The Heat Clean Program is now accepting applications to be placed on a waitlist. More funding is expected in the near future. Please see the How to Participate section below to get started.
This voluntary program is designed to help households replace a wood-burning heater (either a fireplace or stove), with a more efficient electric heater (either an electric heat pump or electric fireplace insert).
Some households may qualify for a higher amount, an Enhanced Voucher, depending on the household’s location in a state-designated low-income or disadvantaged community (opens in a new tab), or based on the household’s income. Those who do not qualify for the Enhanced Voucher may qualify for the Standard Voucher. The maximum voucher amounts are listed below:
| Type of New Device: | Standard Voucher | Enhanced Voucher |
| Electric Air-source Heat Pump | up to $5,000 | up to $12,000 |
| Electric Fireplace Insert | up to $2,500 | up to $7,000 |
Natural gas inserts are not eligible under this program. The new heater must be installed by a participating installer and meet local fire and building codes. Do-it-yourself installations are not allowed under this program.
How to Participate
- Confirm Eligibility. Read the Program Terms on the Application (opens in a new tab) to confirm your eligibility.
- Complete Application. Complete the Application and supporting documents including photographs of your current heater. Send completed application materials to the District by email at [email protected] (preferred) or mail or drop off in person to:
- Heat Clean Program, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, 260 N. San Antonio Road, Suite A, Santa Barbara, CA 93110 or
- Heat Clean Program, Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, 1011 West McCoy Lane, Santa Maria, CA 93455.
- Receive Voucher and Contact Participating Installer. After we review your application and determine your eligibility, you will receive a voucher to be used with a Participating Installers (opens in a new tab). Do not begin work until you have received a voucher!
- Complete Project. Work with your participating installer to complete your changeout project. A building permit is required for your installation. Installation must be completed within 120 days of voucher issuance. The voucher amount will be applied as a discount at the time of sale.
- Enjoy! Your new electric heater is safe, efficient, improving air quality, and may save you on heating costs.
Program Materials
Application (opens in a new tab)
Participating Installers (opens in a new tab)
Owner Tenant Agreement (opens in a new tab) (for rental homes)
En Espanol:
Solicitud (opens in a new tab)
Instaladores Participantes del Programa (opens in a new tab)
Acuerdo Entre Propietario e Inquilino (opens in a new tab)
Program Contact
For inquires related to the District’s Heat Clean Program, please contact us via email at [email protected] (opens in a new tab) or call (805) 979-8357.
Other Resources
The SLO Climate Coalition’s Home Energy Advising Service (opens in a new tab) provides free resources and assistance with electric home upgrades, eligible to customers enrolled in PG&E’s CARE (low-income) Program in Santa Maria, Guadalupe, and Orcutt.
Heat Pump Evaluation Tool (opens in a new tab) by 3CE: estimates your cost and energy savings from switching to an electric heat pump.
The following programs can provide financial assistance with your electricity bill for income-qualified applicants. Please contact them directly:
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (opens in a new tab): provides financial assistance to help balance an eligible household’s utility bill.
- California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) (opens in a new tab): provides a 30-35% discount on your utility bill.
- Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA) (opens in a new tab): bills some of your electricity usage at a lower rate.
The Heat Clean Program is a part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts cap-and-trade dollars to work.