Woodstove Testing

Woodstoves currently being sold are required to undergo two types of testing; safety and emissions.

Safety testing is performed by agencies such as Underwriter's Laboratories to determine if the stoves are safe when installed and operated according to the manufacturers recommendations.

Emissions testing is required by the Environmental Protection Agency to determine if stoves can achieve an acceptable (low) level of particulate emissions. The requirement for emission testing is relatively new and has forced considerable design changes in order to pass the tests. These design changes have resulted in fewer stoves being produced. However, the approved stoves are cleaner burning and more efficient, but are also more expensive than earlier non-approved models.

If you are planning to purchase a new woodstove, discuss safety and emissions testing with the dealer to determine if the stove you are considering has the required approvals. Getting a heater that is the proper size is important to your long term satisfaction and will provide the greatest potential for the stove to operate properly.

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