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Your heating bills have seem a steadily increase over the past several years. So you have decided to update your old masonry fireplace to a new insert.Because you think inserts are more energy and cost efficient. When shopping for a fireplace insert, it is important to know what to look for. If you think that you will have to sacrifice the scents, sights, smells, and sounds of a wood fire to be more efficient and economical, think again!

There are many options for wood-burning fireplace inserts. There are even some that provide the sensory experiences that most homeowners love. We are proud partners of the well-known trusted companies like Regency and Enviro. They are also EPA-certified and highly energy efficient. We would like to tell you more about why this certification is so important.

The Burn Wise Program

Several years ago, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began Burn Wise as a response to the emission problems. The EPA partners with retailers, manufacturers, local and state agencies, and non-profit groups to promote upgrades to more efficient wood-burning appliances. This is to givehomeowners a chance to comply with the EPA emission standards. Burn Wise also works with its volunteer partners including All American Chimney Service. We work to educate homeowners the importance of proper installation and operation of their appliance.

EPA-Certified vs EPA-Qualified

On the back of every wood-burning stove and fireplace insert that we reccomend at All American Chimney Service, you will find a label. This label states our appliance is EPA-certified, which meets the emission standards that were set by the EPA on May 15, 2015.

Other appliances that are also certified by the EPA are hydronic heaters, outdoor wood boilers, and forced air furnaces. Although traditional wood-burning fireplaces and masonry heaters are not included in this regulation, as they cannot be certified by the EPA. Manufacturers can choose to voluntarily meet emission standards so that their appliances are labeled as EPA-qualified.

While it is strongly recommended to update to an EPA-certified wood stove or fireplace insert for efficiency, a traditional masonry EPA-qualified fireplace also burns clean.Contact ustoday to schedule a time to visit and talk with our knowledgeable staff. We are happy to help you through the entire process of updating your fireplace.