Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program

The Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program was largely successful in 2015, and MassCEC is excited to announce the launch of the 2016 Woodstove Change-Out Program, in partnership with the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).

First launched in 2011, the Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program offers rebates to help homeowners replace existing, high-emissions stoves with clean-burning EPA-certified stoves. Rebates range from $500 to $2,500, depending on the efficiency of the stove and the household’s income eligibility.

In previous installments of the Program, more than 1,100 homeowners throughout the Commonwealth received awards to dispose of their old, non-EPA certified woodstoves for ones that are more functional and environmentally-friendly. Old woodstoves operate inefficiently, resulting in higher heating costs and emissions of harmful air pollutants that can increase the risk of heart conditions, trigger asthma attacks and aggravate lung diseases.

The program offers differing rebate levels based on the homeowner’s income level; $500 to $1,500 for households above 80% of state median income and $1,500 to $2,500 for households below it. MassCEC, DOER and MassDEP are currently aiming to increase outreach to lower-income homeowners, many of whom may be unaware of the Program.

Awards from the 2015 program are shown in the graph above, with low-income rebates being represented by the three highest rebate categories. As the program gains more publicity, state energy officials hope to see a sharp increase in low-income homeowner involvement, as well as an increase in overall participation from Massachusetts residents.  Replacing your woodstove will not only reduce your carbon footprint—it’ll lower your bills and improve your health, too!

Interested in participating in the 2016 Woodstove Change-Out Program? Check out the Program Page for more information.