Frequently Asked Questions

To improve air quality and protect public health, residents in Washington County can receive $1,500-$3,500 to replace their old wood stove with a cleaner home heating system. For residents who qualify for a grant, the program will pay the full costs of replacing your wood stove.

1. Complete an application. The application is designed to pre-qualify you for the exchange program and determine if you qualify for a rebate or free replacement. Follow the submission instructions on the application. Call 503-846-4425 if you have questions.
2. Get inspected and approved. Program staff will visit your home to verify the age and eligibility of your current wood stove and discuss replacement options with you. Once approved, you will receive a letter confirming the amount of your rebate, or your eligibility for a free replacement.
3. Choose your vendor. Once you receive a rebate approval letter, you can start shopping! Your rebate approval letter can be used at any of the vendors on our approved list. We encourage you to shop around and get multiple bids. Heating devices, services and warranties may vary between vendors. For households receiving a free replacement, staff will work directly with you and an approved vendor or installer to prepare for the project.
4. Washington County pays vendor. Once your project is finished and permitted, program staff will pay your vendor the amount of your rebate. Any additional balance due is paid by the resident.

To apply, print and complete this application 

Washington County Office of Community Development
Attn: Wood Stove Exchange Program
328 W Main Street, Suite 100, MS 7
Hillsboro, OR 97123

You can also pick up an application at the address above.

Yes, rental properties are eligible for the program with approval from the property owner. For renter households who qualify for a grant (free replacement), the property owner is required to contribute 20% of the total project costs (approximately $600-$1000).

Eligibility is based on two primary factors:

1. Wood stove: To be eligible for the wood stove exchange program, you must currently rely on an old or uncertified freestanding wood stove or wood stove insert as an essential heat source during the winter months to stay warm. This guide can help you determine if your stove qualifies. 
    
2. Income: To qualify for a full-cost replacement, your household income must be at or below 80% of the region's median family income. If your household is above that threshold, you will still qualify for a replacement rebate between $1,500 and $3,500. Review this chart to determine the amount you qualify for.
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Single family homes, manufactured homes and multifamily homes are eligible for the program. Some multifamily homes may not be eligible due to the structure of the building, local codes or proximity of other units. Program staff will verify eligibility during the initial inspection.

If you are getting a rebate, you may select your vendor from a list of participating vendors. We strongly encourage you to get more than one bid as prices and features for heating equipment can vary.

If you are receiving a full-cost replacement grant, we will work with you to choose a home-heating system and vendor that meets your needs.

Yes, the exchange program allows you to choose your replacement device. Review our Replacement Options page for details on the benefits and costs of various replacement types.

Applying for and participating in the wood stove exchange program is free. Your out-of-pocket costs for replacing your wood stove will depend on your rebate amount (based on household income) and the cost of your replacement system. The program is completely free for households who qualify for a full-cost replacement grant.

There are many reasons to replace your old wood stove with a cleaner heat source. Some of them include:

• Save time and money: Switching to another heat source will save you the time and money you spent on buying, splitting and stacking firewood. Participating in this program gives you a rebate of $1,500-$3,500. Depending on what you replace your stove with, that may cover most of the costs associated with the replacement.
• Stay warmer: Old wood stoves are inefficient and do not produce enough heat. Replacing your old stove can keep you warmer in the winter.
• Improve health: Exposure to wood smoke has been linked to short and long-term health issues such as asthma attacks, reduced lung functions and increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
• Increase safety: Many old wood stoves pose serious fire risks. Getting rid of your old wood stove can protect the safety of your family and your home.
• Promote community health: Old wood stoves are a major source of air pollution in Washington County. Replacing these stoves promotes community health and livability.

In addition to the program application, participants must submit documentation demonstrating their household income. This can include a paystub, your most recent tax return, social security statements etc. Participants must also submit utility bills from three recent months.

If participants opt out of submitting income documentation, they can still qualify for a $1,500 rebate. Utility bills still must be submitted.

Every attempt will be made to perform exchanges promptly after program approval. A typical project time frame from application approval to project completion is approximately four to eight weeks. The work at your home may only take one or two days. Timelines may extend depending on participation levels, contractor availability and project priorities.

No. Old wood stoves and wood stove inserts that are replaced in this program must be destroyed or rendered inoperable. Your vendor/installer will handle this.

No, the program is not set up to receive donated heating devices and equipment.

No. Currently, the program is only set up to replace old freestanding wood stoves and wood stove inserts that sit inside fireplaces.