181,000 wood burning fireplaces and appliances sold last year?

[John Ackerly]

The Washington Post just made the classic rookie mistake of confusing the science behind pellets used for electricity and wood used for heat. They also say "Last year, 191,000 wood-burning fireplaces and appliances were sold in North America, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, an industry group. " Can anyone explain what is counted in this figure? How does anyone know how many fireplaces were built, assuming you are including masonry fireplaces, where the only thing purchased is masonry brick? I thought HPBA only counted wood and pellet stoves and inserts, but stopped sharing that data a few years ago. What gives? (I'm working on a letter to the editor and a call with the reporter.)

John

 

[stoveliker]

do you have a link to the piece?

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

The Washington Post just made the classic rookie mistake of confusing the science behind pellets used for electricity and wood used for heat. They also say "Last year, 191,000 wood-burning fireplaces and appliances were sold in North America, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, an industry group. " Can anyone explain what is counted in this figure? How does anyone know how many fireplaces were built, assuming you are including masonry fireplaces, where the only thing purchased is masonry brick? I thought HPBA only counted wood and pellet stoves and inserts, but stopped sharing that data a few years ago. What gives? (I'm working on a letter to the editor and a call with the reporter.)

John

I looked at WaPo and couldn't find it

 

[stoveliker]

I think it's this one:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/12/23/fireplace-wood-gas-emissions-pollution/

paywalled (to me) of course.

 

[Burnin Since 1991]

I think it's this one:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/12/23/fireplace-wood-gas-emissions-pollution/

paywalled (to me) of course.

I'm not paying...

 

[stoveliker]

me neither

 

[EatenByLimestone]

I imagine solo stoves, chimineas and fire pit kits count as wood burning appliances. For ease I assume it’d have to be a manufactured unit. I doubt they are counting Billy Bob recycling his washing machine drum or his cousin selling burn barrels for $20 on marketplace..

 

[John Ackerly]

Just found a non-paywall link: https://archive.md/pP1Ms.