[Greenbuilding] certified (& non-certified) wood stoves

[Reuben Deumling]

I am curious whether it is possible that (some) non-EPA-certified wood
stoves are (or may be) comparably clean burning as those that are certified?
I'm sure someone has researched this and perhaps also knows what the g/hr or
other emissions thresholds are. I think in the US they are being tightened
again....

Also, how much of the pollution is likely due to firewood quality (moisture
content) and user behavior vs. stove design (as certified)? In other words,
if I have a non-certified stove but use the best dry wood and know how to
optimize fuel air mixture (I don't ), can I theoretically achieve as good or
even better performance in terms of pollution than if I am sloppy, have wet
wood, and use a certified stove?

Finally, are there ways to determine, by, say, looking at the smoke coming
out of my chimney, if my setup passes muster, or could be improved?

Books, websites, or other expert advice is also most welcome.

Thanks.

Reuben Deumling


and this from yesterday's local paper: