How to Choose Between EPA-Certified Woodstoves

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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fire Detector
• Woodstoves
• Fire Extinguishers
• Fire Extinguishers

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.