Rebates to householders removing woodfire heaters have doubled to $500.

The ACT government is also offering concession card holders a $1250 rebate to ensure the right support to make the switch.

Additional rebates and interest-free loans are available to install electric heating and cooling.

Since the Wood Heater Removal Program began in 2004, more than 1300 wood heaters have been removed, with 33 rebates paid in the past 12 months.

Environment Minister Rebecca Vassarotti says: “Research has shown us that wood heater smoke can have a massive impact of the health of Canberrans over the long term. If they’re not paying the price now, many risk paying the price later in life through doctor’s bills and healthcare costs.”