Project Stove Swap
Region
MinnesotaTimeline
2017 - presentAudience
Tribal communities using wood as a primary heat sourceTopics
Overview
In partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, local vendors, manufacturers, and community partners, Project Stove Swap helps Tribal members replace old, inefficient wood-burning appliances with newer, lower-emitting models. All change outs are completed at a discount to the participant, and cost reductions range from $375 to $11,000 depending on income level and equipment type. Costs are covered in full for those who qualify.
Qualification for a free stove swap is determined by a participant’s eligibility for at least one of the following programs, or under other pertinent/substantially-equivalent income criteria:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- Medical assistance/MinnesotaCare.
- Women, Infants, and Children’s Program.
- Income-qualified Home Energy/Weatherization Assistance Program.
- Head Start.
- Social Security Disability Insurance.
Appliances manufactured before 1992, used as primary or major heat source in a household, and that consume at least two cords of wood annually are eligible for the program. This equipment includes:
- Wood stoves, hearths, and fireplace inserts.
- Pellet stoves and inserts.
- Indoor wood furnaces.
- Forced air furnaces.
- Hydronic heaters.
Support Project Stove Swap
Demand for wood stove changeouts is high, and we continue to look for funding to support outreach and expansion. Foundations, government agencies, businesses, or individuals interested in supporting Project Stove Swap can contact Alex Keilty, senior partnership manager.
Why focus on wood smoke?
Wood smoke is composed of a mix of gases, chemicals, and fine particles. The finest particles are small enough to be absorbed by the lungs and enter into the bloodstream, which can cause a variety of health concerns, especially in children, the elderly and people with existing heart, lung or upper respiratory conditions.
Accomplishments
Since 2017, Environmental Initiative and our partners have achieved environmental, economic, and health improvement successes through Project Stove Swap.
478
older, inefficient wood burning appliances have been swapped.
$2 million
in local economic activity has been generated.
18
Participating small businesses assisted with stove swaps.
Old wood stoves and other wood-burning appliances made before 1989 release far more pollution than newer versions. The MPCA estimates there are over 77,000 wood stoves and 5,000 fireplace inserts of that vintage in Minnesota.
Our Partners
Project Contacts
Have questions about sponsoring Project Stove Swap, becoming a vendor partner, or swapping out your stove? Contact Alex to get started.
