More than 54 Butte County households have replaced their old woodstove or stove insert with a new, cleaner alternative that heats their home, improves indoor air quality, and reduces emissions of greenhouse gases, harmful particulates, and black carbon, a particularly potent climate pollutant, thanks to vouchers provided by the Woodsmoke Reduction Program. Among the residents who have benefitted from the program are Dennis and Deb, who replaced their 1979 woodstove insert, and Riki, who replaced the woodstove that came with their farmhouse, built before 1900.

In many communities throughout the state, woodsmoke from older residential heating devices is a major source of air pollution. The Woodsmoke Reduction Program helps households that depend on an old, smoke-generating wood stove for heat, particularly those in disadvantaged or low-income communities. The program helps award recipients purchase a new, cleaner burning wood stove or insert, pellet stove, natural gas heating device, or electric heating device. Award recipients also receive training on how to operate and maintain their new device.

Dennis and Deb appreciate the improved quality of life their new stove provides. "This stove really helped us out,” Deb said. “We are caring for my elderly mother and being able to maintain steady warm heat that is not smoky for her has been wonderful. We are so thankful we got to take part in this program."

Riki is also grateful for the cleaner heat provided by the new woodstove. Their previous woodstove was difficult to light, did not maintain a steady burn, and did not provide enough heat to warm more than one room. The replacement woodstove is more efficient, lights more quickly, and generates more heat to warm the farmhouse.

“I could never have afforded to have this kind of woodstove and would not be looking forward to winter,” Riki said. “Now, I am comfortable in my living room and bedroom too. It’s a much-improved life for this 68-year-old with rheumatoid arthritis.”