Q&A Used Stoves/EPA Compliance

Question:

I'd like to buy a used stove and I was wondering if there's any way I can tell an EPA-complying stove from a non-EPA stove by looking at it. Any plates or markings thereon? Any years after which any new stoves had to be in compliance?



Answer:

The EPA markings are mostly on hang tags which are discarded after the sale. Most stoves built after 1988 and all built after 1990 are compliant. If you give me the name and model #, I might be able to help.

Just looking at the stove will not tell you if it's EPA, however an experienced stove person could look at the firebox and air entry design to determine if it's modern. You could also assume that many stoves with catalytic converters are relatively clean burning.