Basic Information

EPA's Voluntary Fireplace Program encourages the development and sale of lower-emitting wood-burning fireplaces and retrofit devices. The program covers new masonry and prefabricated (low-mass) fireplaces, as well as retrofit devices for existing fireplaces. Fireplace retrofits can reduce pollution up to 70 percent if installed properly

In order to qualify a fireplace or retrofit device, manufacturers must follow detailed certification and qualification steps per the partnership agreement, and models must be tested by an accredited independent laboratory. EPA has sole responsibility for qualifying models under the Voluntary Fireplace Program.

Note: The wood-burning fireplaces and retrofit devices that "qualify" under the EPA's Voluntary Fireplace Program are not "certified" per EPA's Wood Heater New Source Performance Standard.

To participate in the Voluntary Fireplace Program manufacturers must:

• Sign EPA's partnership agreement
• Use a descriptive hang tag on fireplaces and retrofit devices to provide information on emissions
  • Fireplace Hang Tag
  • Fireplace Retrofit Device Hang Tag
• Display information about the voluntary program in fireplace sales areas
• Include text in the owner's manual of each qualified model about proper operation and maintenance, including how and what to burn
• Submit sales and test data on improved fireplaces

Test Method

Fireplaces will be tested using ASTM methods E2558 and E2515, as outlined in the partnership agreement. EPA will qualify models achieving a Phase 2 particulate matter emission level of 5.1 g/kg.

Program Support

EPA provides program support to assist partners, and to encourage the purchase of cleaner, more efficient fireplaces, including:

• Labels for models that meet the EPA program requirements
• Program fact sheet and Questions & Answers
• Outreach materials

*Wood-burning appliances that qualify under the EPA's Voluntary Fireplace are not certified per EPA's Wood Heater New Source Performance Standard. Contact your state or local air quality agency for clarification on wood-burning appliances that may legally be installed in your area.

If you are a manufacturer and would like to participate in the program, email Burn Wise at Burnwise@epa.gov.

• EPA Voluntary Fireplace Program Partnership Agreement (PDF)(28 pp, 604 K)
• EPA Fact Sheet: Voluntary Fireplace Program (PDF)(2 pp, 274 K)
• EPA Technical Questions & Answers: Voluntary Fireplace Program (PDF)(3 pp, 307 K)