How will the EPA’s 2020 NSPS Regulations affect you?

How will the EPA’s 2020 NSPS Regulations affect you?

Phase 1 of the NSPS went into effect in March of 2015 and outlawed any woodstoves that produced more than 4.5 grams of emissions per hour. Most manufacturers in the industry were able to meet this standard by having their stoves retested and relabeled. Phase 2, howev- er, reduces it down to 2.5 grams of emissions per hour and is not as easy to meet. A lot of stove companies are adding a catalyst to their fireboxes which helps eliminate emissions, but makes the stove less user-friendly, and higher maintenance. Other stoves simply got discontin- ued because of the costs of redesigning and retesting their firebox.

Pacific Energy is one of the few stove companies that didn’t have to make major changes, because its high- efficiency smoke reburn system already did drastically reduce the emissions output. The only difference be- tween the new 2020 approved version and the existing design is some minor changes to the airflow, and the la- bel stating that it is 2020 approved. You will continue to see top quality and performance with Pacific Energy.
This law mainly affects the sellers, making it a violation to SELL a stove that is not tested to these standards. The EPA is mainly enforcing these regs with retailers, whole- salers, and manufacturers, not with the homeowner, and any existing stoves will be grandfathered in, you are not required to get rid of your current one. However, the EPA states that if you have bought a 2020 Compliant stove the following guidelines must be followed.

  1. It is prohibited to alter the stove, or the label attached to the stove.
  2. If the stove has a catalyst it cannot be removed or disabled.
  3. The Operator’s Manual should be followed concerning the following.
    • Proper installation including stack height and heater placement
    • Proper operation and maintenance of the stove
    • Proper loading procedures and air control management
    • Burning the proper wood and fuel
    • Proper ash removal and disposal
    • Any other requirements listed in the Operator’s Manual

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