| The traditional wood-burning stove has its place in | | | | environment that encourages the complete |
| public consciousness as a symbol of rustic | | | | combustion of all material. While the heat is not as |
| ambiance. Today, it actually can be an efficient | | | | long-lasting or as even as with catalytic stoves, |
| and eco-friendly method of heating your home. | | | | these stoves are popular for their beautiful |
| By purchasing an EPA-certified stove, you can | | | | flames. |
| heat your home cheaply and "greenly". However, | | | | EPA-certified stoves don't just save the |
| the type and quality of your fuel must be given | | | | environment; they save the homeowner money. |
| some forethought for your stove to function at | | | | It's estimated that new wood stoves are about |
| its best. | | | | one-third more efficient than older stoves. This |
| The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | | | | higher efficiency is ironically a by-product of the |
| has information at epa.gov/woodstoves for | | | | tighter controls on emissions, but at the same |
| people interested in purchasing wood or pellet | | | | time, it means that in two seasons of wood |
| stoves. Today, there are a growing number of | | | | burning, the higher cost of the EPA stove will |
| EPA-certified stoves that reduce emissions, as all | | | | have paid for itself. Also, when fires burn more |
| wood stoves sold new in the United States must | | | | efficiently, you can be assured that you're getting |
| meet EPA certification. Public concerns about the | | | | the full worth of the fuel you've bought or cut. |
| pollution produced from wood burning stove have | | | | In order to make sure that your emissions are as |
| largely been met with the new, efficient stoves | | | | low as possible and that your wood will burn |
| that emit much less smoke than previous models. | | | | efficiently, it is advisable for you to buy and stack |
| These EPA-certified stoves also direct heat | | | | wood a year in advance. Otherwise, buy |
| better, improve air quality and are designed to | | | | pre-seasoned wood for a cheaper and more |
| make chimney fires a thing of the past. | | | | environmentally friendly wood burning experience. |
| There are two main types of wood burning stove | | | | Wet or green wood won't burn as well, may |
| available today: catalytic and non-catalytic. | | | | produce unpleasant smoke and can contribute to |
| Catalytic stoves have a catalytic converter (like a | | | | indoor air pollution. |
| car's) that burns and eliminates Volatile Organic | | | | A wood stove that burns efficiently is a joy to |
| Compounds (VOCs) and hazardous smoke | | | | have in the home, for its economical heat |
| particles. These stoves give off long-lasting, even | | | | production, low emissions and contribution to a |
| heat. However the catalyst, a honeycomb of | | | | pleasant atmosphere. New EPA-certified stoves |
| coated ceramic, requires regular cleaning and | | | | are the best choice for wood burning today. |
| replacement. Non-catalytic stoves use insulation, a | | | | Consider buying a new EPA stove if you wish to |
| large baffle and small holes that introduce | | | | replace an old one or install a new one in your |
| pre-heated air above the fuel to create an | | | | home. |