How do EPA certified stoves work as opposed to Non-EPA stoves?
In the case of EPA certified stoves, there are generally two air intakes on the stove: primary and secondary. The exhaust gases are mixed with secondary air, causing them to re-ignite and burn before going up the chimney. The result is a reduction in particulate emissions, as well as an increased burn time. Some EPA certified stoves also work with a catalytic converter. Instead of using secondary air, the smoke is channelled through a device that lowers the combustion temperatures of the gases. This allows gases to be consumed at lower firing. Catalytic converters need to be replaced after a certain number of operations and can be costly. Non-EPA wood stoves usually have only one air intake and have no catalytic converters.
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