The Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out program, a partnership between MassCEC and the Department of Energy Resources, offers rebates to assist Massachusetts residents in replacing non-EPA-certified wood stoves with cleaner, more efficient EPA-certified wood stoves or pellet stoves.

Homeowners are eligible for the standard rebate if:

• Their old woodstove is currently operational, non-EPA certified, and located in a residential building.
  The stove they plan to purchase is EPA-certified and meets Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program emissions requirements for new stoves.

Homeowners are not eligible for the program if:

• They are not replacing an existing operational woodstove or fireplace insert.
• Their existing woodstove or fireplace insert is EPA-certified. Only non-EPA certified stoves are eligible for replacement under the Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program.
• They wish to replace an existing pellet stove. Existing pellet stoves are not eligible for replacement under the Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program.

Homeowners who are not eligible to participate in the Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program may be eligible for rebates for other clean heating and cooling technologies.

How Do I Apply?

Step 1: Contact a Participating Stove Professional

Each homeowner should first select a participating stove professional, who will submit the rebate application on his or her behalf. MassCEC maintains a list of stove professionals and tips for finding an installer participating in the 2017 Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program.

When contacting a wood stove shop, a homeowner should be prepared to provide:

• The year the stove was manufactured.
• Pictures of the front and back of the stove, if possible. All EPA-certified stoves have a metal tag on the back of the stove indicating EPA certification. Homeowners can also learn more about woodstoves, including information on stove pricing and the differences between non-catalytic, catalytic, pellet stoves, and fully automotive woodstoves.

Step 2: Stove Professional Completes Change-Out and Applies for Rebate

Once a homeowner has determined the old stove’s eligibility, selected a stove professional and signed a contract with stove professional to complete the change-out, he or she can move forward with the project.

The stove professional should:

1. Ensure that the change-out can be completed by the August 21, 2017 application deadline.
2. Ensure that the project meets program eligibility requirements, and that program procedures are followed, as described in the program manual.
3. Complete the change-out. This includes:

• Removing the old stove and having it rendered inoperable by a stove recycler.
• Installing the new stove.
• Discussing best practices for operating and maintaining the stove, including best practices for wood burning and chimney cleaning. Additional information on how to burn wood more cleanly and efficiency can be found on the EPA’s Burn Wise website and on the Department of Energy’s wood and pellet heating website.

4. Apply for the rebate on behalf of the homeowner. The rebate amount should be treated as an instant discount to the homeowner on the total cost of the project and listed as such on the project invoice. The homeowner will need to provide the stove professional with:

• A signed participant's agreement
• An electric bill from the past six months
• Pictures of the old stove (before removal) and new stove (after installation)

For more information, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

masscec.com

The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association says roughly 45% of adults will buy a new grill or smoker this year. If you are one of those people, consider looking at the hottest trend in outdoor cooking: pellet grills.

The popularity of pellet grills is surging thanks to word-of-mouth accolades.

It’s easy to see what the fuss is all about: Wood pellet grills give backyard chefs all the convenience of a gas grill with the oh-so-primitive flavor they seek from wood smoke. And they double as pellet smokers.

Pellets are made from select hardwoods or natural lump charcoal, which grilling enthusiasts say produce a much more natural flavor than either charcoal briquettes – whose production process destroys the wood’s flavor-producing molecules – or propane, which produces no taste signature.

Wood pellet grills vary in size and design, but operate in the same basic manner: An auger draws pellets from a hopper into the combustion chamber where they are ignited by a hot metal rod and fed with air from a combustion fan. Sensors mounted inside the grill display real-time data.

Because everything is electronically controlled, precise temperatures can be maintained in the cooker, enabling everything from a low-and-slow heat to a searing temperature, reducing the need to own multiple backyard grilling appliances.

Not only is the indirect cooking method thought to be healthier, it is more versatile as well. Besides being a grill, most pellet models also double as a smoker and an outdoor oven, which some die-hard enthusiasts insist makes the best pizza around.

If you needed another reason to feel good about pellet grills, it’s that they are a renewable resource made from compressed sawdust that might have otherwise ended up in a landfill. And being one of the lowest-emission solid-fuel-burning products on the market, you won’t have to worry about disturbing the neighbors or coming in from the backyard with watery eyes.

Of course pellet grill prices vary depending on the model and features, but all cost less to operate than the typical charcoal grill because of the efficiencies of the pellets. One 20-pound bag of pellets will give you about a dozen cooking sessions, compared to three or four for the same amount of charcoal.

And just because fall is approaching doesn’t mean you should put off your decision to invest in a pellet grill. The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association’s latest grill survey says 63 percent use theirs year-round, with 43 percent cooking at least monthly during the winter.

So what are you waiting for? Check out a pellet grill for yourself and see what all the fuss is about. Contact West Sport in Sudbury for more information.

Augusta Chronicle

Have you seen the new propane station going in a The Fireplace Shop and Grill Center in Sudbury? If not, come take a look. The trees have been removed, the concrete has been poured. Just those two things made the space look so much more attractive.

But, today, the brand-new fence is being added as well as the brand new, rust-free, sparkling-white new propane tank. The old tank has been removed and properly disposed of. On Tuesday, the electrical is going in, which means the filling cabinet and scale will soon follow. In fact, the inspections are scheduled for next week and the tank should be filled by Thursday.

This means everyone in Sudbury and the surrounding towns can start getting propane tanks filled here again on Friday, one week from today!

Most of our neighbors have gotten propane refills or tanks for their gas grills at West Sport in Sudbury. Well that whole area is being updated in the next few weeks.

You may have already noticed that the old and worn out cedar trees have been removed. We have signed on with a new company that will be safely removing the old propane tank that has become unattractive over the years.

Starting on March 6th the old fence will be removed and the entire area will be leveled out. A concrete slab will be poured to encompass the entire propane refill area in order to support the new tank. The scale and filling area will be encased in a brand new cabinet. Then a new fence will be installed around the area.

Where the trees were the dirt will also be leveled to make the area much more attractive, finished and modernized. We have chosen a new vendor who will upgrade the entire area, making it more attractive from rt. 20. Best of all, propane prices will remain the same despite cleaning up the area and installing all new equipment.

Listen for Kerivan-Lane radio spots where they’ll mention West Sport in Sudbury.

March is almost here, which means grilling season is right around the corner. We’d like to introduce to you one of the best smokers on the market, the Myron Mixon Pellet Smoker. Best known to the American public from the Destination America reality television show “BBQ Pitmasters, Myron Mixon designed an amazing pellet smoker. The Pitmaster.

Myron Mixon Smokers hail from Myron’s cook style and innovation. Each smoker is hand crafted in the USA with the most advanced smoker technology on the market. This Pellet Smoker makes it easy for you to be the envy of your friends. These smokers use Waterpan Technology™ which is an indirect water cooking system which evenly disperses heat throughout the cooking chamber and locks in the natural juices, giving you the option of cooking hot and fast or low and slow. The results are the most delicious, tender, mouth-watering barbeque you’ve ever tasted.

Myron Mixon Smokers make cooking great barbeque effortless and delicious. Keeping all that precious smoke inside the cooking chamber makes the taste exceptional. Every Myron Mixon Smoker is fully insulated keeping the heat and moisture in. This lets you cook hotter and faster, maintaining consistent temperatures and using less fuel.

This BBQ is so great you’ll want plenty of this delicious smoked meat for family and friends. Myron Mixon Smokers have the right shape and are built to maximize cooking capacity, giving you more space to cook delicious barbeque. The unique shape delivers maximum cubic square footage. You will also have the option to add additional racks for even more capacity, depending on what you like to cook. Myron Mixon Smokers deliver unmatched space to cook up delicious barbeque.

For more information, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

Adapt your fireplace, an inefficient heating source, with a fireplace insert to improve efficiency and maintain that cozy hearth look while generating heat.

Wood-Burning Inserts for fireplaces creates real heat with real logs.

If a freestanding wood stove is too large to fit into your hearth or the style of your hearth makes it impractical, you can opt for a wood-burning insert — a wood stove without legs. This firebox slides into your existing masonry or metal fireplace and burns real logs.

Your installer snakes a stainless steel liner down your chimney and fits a decorative flange made of black cast iron or steel or colored porcelain around the insert, hiding its steel sides and filling the gap between the box and your hearth.

A front door with ceramic glass radiates heat into the room. You open the door to stack the wood, then shut it, on most models, while your fire is burning. Most wood-burning inserts also create convection heat with a fan located underneath the firebox.

Wood-burning inserts can heat anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 sq. ft., depending on their size. Inserts are small enough to fit into most traditional masonry fireplaces.

An insert designed to heat 1,500 square feet will burn for three to five hours before you need to reload; for 1,500 to 3,000 sq. ft., you usually have an eight- to 10-hour burn window.

Green Factor: Efficiency rating of 60% to 80% on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-certified models.

For more information on wood burning fireplace inserts, contact West Sport.

houselogic.com

Outdoor kitchen design ideas are as much about beauty as they are about functionality. You'll need to consider climate, positioning for utilities, and budget. Fortunately, achieving these elements and getting the look you want is fairly straightforward.

Start your outdoor kitchen design by making a list of must-have items. These could include a built in gas grill, sink, an island, gas cooktop, pizza oven, dining space or a bar. If you're worried about being budget-friendly, split your list into necessities and extras and make changes as your design and budget take shape.

There are many ways to stretch your budget without compromising style. The popularity of outdoor kitchens has created a market for prefabricated or modular outdoor kitchens in a variety of customizable styles. This allows you to skip the contractor and build your own outdoor kitchen with minimal DIY know-how.

Outdoor kitchens can include compact refrigerators, stainless steel cabinets, custom countertops, dining space and more. West Sport in Sudbury has a nice selection of these outdoor kitchen components. You can also choose from stacked stone, granite, tile or stucco to create the outdoor kitchen that looks best with your existing space.

Whether you go prefab or completely custom, you’ll want to consult a contractor for things that include plumbing, electrical or gas lines. The location of things like a grill, appliances and a sink will make a difference in your design and budget. A contractor can help you get the most from your budget by positioning your outdoor kitchen for easy access to utilities.

Also consider your four walls and ceiling (or lack thereof). If your design includes a grill or cooktop, make sure you have proper ventilation above. Lighting is another important element that may require electrical work and fixtures, which will affect their positioning.

For help, ideas, and components for your outdoor kitchen, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

hgtv.com

It may be January, but many homeowners in the Boston area are planning their outdoor space, namely outdoor kitchens. If you want your patio to be more entertaining-ready this spring, keep on reading.

How to create an outdoor kitchen in your yard.

Check the Connections

In preparation for the renovation, clear the space of old furniture and a worn-out grill. Check to see if the existing utility connections are already in place. Before connecting or turning on utility lines, always check with your local utility or codes office to see whether professional service installation is required.

Clear the Space

Rip out the existing walls if necessary to make space for the new kitchen island. Removing it opens up the space and eliminates a potential safety hazard; never place combustible materials such as wood near a source of heat.

Purchase the Outdoor Kitchen Equipment.

Built-in grills and outdoor kitchen islands are modular and can be designed to custom-fit your space. The components attach together, using brackets and screws, Made of steel construction, these outdoor kitchen components are extremely attractive and entirely weather-proof. Food-prep areas can be tiled for a smooth, flat work surface. There are all kinds of components available such as built-in gas grills, charcoal grills, bars, sinks, refrigerators, countertops and more.

For more information, contact West Sport in Sudbury where we offer 15% off the entire project.

diynetwork.com

Cold weather in the forecast is a great excuse to light up the fireplace and stay in with a thick blanket and a steaming cup of tea.

For many, it may be as simple as flipping a switch to get that fireplace roaring.

More people are leaning toward gas. More people are choosing wood-burning fireplaces. You might see it more in rural areas, where they have wood-burning stoves to provide warmth.

But despite the movement from the old-school wood-burning fireplaces to the gas varieties, much of the trend still lies in the homeowner’s preference. Sometimes it’s a matter of being the right time to update the masonry fireplace, transition to an easier-to-maintain option or increase efficiency.

Choosing the right fireplace depends on the needs of the homeowner and possible restrictions related to the space and age of a home, but it’s always a good idea to talk to a retailer before making some decisions.

Because these projects require attention with gas lines, most people, even DIY-enthusiasts, will hire qualified plumbers to make sure everything is installed correctly.

Some of the best-sellers include the gas log set, which offers the appearance of a traditional fireplace — with “burning logs” — fitted into an existing fireplace. The vented gas log sets can start at a couple hundred dollars, but prices will climb with the size of the logs and existing fireplace. Other versions, such as the direct-vented fireplaces or free-standing vent-free options offer more efficiency while heating and can start around $350.

It’s like buying a car. You can buy one with a steering wheel and four wheels or you can buy the whole shebang with manual or remote set-ups, styles and sizes.

Direct-vented options seem to be more popular because of the different styles and models available.

A wide range of glass beads and stones can replace the traditional appearance of burning logs, as well as different designs to fit any style or theme. Customers can choose from modern to contemporary finishes or change the panels to various colors and materials that add to the ambiance of a roaring fire.

There are even some with lights that can change colors in the background.

Gas fireplaces, which can use natural gas or liquid propane, offer homeowners added peace of mind, too, because there is no creosote build-up, a byproduct created from wood-burning fires that can potentially cause chimney fires.

When you’re using natural gas, there is no issue of creating creosote, so there isn’t a need to get the chimney cleaned. As a rule of thumb, when it comes to wood-burning fireplaces, you want to look at having it serviced annually to be safe.

As for the gas options, maintenance is minimal. All things considered — how often it is used and for how long — homeowners are often interested in upgrading their gas fireplace before needing to replace it.

If you’ve got a traditional fireplace at home, there are so many options for wood. Each variety offers varying levels of smoke, heat, flavor and aroma. There are several options to choose from. The species of wood will determine the warmth of a fire, length of time it burns and whether it pops and crackles.

For more information and help choosing the right option for your home, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

tulsaworld.com

It's that time of year where we want to relax inside and stay cozy and warm. What better way to do that than in front of a beautiful fireplace?

West Sport in Sudbury has so many fireplace insert options and styles that will add some flare, and heat your home. Come on in and check out all the stylish and efficient options for inserts for fireplaces that can be added to your home in order to make your home and your fireplace more efficient and more attractive.

The fireplace inserts at West Sport in Sudbury can be fueled by either wood or gas, whichever best suites your lifestyle and your home. Gas is more convenient because with a flick of a switch, a fire is started. Wood is obviously more traditional, with the crackle and pop of a real wood fire. It is also a better heat source than gas.

These fireplace inserts not only look great, but they're also efficient in heating your home. While open fireplaces aren't ideal for heating the entire home, with inserts a fireplace is a good zone heater, it can efficiently heat a large area in any home.

For more information, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

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