For hundreds of years, Americans have burned wood as a primary source of heat. WoodMaster, Northwest Manufacturing and other responsible manufacturers continually work on proper installation so outdoor furnaces produce clean, safe heat.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says:
"Compared to a wide range of residential heating options, these furnaces' emissions were of the same order as other stick wood burning appliances." (EPA report: EPA/600/SR-98/017, February 1998)
EPA Phase 1 Emissions Guidelines
Through the Hearth, Patio, Barbeque Association(HPBA) association, WoodMaster's developer, Northwest Manufacturing, has worked closely with EPA on new testing standards and works with state and local governments on appropriate regulations to encourage cleaner burning outdoor wood furnaces.
On January 29, 2007, EPA announced new emissions test guidelines under Phase 1 of EPA's Volunteer Outdoor Wood-fired Hydronic Heater Program to promote the manufacture and sale of cleaner outdoor wood furnaces.