How to Choose Between EPA-Certified Woodstoves

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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The Environmental Protection Agency must certify all new woodstoves built in the United States. These stoves are generally safer and cleaner and help limit combustible gases from entering the air.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Fire Detector
Woodstoves
Fire Extinguishers

Step1

Understand that you have a choice of three types of stoves: catalytic, noncatalytic and pellet.

Step2

Opt for a catalytic stove, which works like a smog device in cars. A catalytic combustor allows hazardous gases to burn at lower temperatures. Be aware of decaying parts, since replacement of the catalyst device is needed after a few years of use.

Step3

Choose a noncatalytic stove, which is designed to burn gases through a hot firebox and then mix the result with enough air to burn them entirely.

Step4

Be environmentally friendly with a pellet stove, which the EPA has labeled the most efficient and environmentally safest of the new woodstoves. Most stoves require electricity and use fans to deliver the combustion air.

Step5

Look for the EPA label on the stove before purchase.

Tips & Warnings

If you aren't experienced in installing a woodstove, have a professional installer take care of it. Make sure to have the professional install the chimney as well.