Responsible Woodburning

Woodburning is cherished by many for its warmth, charm, and cost-effectiveness. As a traditional, renewable, and locally abundant fuel source, wood provides an appealing heating option. However, responsible burning is essential to maintain clean air both indoors and outdoors. With guidance from HPBA, you can enjoy the benefits of woodburning while reducing its environmental impact.

Here’s how to burn wood responsibly and help ensure cleaner air for your family, neighbors, and community:

1. Inspect and Maintain

Schedule an annual inspection of your wood heating system. A professional certified by the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) or the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) can check for proper installation, safety, and efficient operation.

2. Monitor Your Smoke

A properly burning fire produces minimal visible smoke—just a faint, white vapor from evaporating water. Darker smoke indicates inefficient burning, which can waste fuel and pollute the air.

3. Use Seasoned, Dry Wood

Well-seasoned wood burns cleaner and more efficiently. Split logs promptly and allow them to dry in a covered, ventilated area for 6–18 months. Avoid burning garbage, plastic, foil, or chemically treated wood, as these materials release harmful pollutants. For more tips, visit the EPA’s Burn Wise program.

4. Burn Smarter

Different types of wood serve different purposes:

• Use softwoods like pine or poplar to quickly ignite fires or for shorter burns.
• Choose hardwoods such as oak, maple, or fir for longer-lasting heat.

5. Upgrade to Certified Appliances

In 2020, the EPA implemented stricter standards for woodburning appliances to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. Most new wood stoves, fireplaces, and inserts meet these updated requirements, ensuring cleaner and more efficient operation.

If your woodburning appliance was installed before 1992—or does not meet current EPA standards—it may be time to consider an upgrade. Modern EPA-certified appliances not only improve air quality indoors and out but also qualify for financial benefits.

Under the 2023 Energy Tax Credit, you can receive a 30% tax credit (up to $2,000 annually) for the purchase and installation of wood stoves, fireplaces, or inserts that achieve 75% or higher efficiency. Look for the EPA-certified label on the back or side of your appliance to verify compliance, and explore woodstove changeout programs for additional savings.

Burning wood responsibly isn’t just about enjoying a cozy fire—it’s about safeguarding the environment, improving energy efficiency, and preserving your ability to use wood as a sustainable energy source.