Is your wood stove or fireplace insert certified? And why should it be?  Here’s how to find out...

 

Nov. 30, 2004 – Uncertified wood stoves and fireplace inserts pollute the air. This can be a health threat to you and your neighbors.

Regulations enacted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) require all wood stoves and fireplace inserts manufactured and sold after July 1, 1992 to pass stringent emission tests. As of January 1, 1995, new certified stoves and fireplaces sold in Washington state must meet even more stringent emission standards.

Why?

Because uncertified stoves pollute the air – releasing twice as much fine particle pollution compared to certified stoves. One old, uncertified wood stove can release as much fine particles as more than 1,000 natural gas furnaces for the same heat output.

So if switching to a cleaner burning, natural gas or propane fireplace is not an option, for the sake of your health and that of your neighbors, make sure you’re using a certified woodstove or insert.

Here’s what to look for

An EPA label identifies a stove as a newer clean-burning, high-efficiency model and is found on every certified stove or insert. Certified devices have combustion technology that burns much of the smoke away instead of releasing it into the air.
Look for the EPA plate on the back of the stove (see illustration) or visit a hearth specialty retailer for more information.

You might also consider upgrading to an EPA-certified stove or fireplace insert if you have an old wood stove or an open fireplace. They are cleaner-burning when used properly. To learn more about clean-burning techniques, visit www.burningclean.com .

If you do heat with wood, use manufactured logs instead of firewood for a cleaner burn. If you use cut wood, be sure it is very dry, use small pieces and give it lots of air. Never damper down a wood stove; that creates excess smoke.