New requirements for Winter Spare the Air season

Winter Spare the Air season begins on Tuesday and along with the season comes three new requirements.

An Air District spokesperson released the following requirements:

1. Anyone whose sole source of heat is a wood-burning device must use an EPA-certified or pellet-fueled device that is registered with the Air District to qualify for an exemption. An open hearth fireplace will no longer qualify for an exemption.

2. Bay Area residents who begin a chimney or fireplace remodeling project that costs over $15,000 and requires a building permit will only be allowed to install a gas-fueled, electric or EPA-certified device.

3. No wood-burning devices of any kind may be installed in new homes or buildings being constructed in the Bay Area.