FAQ - Wood heating

Q:  I want to buy a used wood heating device for my garage/shop. Does it have to be EPA-certified, and if so, how can I certify it?

A: Wood heating devices that are sold in Washington state must meet Washington emissions standards. An individual cannot certify a device, and there are no “retrofit” kits to transform an uncertified device into a certified device. Certification occurs at the manufacturing level on new devices, and the devices are tested in an EPA laboratory setting.

Washington emission limites are 4.5 grams/hour for non-catalytic and 2.5 grams for catalytic. Click here for a list of EPA-certified devices which lists the emissions information.

A: Does a pellet stove burn cleanly and is it EPA approved?

Q:  If used properly, pellet stoves are cleaner burning than other wood heating devices. And because of their high air-to-fuel ratio, pellet stoves are exempt from the EPA certification testing requirements. Therefore, pellet stoves are considered an “approved” device, and may be used under the same conditions as EPA certified. You may use them during a Stage I Impaired Air Quality (yellow) condition, but not during a “red” when use of all wood heating devices is temporarily banned. Click here for more information.

Q: Will the use of woodstoves ever be banned entirely?

A: It is highly unlikely that the use of woodstoves will be banned entirely. When used properly, the new devices on the market are fairly clean burning and energy efficient.  There are temporary bans on the use of wood heating devices when air quality deteriorates.

For more information on wood burning, visit our wood burning web page, click here.