The Bay Area Air District is hoping homeowners in Santa Clara County might be more motivated to make a clean-air choice if they could save money at the same time. The group is offering up to $500 to homeowners for switching from a wood-burning to a natural-gas system to reduce air pollution and improve the air quality in local neighborhoods.

A $300 rebate is available for a retrofit of an existing fireplace with the installation of a new gas line and either a new log set or a new insert. A $500 rebate is available for replacing an existing wood-burning stove or fireplace insert that is from 1990 or older with a new gas hearth appliance and gas line. The old wood-burning appliance must be scrapped at Pick Your Part in Milpitas as part of the deal.

The rebate offer is good for new purchases only and no retroactive rebates will be available. It is also a first-come, first-served offer that is available only for homes in Santa Clara County and only from participating retailers. In Saratoga, Wallace Brass Works and Fireplace on Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road is an official retailer.

Manager Kelly Strickland said quite a few people have already stopped in to take advantage of the offer.

"Many people have been thinking about this for a while, and the rebate gives them an extra incentive to stop burning wood," Strickland said. "People are interested in natural gas for their fireplaces. It's cleaner burning and lower maintenance since there is no hauling wood, no mess and no upkeep. Generally it puts out more heat than a traditional fireplace."

Strickland said the store is glad to provide people with information and the proper forms and to let them know whether they are qualified for a rebate or not.

For instance, if homeowners have a pre-existing gas line, sometimes called a "firestarter," they will not be eligible for the rebate. Homeowners must install a new gas line as part of the rebate process. According to Strickland, this can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000, depending on the plumber.

Once the installation of the gas appliance and gas line is completed, the homeowner can send in a voucher provided by the retailer for payment. The homeowner will need to include copies of the invoices as proof of payment for both the appliance and the plumbing.

There are only funds set aside for up to 1,700 rebates, so residents are encouraged to contact a retailer to get the process started. A list of participating retailers and information about the rebate process can be found online at www.sparetheair.org.

Information provided in this column is presented by the Realtor members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors at www.silvar.org. Send questions on any topic to jnewton@jnpr.com.