:*X\ The Great American
Wood Stove Changeout Program
Background:
EPA is partnered with the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, the American Lung Association
and others to help local agencies replace inefficient wood stoves and fireplaces with cleaner-burning
technologies like gas, wood pellet, and EPA-certified wood stoves. This partnership program is
called "The Great American Wood Stove Changeout". It can effectively reduce fine particle
(PM2 5) pollution and air toxics and help bring areas into attainment with the national PM2.5
standard. Residential wood burning in the U.S. emits 420,000 tons of PM2.5 pollution each year.
Benefits of Replacing Inefficient Wood Stoves:
• Reduces fine particles and toxic air pollution by 70%
• Reduces indoor PM2.5 emissions by 70% according to U. Montana
• Helps states get State Implementation Plan emission reduction credits
• Improves energy efficiency by 50%, by using 1/3 less wood
• Climate change benefits (reduction in methane and CO2) from improved combustion efficiency
• Changing out 25 inefficient wood stoves will result in reducing 1 ton of fine particles/year
• To date, nearly 7,500 wood stoves and fireplaces changed out in more than 35 communities,
approximately 200 tons of PM reduced/year, & an estimated $100 million/year of health
benefits
Changing out 1 inefficient wood stove is equivalent to the PM2.5 emission reductions of
taking 5 diesel buses off the road
Major Wood Stove and Fireplace Changeout Events 2005-2008:
Lincoln County/Libby, Montana
• Replaced 1100 wood stoves
• $1 Million donated by industry, $100K from EPA, $50K state
• Data shows significant improvement in outdoor air quality & 70% PM 2.5 improvement indoors
Sacramento, California
• To date has replaced more than 1500 old wood stoves and dirty fireplaces
• Provided incentive funds of up to $750/homeowner, total funding is $1.5 million
• Hearth industry providing additional rebates
Michigan
• Replaced more than 500 wood stoves
• $100K EPA grant and $100K from state pollution prevention program
• Up to $600 cash incentives, included $100 - $300 discounts from industry
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EPA has invested $1,200,000 in wood stove changeouts over the last three years, while
individual homeowners and our public & private partners have invested nearly $10 million.
Additional Locations Participating in Changeouts 2005-2008:
o Yolo-Solano, CA* o Oakridge, OR*
o Butte County, CA* o Pendleton, OR
o Placer County, CA* o SW Pennsylvania*
o Bay Area, CA* o Christiansburg, VA
o Shasta Co., CA o State of VT
o San Joaquin, CA* o Oneida Tribe, WI
o Delta County, CO o Darrington, WA*
o Preston, ID* o Ferry and Steven Co., WA*
o Pinehurst, ID* o Marysville, WA*
o Nez Perce Tribe, ID o Tacoma, WA*
o Ravalli, Gallatin Co., MT* o Pend Oriella Co.,
o Questa,NM o WA Spokane, WA*
o Washoe County, NV* o Swinomish Tribe, WA
o Washington Co., OH* o Yakima, WA *
o Klamath Fall, OR* o Whatcom/Island Co., WA
* Areas facing annual and/or daily PM 2.5 non-attainment challenges.
Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEP): $1,615,000 in environmental enforcement
funds negotiated to pay for cleaner stoves and fireplaces.
• 2 in Ohio: Dayton $75K, Washington Co., $245K
• 6 in Washington State: 4 in Bellingham, 2 in Spokane area $330K,
• 1 inNM: Questa$100K
• 1 in AZ: St. John's area $750K
• 1 in VA: Christiansburg $45K
• 1 in CA: Butte County $70K
Tools Available for States/Local/Tribes:
• Wood Smoke Workshop/Training
• EPA Wood Stove and Fireplace Cleaner Burning Website (www.epa.gov/woodstoves)
• Wood Stove Changeout "How to Guide" and example outreach materials
• Wood Stove Changeout Emissions Credit Guidance for State Implementation Plans
• "Burn Clean" fact sheet and brochure that focuses on tips for the public
• Case Studies
• Potential funding options for changeouts
Feedback/Additional Information:
Contact Larry Brockman, brockman.larry@epa.gov, 919-541-5398 with comments, questions or
suggestions. For more information go to www.epa.gov/woodstoves. (Updated: 5/21/09)
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