How to See if Your Wood Stove is EPA Certified

If temporary labels are removed from the stove's front, you can check the stove's rear for a permanent, metal tag.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA-certified wood stoves produce negligible amounts of smoke and nearly no ash, and they generally require less fuel than uncertified wood stoves. Whether you're buying a new stove or researching the status of the stove you own, it's easy to find EPA's certification label. However, if you can't locate a stove's certification label, you can consult the EPA's list of certified wood stoves. The EPA's list is conveniently organized by stove make and model.

Things You'll Need

• Flashlight
• Internet access
• Pencil and paper

Instructions

1. Scan the front of the stove to locate a temporary sticker label. EPA-certified stove labels usually bear the heading, "U.S. Environmental Protection Agency." Read below the heading to identify the stove's characteristics, such as emissions rate, efficiency and heat output.

2. Use a flashlight to inspect the rear of the stove. Scan the stove's back for a permanent metal tag. Manufacturers often rivet tags to the rear of the stove; scan the rear of the stove for riveted attachments. Like temporary labels, permanent tags usually bear the heading, "U.S. Environmental Protection Agency."

3. Record your stove's make and model if you cannot locate a label or tag. Compare your stove's make and model to the EPA's online list of certified wood stoves. The EPA organizes the list alphabetically by manufacturer (See Resources).

Tips & Warnings

• Use your web browser's text search function to quickly search the EPA's online list.

References

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Burn Wise FAQ

Resources

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; List of EPA Certified Wood Stoves; May 2011