The AQMD has funding to help Sacramento County residents replace older, more polluting units with cleaner-burning, USEPA certified or equivalent units!
Program Status: Currently NOT Accepting Applications.
Background
There are 320,000 fireplaces and wood stoves in Sacramento County homes!
Wood smoke is a source of particulate matter, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, toxic air contaminants and odors. Wood smoke is linked to serious health impacts1.
Important Information
On days when poor air quality (Stage 2) is forecast, AQMD Rule 421, Mandatory Episodic Curtailment Of Wood And Other Solid Fuel Burning (PDF), prohibits the use of all wood and pellet-burning appliances, including certified appliances and pellet stoves/inserts. Please see Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) for more information on Rule 421.
Voucher Program Timeline
| Voucher Program Period | Status | |
| August 15 - September 30, 2006 | Ended | |
| February - May 2007 | Ended | |
| September 1, 2007 - March 31, 2008 | Ended | |
| September 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009 | Ended | |
| September 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010 | Ended | |
| September 1, 2010 - February 28, 2011 | ||
| March 1, 2011 - March 30, 2011 | Accepting applications but not issuing vouchers until April 1, 2011. | |
| April 1 , 2011 - | Currently not accepting applications. Program is out of funding. Check back later. |
Important: To be eligible for a voucher you must submit a complete application and purchase the appliance from a participating retailer within the applicable voucher program period. Purchases outside of the applicable period will not be eligible for a voucher.
The AQMD plans to implement this program until the funds are depleted. At least half the funding must be used in Environmental Justice areas.
Voucher Levels
| Device Change Out | EJ/Non-EJ | Low Income |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified stove/insert or open hearth fireplace to gas stove/insert | $450 |
Up to $1500 |
| Certified wood stove/insert or pellet stove/insert to gas stove/insert | $350 |
Up to $1500 |
| Uncertified stove/insert or open hearth fireplace to pellet stove/insert | $250 |
Up to $1500 |
| Uncertified stove/insert certified wood stove/insert | $150 |
Up to $1500 |
| Removal of wood stove | $150 |
Up to $1500 |
| Open hearth fireplace to gas log set | $300 |
Up to $1500 |
| Open hearth fireplace, certified and uncertified wood stove/insert, or pellet stove/insert to electric stove/insert | $300 |
Up to $1500 |
This program is a "first come, first served" program.
NOTE: Additional discounts may be available from the manufacturer or retailer. Check with participating retailers.
Steps to Apply for a Voucher
- Obtain an application from the Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD by one of the following methods:
- download the Voucher Application (PDF)
- phone at (916) 440-WOOD (9663)
- fax at (916) 874-7896
- email woodstove@airquality.org
- in person at 777 12th Street, 3rd Floor in Sacramento
The voucher will expire four weeks from the date of issuance if not used. Please visit one of the participating retailers at least one week prior to the expiration date of your voucher.
- Select a wood burning appliance from a participating retailer and make a commitment to purchase it. The retailer verifies that the existing unit qualifies for replacement/retrofit.
- Make purchase during the program timeline. Purchases made outside the timeline will not qualify for the incentive.
- After verification, retailer notifies the AQMD with information about the purchaser. This must occur within four weeks after voucher issuance.
- After retailer installation, retailer notifies the AQMD and submits appropriate documentation; the AQMD reimburses the retailer.
Contact Information
Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District
777 12th St. 3rd Floor
Sacramento, California 95814-1908
Wood Stove line: (916) 440-WOOD (9663)
Fax line: (916) 874-7896
woodstove@airquality.org
