Wood Burning Appliances and Chimneys

Only EPA rated wood burning appliances should be used for wood heating. They burn firewood 90% cleaner and are at least 1/3 more efficient than older wood stoves.

Fireplaces are inefficient (0 – 20% efficiency), create indoor and outdoor air pollution, and use up household oxygen. Fireplaces should have EPA rated inserts (wood stoves) placed in the firebox. Do not use home made wood stoves, barrel burners or wood stoves not rated by EPA. They are very inefficient and likely are unsafe.

The added cost of the modern catalytic or non-catalytic EPA rated stove will be made up in one or two years by the reduction in firewood burned.

Chimneys should include a stainless steel inner liner. The chimney should be placed on the inside, not outside wall, to reduce heat loss to the outside.

Woodheat.org (a non government organization), Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA) (a private industry trade group), Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) provide valuable, up to date information on wood heating appliances and chimneys.

Wood burning appliances and chimneys require proper installation according to manufacturers guidelines, regular inspection and at least annual maintenance. A useful discussion on chimneys is found on Wikipedia .

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