You could buy a new wood stove or fireplace, but that can get expensive. It can be less expensive if you participate in the Great Wood Stove and Fireplace Changeout going on now until April 30. The Hearth Products Association is offering discounts of 10 to 15 percent on new stoves and inserts at participating dealers. Newer wood stoves and fireplaces are designed to burn more completely. They can reduce wood smoke emissions by up to 85 percent.
All wood stoves and fireplaces sold today meet stringent federal emissions requirements.
This benefits both personal health and the environment. While much of the effort involves reducing emissions from motor vehicles, upgrading wood stoves and fireplaces also can play a significant role. In addition to fewer harmful emissions, new equipment burns wood more efficiently. It can give off the same amount of heat using up to 30 percent less wood. If you buy wood that's money saved.