If you’re in Colorado and thinking about purchasing a wood stove, you might have encountered confusing and conflicting information about what’s legal and what’s not. The regulations surrounding wood stove sales, installations, and usage can seem complex, but the good news is that the rules are actually straightforward once they are broken down properly.
In this article, we’ll clarify Colorado’s wood stove laws in the simplest terms possible while also providing deeper insights for those who want a detailed understanding.
What Wood Stoves Are Legal in Colorado?
If you’re looking for the quickest and most accurate answer, here it is:
If a wood stove is on the official EPA-certified list, it is legal to sell, install, and use in Colorado.
If a wood stove is NOT on the EPA list, it CANNOT be installed or sold in Colorado.
That’s it! The EPA list = the Colorado-approved list when it comes to new wood stove installations.
Where to Check the Official List:
The list of EPA-certified wood stoves can be found here:
https://www.epa.gov/burnwise/epa-certified-wood-stovesÂ
If the stove you’re considering is not on this list, it is not legal for sale or installation in Colorado.
Understanding Colorado’s Wood Stove Laws
For those who want a deeper understanding, let’s break things down further.
1. Why Does Colorado Follow the EPA List?
Colorado’s wood stove regulations align with federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards to ensure cleaner air and lower emissions. The EPA has strict emission requirements for new wood stoves, and Colorado has adopted these as the standard statewide.
These regulations are designed to:
Reduce air pollution and protect public health.
Ensure new wood stoves burn more efficiently.
Limit particulate matter (PM) emissions from residential wood burning.
2. What About Action Days?
Many Colorado residents have heard of “Action Days,” but there is confusion about what they actually mean.
Key Facts About Action Days:
- Action Days only apply to seven counties in and around the Denver metro area.
- These days are declared when air pollution levels (specifically particulate matter) are high.
- On these days, burning restrictions apply, but only in those seven counties.
- The restrictions typically occur between October 31 – March 31 each year.
Check for Action Days here:
Colorado Air Quality Advisory
3. Who is Exempt from Action Day Restrictions?
If you live in one of the seven counties affected by Action Days, you may still be able to burn wood legally if you meet any of these exemptions:
Your stove is EPA-certified (Phase II or III) – This means if your stove is on the EPA list, you can burn anytime, regardless of Action Days.
You live above 7,000 feet in elevation – If your home is at a high altitude, Action Day restrictions do not apply to you.
Your wood stove or fireplace is your primary heat source – If you rely on wood for heating and do not have an alternative heating method, you are exempt.
You are using a pellet stove – Pellet stoves are highly efficient and are always exempt from Action Day restrictions.
4. Can I Install or Use an Older, Non-EPA Wood Stove?
Selling & Installing: No. If a wood stove is not EPA-certified, it CANNOT be installed or sold in Colorado.
Using an Existing Stove: If your non-EPA stove was installed before Colorado adopted these regulations, you may still be able to use it unless you live in one of the Action Day counties.
Replacing an Old Stove: If you’re upgrading from an old, non-certified wood stove, your new stove must be EPA-approved.
History of EPA Wood Stove Certification: Phase I, II, and III
To fully understand how wood stove regulations have evolved, it’s helpful to look at the history of EPA certification phases.
EPA Phase I (1988 – 1995)
- The first EPA wood stove emission standards were introduced in 1988.
- Stoves had to meet a PM (particulate matter) limit of 8.5 grams per hour for non-catalytic stoves and 4.1 grams per hour for catalytic stoves.
- This was the first national effort to regulate wood stove pollution and improve air quality.
- Many older, high-emission stoves were phased out during this period.
EPA Phase II (1995 – 2015)
- In 1995, the EPA strengthened its standards, requiring:
- Non-catalytic stoves to emit no more than 7.5 grams per hour of particulate matter.
- Catalytic stoves to emit no more than 4.1 grams per hour.
- This phase improved efficiency and reduced air pollution from wood burning appliances.
- Phase II stoves are still legal in Colorado and are exempt from Action Day restrictions.
EPA Phase III (2015 – Present)
- In 2015, the EPA introduced the most strict emissions limits to date:
- All wood stoves must emit no more than 4.5 grams per hour of particulate matter.
- In 2020, the standard became even stricter at 2.0 grams per hour.
- These stoves are the cleanest-burning and most efficient models available today.
- Any new stove installed in Colorado must meet these Phase III standards.
What This Means for You:
If your stove is EPA Phase II or III, you can legally use it in Colorado, even on Action Days.
If your stove is EPA Phase I or older, you may need to upgrade to comply with current regulations.
If you’re buying a new stove, make sure it meets Phase III standards.
The Most Important Rule for All Wood Stove Users
Regardless of what kind of wood stove you have, one rule applies to EVERYONE in Colorado:
Always burn clean, dry wood!
Wet or unseasoned wood creates excessive smoke and particulate matter, increasing air pollution and making your stove less efficient.
Tips for Burning Clean:
Use only properly seasoned wood (moisture content below 20%).
Never burn trash, treated wood, or wet wood.
Clean your chimney regularly to improve efficiency and safety.
Final Takeaways: What You Need to Know
If a stove is on the EPA list, it is legal to sell and install in Colorado.
If a stove is NOT on the EPA list, you CANNOT install or sell it.
Action Days apply only to 7 Denver-area counties and run from October 31 – March 31.
You are exempt from Action Days if you have an EPA-certified stove, live above 7,000 feet, use a pellet stove, or rely on wood as your primary heat source.
Always burn clean, dry wood to reduce pollution and improve efficiency.
Have Questions? Let’s Talk!
Do you have a question about wood stoves in Colorado? Give us a call! If this article helped clarify things for you, please share it with others who may be confused about these rules.
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