Is there such thing as an EPA Wood Furnace??

[log-on]

Hi Every one, I have just been appointed the coordinator for the woodstove exchange program here in Grand Forks BC.
I might bug a few of you stove wizards for info on certian stoves from time to time.
Someone called today wishing to change out their old wood furnace. They are listed as qualifying for the program.
Local retailers say that furnaces are not EPA approved. I googled EPA wood furnaces and came up blank..Any input is much appriciated.
John

 

[webbie]

If any is approved, it would be this one....
http://www.psg-distribution.com/index-en.aspx

Since furnaces don't have to be EPA approved, most have not bothered doing it - despite the fact that many wood boilers (downdraft gasifiers) would easily pass.

 

[log-on]

Thanks for your fast answer. So then they are just not rated but some may offer very low emisions.
The intent of our program is to be rid of all old " belchers" to help clean up the air shed. I will look into the specs on the furnaces and we might be able to allow an exchange for this person if it means cleaner air. We have been told to allow Masonry heaters which are not EPA approved but if buit by a professional will have very low emissions. No sure where the insurance companies would stand. They are headed for total EPA compliance before you will get your insurance.

 

[log-on]

Yiks! I just noticed my old " Belcher " in my avitar Smokey the Bear is about to be exchanged so don't anybody panic..

 

[webbie]

The strange part about it is that EPA specs were made for space heaters and would really not be the proper standards to apply to most furnaces and boilers. This is because EPA specs heavily lean toward making stove burn at very low settings.

But I think that particular one may actually be fully approved - check it out.

 

[Corie]

That's the problem with method 28, it is meant for solid fueled room heaters, and while it has been adopted to apply to pellet stoves as well, it's really no where near a good fit for furnaces. Ultimately, the EPA needs to develop a testing standard for furnace and boiler emissions.

 

[antos_ketcham]

Hi John -

There are now four EPA approved outdoor wood boilers. There is a new system in place where boilers can be tested and if they pass the air emission guidelines they get an orange tag which depicts how much particulate they emit - just like the tags on EPA certified wood stoves.

Check out (broken link removed to http://www.epa.gov/woodheaters/)

Here is a table with links to the cleaner OWB's that are out there.

Good luck.

Pete

 

[antos_ketcham]

Hi John -

There are now four EPA approved outdoor wood boilers. There is a new system in place where boilers can be tested and if they pass the air emission guidelines they get an orange tag which depicts how much particulate they emit - just like the tags on EPA certified wood stoves.

Check out (broken link removed to http://www.epa.gov/woodheaters/)

Here is a table with links to the cleaner OWB's that are out there.

Good luck.

Pete

(broken link removed to http://www.epa.gov/woodheaters/models.htm)

 

[log-on]

Thanks for that but we are talking furnaces not outdoor boilers, But it's good to know. , they have a very bad rep around here.They are banned in some areas of BC .I like the idea of hot water heat and wish to instal a system someday.

Hey! How did I end up in the boiler room thread?? I thought I posted in the regular area,, Oh well got good answers any way thanks to all..

 

[Jimbob]

This one's kinda nice, and it has a window so you can check on the fire without opening the door:
http://www.psg-distribution.com/product.aspx?CategoId=16&Id=335

 

[Eric Johnson]

I was going to suggest the Caddy as well. I have no idea how well they work, but I like the idea of integrating a glass front into a furnace. Nice addition to a finished or semi-finished basement, and it's nice to be able to see how your fire is doing without opening any doors. A wood furnace is, from what I can see, basically a glorified wood stove, so why not have a window and secondary burn?

 

[log-on]

Thanks everyone. I looked into the Caddy and they seem to be the only EPA furnace right now. I guess that will change as
more community's start enforcing clean air bylaws. The Caddy lists for under $3000 and you can add a Electric backup for just $1500. Very cool,, I mean hot...There's a dealer near us in Kelowna..