EPA's New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for residential wood heaters fall under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act. The standards govern the manufacture and sale of new residential wood heating devices and do not apply to existing wood stoves and other wood heaters installed in peoples' homes.

Final Amendments to the New Source Performance Standards for Residential Wood Heaters

On April 2, 2020,  EPA  took two significant steps concerning the 2015 NSPS for new residential wood heaters, hydronic heaters, and forced air furnaces.   The agency finalized the rule that was proposed November 30, 2018. In this action, the agency addressed minimum pellet requirements and other issues identified in the proposal.

Final Fact Sheet for the Residential Wood Heaters New Source Performance Standards

Proposed Amendments to the New Source Performance Standards for Residential Wood Heaters

On November 21, 2018, EPA proposed amendments to the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for Residential Wood Heaters issued in 2015. The proposed amendments would allow retailers additional time to sell the existing inventory of hydronic heaters and forced-air furnaces. In addition, EPA is issuing an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) to seek comment on several aspects of the 2015 NSPS.

• Learn more about the proposed amendments to the New Source Performance Standards for residential wood heaters

Residential Wood Heater NSPS - Final Rule

On February 3, 2015, EPA strengthened its New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for residential wood heaters to make new heaters significantly cleaner.

• Learn more about the final NSPS for new residential wood heaters, hydronic heaters and forced-air furnaces

1988 NSPS for Residential Wood Heaters

On February 26, 1988, EPA issued New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) that govern the manufacture and sale of new wood stoves, and certain wood burning fireplace inserts built after 1988.

• 1988 NSPS for new residential wood heaters (19 pp, 270 K, About PDF)

The 1988 standards were amended on November 24, 1998, to prohibit the sale of wood heaters that had their original certification revoked due to an invalid certification test. This action did not affect wood heaters that had already been sold to consumers.

• 1998 Amended NSPS for new residential wood heaters (6 pp, 173 K, About PDF)

For a list of EPA test methods associated with the 1988 NSPS, go to the Compliance Requirements for 1988 Residential Wood Heaters NSPS webpage.