-burning stove with a new, cleaner-burning model, you can help improve air quality in your community. The program is part of the town’s efforts to reduce the amount of smoke and pollutants generated by wood-burning stoves, which can have a significant impact on air quality.
Reduced Environmental Impact
In addition to improving air quality, replacing your old wood-burning stove with a new, cleaner-burning model can also reduce your environmental impact. Newer wood-burning stoves are designed to be more efficient, which means they require less wood to produce the same amount of heat. This can help reduce the amount of wood harvested from forests and can help mitigate the impact of wood-burning on the environment.
How to Participate in the 2023 Woodstove Replacement Program
To participate in the 2023 Woodstove Replacement Program in Mammoth Lakes, you must be a resident of the town and own an older wood-burning stove that is currently in use. You must also purchase a new, cleaner-burning wood-burning stove from a participating retailer and have it installed by a certified professional.
To apply for the program, you must submit an application, refer to the voucher application checklist, and provide proof of purchase and installation of the new wood-burning stove. The application will be reviewed, and if approved, you will receive a financial incentive based on the efficiency of the new stove. To receive reimbursement, please review these forms here, and here. It would also help to take a look at these guidelines.
We urge all property owners in Mammoth Lakes who are interested to apply and reach out to one of the contracted retailers in the area:
- A Better Fireplace (760-934-3453)
- Manor True Value Hardware (760-873-3106)
The contact for applications and questions is Michael Peterka, Associate Planner 760-914-3669 or [email protected].
FAQs about the Woodstove Replacement Program
1. Where did the funding for this program come from?
The Woodstove Replacement Program is funded by the Great Basin Air Pollution Control District’s Clean Air Projects Program, which received funds from the 2018 Order to Pay issued by the District to the Department of Los Angeles Water and Power. The Town of Mammoth Lakes has chosen to use their funds to reduce woodsmoke emissions from wood-burning heating systems in the town.
2. Is my current stove eligible for the Woodstove Replacement Program?
To determine if your stove is eligible for the program, refer to the Stove Eligibility and Performance Standards on pages 4-5 of the Program Guidelines.
3. I live in Mono County, outside of Mammoth Lakes. Is there a Woodstove Replacement Program for Mono County residents?
Unfortunately, the program is only available for properties located in the Town of Mammoth Lakes.
4. Can property owners use independent contractors to replace their woodstoves or do the work themselves and receive the payment directly?
No, interested property owners must purchase new heating systems from local, contracted retailer/installers who will complete all installation work. Payments will be provided to contracted retailers only. Property owners must work directly with retailers for program participation.
5. Can I keep my old woodstove after it’s replaced?
No, all replaced stoves must be given to the retailer despite the stove’s age, and open fireplaces that are replaced with free-standing stoves must be rendered inoperable.
6. Can I sign up for the program now but wait until later to have the installation completed?
No, new stoves are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and funding will only be provided to retailers when installation is complete and permits are finalized, which must be done within 90 days of receiving a voucher. Once the funding is used up, the program will end, and no funds will be held over.
7. Do new heating systems need to be permitted with local planning departments?
Yes, finalized permits from local authorities are required for all installations before payment will be provided to the retailer. On-site inspections are also required.
8. Can I replace/upgrade my old pellet stove or gas system through this program?
No, old pellet stoves and gas heating systems do not qualify for replacement under this program.
9. I have more than one wood-burning heater in my home. Can I replace more than one?
No, whichever wood-burning heater you use as your primary heating source is the one that qualifies for replacement under this program.
10. I’m building a new home. Can I use this program to get a new stove for my new home?
No, new homes do not qualify for funding. This program is intended to replace existing, old woodstoves, and open fireplaces with cleaner-burning equipment.
11. How do I sign up for this program?
To sign up for the program, you should immediately submit a VOUCHER APPLICATION to the Town and call your choice of the following contracted vendors: A Better Fireplace (760-934-3453) or Manor True Value Hardware (760-873-3106).
12. Can I get funding to upgrade my EPA-certified wood-burning system that is newer than 1988?
No, the program is only available for property owners who are currently using an uncertified stove or insert as their primary source of heat. An uncertified stove or insert is one that has not been certified by the U.S. EPA to comply with the performance and emission standards as defined in Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 60, Subpart AAA, February 28, 1988, or any subsequent revisions.
13. If I upgraded my old stove to an EPA-certified heater before the Woodstove Replacement Program was offered, can I get a rebate toward the cost of my new system?
No, program funding is only available for new installations that are started and completed during the program’s contract period. Retroactive funding is not available.
Conclusion
The 2023 Woodstove Replacement Program in Mammoth Lakes is an excellent opportunity for residents to upgrade their old, inefficient wood-burning stoves with new, cleaner-burning models. By participating in the program, residents can receive financial incentives, improve air quality, and reduce their environmental impact. If you live in Mammoth Lakes and own an older wood-burning stove, consider participating in the program to help protect your health and the environment.
All applications and questions can be directed to the staff contact for the program, Michael Peterka, Associate Planner 760-914-3669 or [email protected].
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