2023-04-23 VT Approved Mid Size Wood Heating Equipment
April 23, 2024
Vermont Approved Mid-Size Wood Heating Equipment as of 04-15-2024
Air Quality Compliance
2023-09-28 Mid-Size Woodheater Cert App Fillable
September 29, 2023
Mid-Size Wood Fuel Burning Equipment Regulations (350,000-3,000,000 BTU/hr heat input)
On December 16, 2022, amendments to several sections of the Vermont Air Pollution Control Regulations were adopted that relate to control of air contaminant emissions from mid-size wood fuel burning equipment. These amendments affect mid-size wood fuel burning equipment in three size categories by implementing the following requirements:
Backyard Burning
Under Vermont Air Pollution Regulations, the open burning of natural wood and yard waste from property maintenance, property clearing, and so forth is allowed without a permit from the Air Quality and Climate Division. Open burning of trash is never allowed in Vermont, however, there are still reports of illegal burning across the state.
Dealer Information
If you sell or plan to sell or lease outdoor hydronic heaters, this page provides much of the information you need to know to ensure that you are complying with Section 5-204 of Vermont's Air Pollution Control Regulations (APCR). Section 5-204 of the APCR, affects outdoor hydronic heaters installed after October 1, 1997. Prior to that date outdoor hydronic heaters in Vermont were subject only to a generic regulation regarding public nuisances or odors caused by air pollution sources.
Science and Testing
The science of air pollution is very complex and technical. Below is a "Technical Primer" giving the basics to help to interpret the research and technical documents. See the links below for associated documents regarding the science and testing, many specifically dealing with outdoor hydronic heaters.
Health And Environment
While all smoke is harmful, uncertified outdoor hydronic heaters tend to generate more particulate pollution than most other wood burning devices including indoor wood stoves. The units are designed to burn wood at lower combustion temperatures and generally have shorter stacks that emit smoke at house level. Wood smoke releases fine particulates ("soot"), carbon monoxide, and other toxic pollutants.