Burning wood is no longer the most efficient way to heat your home, thanks to high-efficiency home-heating systems.
If you still heat your home with wood, be sure to follow proper burning practices that will help you use less wood, save money and prevent excessive smoke so that everyone can enjoy better health.
In order to prevent health issues and nuisance, it is recommended to avoid the use of indoor open-hearth fireplaces and grandfathered uncertified wood appliances when the air quality conditions are poor.
Wood heating best practices |
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In the Central Okanagan, 30% of air pollution comes from residential wood burning. Wood smoke contains small particles (PM2.5) and chemicals that can be harmful to your health and the local air quality in your community. If you use wood for heating your home or for entertainment/ambient purposes, it is your responsibility to burn wisely. Resources |
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Wood smoke and your health |
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Scientific and medical research proves that wood smoke contains toxic chemicals that are harmful to human health.
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Wood smoke and air quality |
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Poor air quality conditions happen when:
Highly visible smoke from your chimney is a sign that you may be operating your stove incorrectly. |
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Myths and facts about wood smoke |
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Myth - Wood smoke is not harmfulFactThe negative health effects of wood smoke have been extensively documented in hundreds of scientific studies. Pollution generated by wood burning is associated with an array of health problems – from a runny nose and coughing, to bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, contributing to premature death. Myth - “I can just shut my windows and I'll be fine.”FactSmoke contains tiny particles that are carcinogenic to humans. The fine particle pollutants from wood burning are so small that they infiltrate even the most well-insulated and weather-stripped homes. Studies show that particle pollution levels inside homes reach up to 70% of the outdoor pollution levels. Myth – Pollution from wood burning is not significant enough to affect air qualityFactIn the Central Okanagan, 30% of air pollution comes from residential wood burning appliances and another 8% from open burning overall. 38% is a significant amount of air pollution that we can play a role in reducing! Misconception – Wood is more cost effective than other fuelsFactDepending on your house's characteristics, there are other inexpensive options like natural gas. Fireplaces are inefficient; residents would have to burn more wood to heat their homes using a fireplace than using a wood appliance. If you must choose wood burning as your source of heating for your home, the EPA-certified wood burning appliances heat more efficiently, using about 1/3 less wood and creating 90% less smoke. Misconception – Wood burning fireplaces are a safe way to heat homesFactWood burning appliances are safe only when used properly. In 2007, Fire Losses in Canada reported 131 fires in BC that were related to wood heating. |
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Why the moisture content of wood is important |
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Burning wet wood is a waste of energy. When a live tree is cut, the moisture content can be greater than 50% (half of the weight is water). Therefore, it is best to let freshly cut wood sit for at least 6 months to dry before burning it. In the Central Okanagan, the moisture content of the wood is required to be under 20%, preferably around 15%. Burning seasoned wood helps reduce air pollution, saves time and money.
(Check with local hardware retailers for the availability of wood moisture metre measuring devices.) |
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Wood heating troubleshooting |
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If you need assistance with your wood stove, check out this wood stove troubleshooting guide. It may have the answer you're looking for. Troubleshooting information for wood stoves and fireplace inserts |
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Community wood smoke reduction program |
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Since 2001, the Central Okanagan has offered a Community wood smoke reduction program (formerly Wood Stove Exchange Program) in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment to encourage citizens to exchange their old woodstove for an EPA certified wood stove (approved pellet, electric or gas hearth product) to prevent air pollution in the region. This effort has helped more than 1900 residents within RDCO, the Regional District of North Okanagan and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen to exchange their old, non-EPA certified wood stoves for new technology products; resulting in particulate matter reduction of up to 175 tonnes per year (based on BC Ministry of Environment reduction estimates). Please note: effective January 1, 2023 exchanges from wood stoves to natural gas or propane-fired appliances will no longer be supported. This change aligns the program with the climate targets in the Clean BC Roadmap to 2030. Options for exchanges under the Community wood smoke reduction program (formerly WSEP) will continue to include:
Why exchange your wood stove?
Trade-in incentivesAs of September 15, 2021:
*Incentives are available to Central Okanagan residents living within the limits of: City of Kelowna, Regional District of Central Okanagan (East/West), District of Peachland, City of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation and the District of Lake Country. The total rebate will never be more than the cost of the appliance. **In the Central Okanagan, to get a rebate, the new Woodstoves and Outdoor Wood Boilers (OWB) should be emission certified, meet the following emission limits and legislated setbacks:
Be sure to check:
The Wood smoke reduction program incentive can be provided together with the CleanBC incentive and other incentives, providing all Exchange program requirements are met. Participating wood stove exchange program storesAce Fireplaces1782 Baron Rd, Kelowna Okanagan Home Centre2A-2720 Hwy 97 N., Kelowna Okanagan Rockworld2695 Kyle Rd., West Kelowna The Fireplace Den3-1753 Dolphin Ave., Kelowna The Fireplace Place6-2250 Leckie Rd., Kelowna White's Barbeque and Fireplace Centre160-2000 Spall Rd., Kelowna |
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Steps to exchange your old wood stove |
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To apply for the rebate, please fill out this online Rebate Woodstove Application form If all required and complete information is received, air quality will process the rebate application and the client will receive the cheque directly to their mailing address in about 4 to 5 weeks. |
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Video resources |
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Watch these wood burning videos for great advice on getting the most out of your wood burning appliance.Introduction to wood stovesSafety and maintenance information for wood stoves and fireplace insertsWood smoke: tips for a cleaner burnFive rules to follow for an efficient fireHow to buy, split and store woodHow to burn wise with an EPA catalytic stoveHow to burn wise with an EPA non-catalytic stoveTroubleshooting information for wood stoves and fireplace inserts |
· Helps people with asthma or with other respiratory issues breathe better