The regulations covering wood heaters are the “Standards of Performance for New Residential Wood Heaters, New Residential Hydronic Heaters and Forced-Air Furnaces” enacted in March 2015. It clearly states that “no person is permitted to advertise for sale, offer for sale, sell” wood heaters that do not have an EPA certification label. It also says that coal and corn stoves, for example, are exempt from certification “provided that all advertising and warranties exclude wood burning.” Thus, appliances that advertise that they can be used with wood and coal are not exempt, as they include mentions of wood as a fuel.

These regulations cover residential appliances but not appliances only advertised, sold and installed in commercial buildings.

The following screenshots of advertisements and websites appeared in our monthly newsletter and often by shining sunlight on these issues, we have helped to clear them up. Before publishing ads that we consider misleading, exaggerated or illegal, we almost always contact the company to get their side of the story. Frequently, that has led to the company pulling that ad, in which case they will not be featured here. But too often, these companies do not reply or reply but are not willing to change their ad.

We have provided an updated “Status” to report on whether the ad, website or practice has changed since we first published it, and why.

The majority of the misleading or illegal advertisements that we highlight are either about uncertified outdoor boilers or heaters made by US Stove, one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of stoves in the US. One of their staff finally had enough and “blew the whistle” on his own company and is now being sued by them. His exposure to liability is even greater because of inaction by the EPA, who could help substantiate the claims of the whistleblower.

More relevant information can be found on the Consumer Resources page of our website. Safety recalls of wood and pellet stoves can be found here.