Products

• Cleaner Products: Wood stoves and fireplace inserts are certified to meet strict U.S. EPA standards that cut emissions by more than 70% compared to older uncertified stoves.  An initial study found that indoor air quality inside homes with new, EPA-certified wood stoves was 72% cleaner than those wood stoves manufactured prior to 1992. (Libby, Montana changeout)
• Efficiency: Most products are efficiency rated and assigned a score between zero and 100.  A higher score means the product does a better job converting fuel into heat rather than sending it up the chimney. Look for the highest efficiency rating in your product category. 

Manufacturers

• Technology: Fireplace and stove manufacturers are making cleaner-burning, more efficient products for environmentally conscious consumers who want to upgrade or add a new product to their home.

Consumer Responsibility

• Burn Wood Responsibly: Burning household garbage, plastics or any material that has been chemically treated can release toxins into the air, no matter how new or fuel-efficient a product is. Use only the fuel recommended for your product for the cleanest heat.
• Installation and Maintenance: Proper installation, use and maintenance are essential both to safety and to burning clean and green. The National Fireplace Institute (NFI) is an excellent source for certified planners and installers of hearth systems.

Other Resources

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): A government agency that helps consumers learn what they need to know about selecting a cleaner burning hearth product for your home.
• National Association of Home Builders:  Some products are included in U.S. Green Building Guidelines such as EPA-certified woodburning (zero-clearance) stoves and direct-vent fireplaces.