Oct 10, 2017

How Do New EPA Chimney Regulations Affect Outdoor Furnace Owners

"New Chimney Extension Regulations, How Do They Affect YOU?"

You might think: "I am grandfathered! They cannot make me add a chimney extension on my outdoor wood furnace." WRONG!

Frustrating? You bet. We agree. But there is some good news.

No National EPA Regulation...Yet

First of all, the EPA left out chimney height from its recent regulations so there is no national regulation. However, some states have chosen to regulate chimney height. This is good news unless you live in one of those states.

Regulations in Your State?

Is there a regulation in your state? This is a moving target. If you live in New York, Pennsylvania, or Indiana, you must obey their regulations NOW which state as follows:

NY: "All new Outdoor Wood Boilers must be equipped with a permanent stack extending a minimum of 18 feet above ground level. If a new outdoor wood burner is subject to a valid nuisance complaint, the DEC may require that the permanent stack extend up to two feet above the peak of any roof structure within 150 feet of the outdoor wood stove." Click HERE for more info.

PA: "The stack must meet both of the following requirements: extend a minimum of 10 feet above the ground; and be installed according to the manufacturer's specifications." Click HERE for more info.

IN: "Sec. 4. (a) After November 30, 2011, all outdoor hydronic heaters that have not been qualified to meet the Phase 2 emission limit in section 3 of this rule must have a permanent stack extending five (5) feet higher than the peak of the roof of any occupied building:

(1) located within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the unit; and (2) not located on the same property on which the heater is installed. (b) The maximum stack height required under this rule is twenty-two (22) feet above the ground." Click HERE for more info.

Many states have regulations under consideration. If you have any questions regarding your state, simply search Google for the term: "(state name) hydronic heater regulations". You may also have local regulations in your village, township, or county.

Keep in mind that while we don't like regulations, we also don't want to irritate our neighbors, and we want to protect our right to burn wood. Since there are few things as sacred as the air we breathe, let's work hard to be good neighbors and members of our communities.

Everyone here at OutdoorBoiler.com has chimney extensions on our outdoor wood burning boilers, not because we are forced to by regulations, but because they are AWESOME! So install a chimney extension now for your outdoor boiler! Click HERE to order for chimney extension and other chimney components!

For more outdoor wood boiler parts visit our online store OutdoorBoiler.com

Operating Furnace FAQs:

Am I burning too much wood?

You may be. Is the wood properly seasoned? Have you cleared the firebox? High wood consumption can be caused by a number of factors.

If I don't use chemicals in the furnace water, what happens?

The water treatment coats the inside of your system and helps to slow down the development of rust and corrosion in your system.

Can I leave my furnace over the weekend?

You may have someone "feed" your furnace for you or you may lower the thermostat temperature.

For more outdoor wood boiler parts visit our online store our contact us at OutdoorBoiler.com .

Maintenance FAQs

Why is An Outdoor Boiler Water Treatment important?

The boiler chemical (corrosion inhibitor) coats the inside of the furnace to reduce the effects of corrosion on the metal. Click HERE to order our Liquid Armor Water Treatment and other outdoor wood furnace parts.

Then send your water sample to Outdoor Boiler lab for you Free water test to ensure that your furnace water is properly treated.

How often do I need to Inspect my Chimney/Flue

Inspect chimney and flue monthly and clean as needed. Clean chimney and flue annually. Perform cleaning and maintenance only when no fire is present in the firebox and ashes are cooled completely.