What is EPA Certification?
/EPA stands for “Environmental Protection Agency”. The EPA was created by Nixon in the 1970’s with the goal of protecting environmental and human health by creating laws and standards to follow that continue to promote the health of the environment and the individuals (us!) that live in that environment. Think of a superhero set out to make sure the environment and the people inside stay safe and healthy.
All wood stoves and wood burning inserts built after 1988 are governed by the EPA standards set in place. These standards apply to the manufacturing and sale of new residential wood heating devices. Pre-existing wood stoves and other wood heaters do not fall under the same standards.
Current EPA standards -
> For all wood and pellet stoves: 2.0 grams per hour for catalytic and non-catalytic stoves, if emissions are tested using cribs (a special standardized wood configuration).
> For wood stoves without a current EPA certification: 4.5 grams per hour of operation for catalytic and non catalytic stoves.
All of the wood burning stoves and fireplaces at Maple Mtn are certified. Every stove has to go through a rigorous testing process before the manufacturer can put the stove into the market. The link below lists the requirements for wood stoves and pellet stoves to become certified.
https://www.epa.gov/residential-wood-heaters/fact-sheet-summary-requirements-woodstoves-and-pellet-stoves
Helpful Links:
https://www.epa.gov/
https://www.epa.gov/burnwise