The South Coast Air Quality Management District today launched its CleanAir Furnace Rebate Program to encourage consumers to purchase low-emission, natural-gas central heating furnaces to help reduce air pollution. Early participants can expect to receive a $500 rebate per furnace.
SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
“This rebate will help encourage consumers to do their part to help reduce smog-forming emissions from residential and small commercial furnaces,” said Wayne Nastri, SCAQMD’s executive officer. “This is a win-win for air quality and residents in the Los Angeles basin.”
SCAQMD developed the $3 million rebate program to reduce upfront costs for consumers and to incentivize sales of lower-emitting furnaces. Manufacturers expect to sell nearly 150,000 furnaces in the region this year. The funding is provided, in part, by fees collected from furnace manufacturers who have sold furnaces that do not yet meet the lower emission limits.
Consumers who purchase the first 6,000 lower-emitting furnaces will receive a $500 rebate per furnace. After the first 6,000 rebates, consumers will receive $300 for each condensing furnace, and $200 for each compliant non-condensing, weatherized or mobile home furnace. The rebate program will end when the funds are exhausted. Program participants can expect to receive their rebate check four to six weeks after purchasing a lower-emission furnace.
Furnaces emit nitrogen oxides that contribute to the formation of ozone, or smog, and fine particulate matter. These pollutants damage cells in the lungs and airways, and can cause inflammation and swelling. For some people, it reduces the ability to remove foreign particles and fight infections in their respiratory system, can worsen respiratory and cardiovascular disease and increases mortality.
“We must continue to support clean technology programs such as this and provide incentives for manufacturers to bring more zero- or near-zero-emission products to the market in the South Coast basin,” Nastri said.
For more information, including a list of qualifying furnaces, and to apply for the CleanAir Furnace Rebate program visit THIS LINK.