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Wood heat is an efficient and affordable local energy source for much of the Northwest Territories - Environmental Communication Options/Huff Strategy

Wood heat is an efficient and affordable local energy source for much of the Northwest Territories

Oct 28th, 2014 8:43 AM

Northwest Territory residents are eligible for rebates to help replace wood burning stoves with a newer, more efficient one
(October 28, 2014, Huntsville, ON) Many Northwest Territories homeowners get their residential heat from wood stoves. For over fifteen percent of homes, it is their only source of heat while most others use it for supplementary purposes. Wisely managed, the Northwest Territories’ supply of wood suitable for residential heating is practically limitless. It is renewable, virtually carbon neutral and insulated from the vagaries of world petroleum pricing politics. Wood stove technology has improved dramatically in the past 25 years and continues to evolve. More efficient and cleaner wood stoves make burning wood in rural areas a smart heating choice. Last winter in the Northwest Territories, a homeowner heating with wood could have realized substantial savings running into the thousands of dollars compared with using other home heating fuels. These savings were attainable despite a winter when many families set personal records for wood consumed. “A new model wood stove can be expected to use a third less wood than older technology, non-certified wood stoves under similar conditions,” observed Tony Gottschalk, Manager of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC). “For many people the biggest attractions of new, efficient wood stoves are in resource and labour savings--in simple terms you need to gather and burn less wood to get the same amount of heat.” Health Canada recommends many of our new, low-emissions wood stoves, which emit up to 95% less particulate matter and only trace amounts of other chemicals. The new stoves are up to 20% more efficient, EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) certified in the USA and meet the requirements of CSA (Canadian Standards Association) B415 here in Canada. Northwest Territory residents are eligible for rebates from the Arctic Energy Alliance to help those looking replace their wood burning stove with a newer, more efficient one. The program covers up to one-third of the cost of a new wood burning stove (Energy Efficiency Incentive Program). If you own a non-certified stove, consider an upgrade. Localized air quality issues associated with wood burning are almost always caused by old, outdated wood stoves or older technology outdoor wood boilers. Many cities and towns across the Northwest Territories have a wood stove or fireplace store. These stores can provide important advice and installation services. Visit hpbacanada.org for a list of wood stove and fireplace stores in your area. The local benefits of the homegrown wood heat sector are often overlooked. With most firewood being sourced locally or even on one’s own property, the money paid for this heat source stays close to home and in the wallets of neighbours and local businesses.
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For more information or to schedule an interview contact: Laura Litchfield, Director of Operations of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada hpbac@bellnet.ca or 705-788-2221, ext 1. The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC) is the Canadian industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives and service firms in the hearth industry. The association provides professional member services and support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, advertising, and consumer education. There are more than 575 members in the HPBAC. hpbacanada.org.