Residential Indoor Wood Burning is prohibited from May 15 to September 15 unless the wood-burning appliance is operated within an off-grid residence that is located outside the Urban Containment Boundary, or the wood-burning appliance is the sole source of heat.
Metro Vancouver residents are eligible to receive a rebate for trading in their old uncertified wood burning appliance for a new low emission appliance.
For 2022, there are approximately 50 rebates remaining.
Rebate amounts are (for purchases made September 15, 2021 or later):
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$750 for an exchange from an uncertified wood-burning appliance to an electric heat pump.
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$500 for an exchange from an uncertified wood-burning appliance to a natural gas or propane appliance, or pellet stove.
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$300 for an exchange from an uncertified wood-burning appliance to a certified wood-burning appliance or electric insert.
Rebate amounts for First Nation community members living on First Nations lands (e.g., reserve, treaty lands) are:
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$1,500 for an exchange from an old uncertified wood stove to an electric heat pump.
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$1,000 for an exchange from an uncertified wood-burning appliance to a natural gas or propane appliance, or pellet stove.
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$600 for an exchange from an uncertified wood-burning appliance to a certified wood-burning appliance or electric insert.
Please note that rebates for all natural gas or propane appliances will no longer be available for purchases that occur after December 31, 2022.
See our
Wood Stove Exchange Program brochure.
Please note that rebates are limited and will be issued to qualifying residents on a first come, first served basis. The total rebate will never be more than the cost of the appliance.
How To Participate
Step 1 – Determine if your appliance qualifies for an exchange
The following appliances qualify for an exchange under this program:
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A free-standing uncertified wood stove.
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An uncertified fireplace insert, or tube type heat exchanger with a face plate and door (like the 'Free Heat Machine' or 'Welenco') that is currently installed in an open hearth fireplace.
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An open hearth fireplace.
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An uncertified "wood furnace" (ducted, forced air, home heating appliance) - may only be replaced by an EPA certified wood furnace or pellet furnace or heat pump.
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A "homemade" or "barrel" stove.
- A wood-burning cook stove.
Step 2 – Shop for a new low emission appliance
When you are ready to shop for your new low-emission appliance, visit a participating retailer to arrange purchase. The following NEW units qualify as replacement appliances under this program:
- An EPA-certified wood stove or pellet stove.
- An EPA-certified wood insert or pellet insert.
- An Enerchoice designated natural gas or propane fueled stove, fireplace, or insert.*
- An electric insert.
- An EPA-certified factory-built wood fireplace – may only be accepted if it is replacing an uncertified wood stove or uncertified wood insert (not an existing factory-built fireplace).
- An EPA or CSA B415 certified wood or pellet furnace ONLY if it is replacing an existing uncertified wood burning furnace.
- An electric heat pump system that meets the criteria for BC Hydro's heat pump rebate The heat pump must be listed on the rebate-eligible heat pump list.
* Note that rebates for all natural gas or propane appliances will no longer be available for purchases that occur after December 31, 2022.
Wood Stove Exchange Program - Participating Retailers
Step 3 – Obtain permits
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Contact your municipality about permitting requirements for the installation of your new appliance.
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If you're installing a wood burning unit, you may want to contact your home insurance company to find out whether they have any additional installation requirements.
