Homeowners snap up all fireplace rebate funds

Wait list available for program designed to curb wood burning

SAN FRANCISCO — Bay Area homeowners took only hours Friday to snap up $3 million in rebates to replace wood-burning fireplaces with cleaner heating devices.

The region’s air pollution agency starting taking applications for the rebates at 10 a.m. Friday, and all the money was spoken for by the end of the day as more than 2,000 people applied.

Bay Area homeowners are eligible to seek rebates from $750 to $12,000 per home to replace wood-burning fireplaces and stoves with gas or electric heating devices such as fireplace inserts, heat pumps or gas stoves.

“We had quite a rush,” said Tom Flannigan, spokesman for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. “This was the first time we have offered this much money for (fireplace) change outs.”

Flannigan said the air quality agency continues to take applications for a waiting list because it’s expected that not all those who signed up for rebates will go through all the required steps to get them. To get on the list, apply online at www.baaqmd.gov/ WoodSmokeGrant or call 415-749-5195.

Homeowners must submit plans on what will replace their fireplace or stove, wait for the air district to approve the plan, install the new device, and then submit verification that the work was done.

Glenn Stewart, a Livermore resident with a home inspection business, said he is impressed but not surprised by the demand for rebates because gas fireplace inserts are a cleaner, more efficient way to heat homes than old-fashioned fireplaces.

“Some families want the ambiance of burning wood, but most of the heat goes out the chimney,” Stewart said, “and then you then have the work of finding wood to burn and getting rid of the ashes.”

Stewart said he spent about $3,500 four years ago to replace his fireplace with a gas fireplace insert, and he’s been happy with the heat it generates .

He is ineligible for a rebate, which is not offered for fireplace conversions already done.

Air quality officials said the rebates are aimed at reducing public exposure to smoke in winter when cold stagnant air traps pollution near the ground. Tiny soot particles can lodge deep in the lungs and trigger asthma and emphysema attacks, and higher risks of strokes.