Wood Stoves and Fireplaces

Many old, pot-bellied wood stoves still function to provide warmth and a cooking fire in rural and tribal communities, but they may also be releasing wood smoke that is harmful to the health of everyone exposed to it. 

Actions You Can Take

Three steps you can take to reduce exposure to smoke from wood stoves and fireplaces in your home are:

1. Burn only dry, seasoned wood and maintain a hot fire

  • Season and dry wood outdoors for at least 6 months before burning it
  • Start fires with clean newspaper and dry kindling
  • Burn hot fires
  • Do not burn garbage, plastic, or pressure-treated wood, which can produce harmful chemicals when burned

2. Have a certified technician inspect and service your appliance annually

  • Have your chimney annually cleaned by a certified chimney sweep. Nearly 7% of home fires are caused by creosote build-up in the chimney.
  • A properly installed and maintained wood-burning appliance burns more efficiently.
  • If you smell smoke in your home, something is wrong. Shut down the appliance and call a certified chimney sweep to inspect the unit.

3. Upgrade to an efficient, EPA-approved wood-burning appliance

  • Today's wood-burning appliances burn cleaner and produce less smoke inside and outside your home
  • Efficient wood-burning appliances burn less wood, saving time and money

For local governments and community groups, please see the documents below for strategies to implement Wood Stove Changeout Programs:

 

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