The AQMD has funding to help Sacramento County residents replace older, more polluting units with cleaner-burning, EPA certified or equivalent units!
Current Program Status
The current Voucher Program phase starts September 1, 2009.
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
See the voucher page for the application and the process.
Eligibility
- Residence in Sacramento County
- Replacing existing uncertified wood stove, insert, or open hearth fireplace
- 50% of AQMD's funding must go to Environmental Justice areas (PDF)
- Low Income Assistance
Voucher Program Periods
- Begins September 1, 2009 and continues until funds are exhausted.
Voucher Levels
- $150 - $450 for non-Environmental Justice Area
- $150 - $750 for Environmental Justice Area
Retailer List and Requirements
Participating Retailers
- Click here for a list of participating retailers. Check back for updates.
Requirements for Retailers-
- Must verify qualification of old units
- Must maintain documentation
- Are subject to compliance audit.
- Retailers, please click here for details and required forms.
Related Information and Documents
- Board of Directors Change Out Program Update April 2009 (PDF)
- Board of Directors Change Out Program Update July 2008 (PDF)
- SpareTheAir.com - for air quality conditions and forecasts
- Board of Directors Report on Phase I Voucher Program January 2007 (PDF)
- Board of Directors Memo on the Change Out Program June 2006 (PDF)
- Change Out Program Staff Report to the Board of Directors June 2006 (PDF)
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
1. Particulate is linked to serious health impacts including premature mortality, acute and chronic bronchitis, asthma attacks and emergency room visits, upper respiratory illnesses and days of work loss.
