Are wood fireplaces and wood stoves legal to use in Canada?

The straight answer is yes, and it is true in every Province. But what are the regulations and requirements?

What is mostly known as a regulation on the Market is the EPA Certification. The EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency in the USA. The EPA has established a regulation to limit the amount of particulates that each wood fireplace can emit up through its chimney. On May 15th 2020, the new limits were set by the EPA at 2 grams/hour and 2.5 grams/hour, depending on the testing protocol used by manufacturers.

Canada has a separate standard. It is called CSA B-415. This standard limits the particulates emissions to 4.5 grams/hour. This standard was established to somewhat mirror the American one, with enhancements to include forced air wood burning furnaces.(Warm air wood furnace emissions are not included in the American EPA standards.) There is no timetable as to when and if CSA B415.1 will be mirroring the new limits of the 2020 EPA.

WHAT ABOUT MY PROVINCE?

In Canada, each Province is free to implement its own limits on wood stove emissions. They can elect not to regulate or to choose between the EPA limits or the CSA B415 limits or use both. To help out in seeing what is the state of the affairs for each Province, HPBA Canada has sorted this out for the whole industry. Here’s the chart as set by HPBA Canada:

HOW DO I TELL IF THE STOVE I AM ABOUT TO BUY IS TRULY APPROVED?

On the certification label, it will state if the stove or fireplace is EPA approved or CSA B415 approved. There is also a list of stoves and fireplaces that are approved for Canada. This list is provided by a Certification Agency. Here’s the link to the official list of CAS B415 approved fireplaces and stoves.

The EPA publishes a list of approved wood and pellet stoves. Please note that all stoves on this list are approved for use throughout Canada.

Since May 15, 2020, only appliances that are NSPS/EPA 2020 compliant are authorized to be sold in:

  • British Columbia
  • Quebec

Ontario and the other Provinces continue to approve stoves with emissions up to 4.5 grams/hour beyond 2020. The Nunavut Territory is the only area where there is no regulation with regards to wood heating.

WHY DOES THE CERTIFICATION LABEL STATE THAT ‘IT CANNOT BE SOLD PAST MAY 15TH 2020’?

This statement does not apply to Canada. It has been mandated by the US EPA and it applies to the United States only. The whole industry recognizes it is rather confusing from a Canadian stand point, but the statement cannot be removed for now. Industry stakeholders are working with the EPA to have a mention that this applies only to the USA.

WHAT ABOUT MONTREAL? DOES IT HAVE ITS OWN REGULATION ON WOOD HEATING?

Yes, it does. Montreal has a law that limits the use of wood burning appliances. Wood burning equipment must be under 2.5 grams/hour in particulate emissions and either EPA Certified (see EPA list above) or CSA B415 Approved (see Polytest list above). For more details on the cities and suburbs around Montreal, visit the HPBAC website.

If you want to learn more on the subject of the regulation in Montreal, we have the following report that is very well documented.

ULTIMATELY, IS WOOD HEATING GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?

Yes, it is. There are many debates on the subject. Some folks who are sincere in their effort will claim wood smoke is detrimental to our health. In reality, exposing ourselves directly to smoke from any source is not good for the health. But we have to look at it from a global standpoint.

To operate our cars, our heating and air conditioning, lighting, etc., we need energy. Energy comes from burning fossil fuels, shale oil and gas, coal, nuclear, wood, solar and hydro. The global effort is to reduce the footprint and the emissions while increasing efficiency. Every industry has done a tremendous job in that regard, including wood heating. Wood stoves emissions from 30 years ago are now reduced by over 90% and efficiency has increased over 30% on average. That is a spectacular improvement!

On the global footprint, firewood is locally sourced, so there is less transportation involved compared to other energy sources. Compared to the transportation of electricity, where there are significant line losses, wood compares much better.

Wood is also carbon neutral. It is a natural resource that is renewed within 30 to 70 years which is a very short span when compared to fossil fuels. Wood heat produces ashes as a residual and it is good for the environment. Compared to nuclear waste, the disposal of solar panels and batteries, wood is again much better for the environment.

IN CONCLUSION

We have to agree, that there is always an angle on things, pros and cons. There will always be those who are opposed to any technology and there will those that embrace and promote new technologies. Your WE LOVE FIRE® dealer believes wood heating serves a purpose of enjoyment, independence, and savings for homeowners. That is essentially why we LOVE wood heat.

We’re happy to see the wood fireplace manufacturers invest in improving the technology by lowering emissions and increasing efficiency. They are playing a key role in keeping the air we breathe clean and healthy not only for our generation, but for future generations as well!

Below is a list of fireplace and grill stores that service Virginia (VA)

Manassas, VA

Winston's Chimney Service
11301 Industrial Road
Manassas, VA 20109

Winston's Chimney Service LogoVisit Store Page

Mechanicsville, VA

Hearth & Home Shoppe
8151 Mechanicsville Tpk
Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Hearth & Home Shoppe LogoVisit Store Page

Roanoke, VA

Dixie Building Products Inc.
3342 Melrose Ave NW
Roanoke, VA 24017

Warrenton, VA

Costello's Warrenton Fireplace & Hot Tub
251 West Lee Hwy
Warrenton, VA 20186


For more information, contact your local fireplace and grill store..

22 Responses

  1. Neill Gibson
    Thanks for the concise explanation Dominique. I am certain this will clarify the situation for any and all readers. I would however add that in the end, manufacturers have for the most part stepped up to the plate to improve the engineering of wood burning appliances but the ultimate responsibility for clean burning heaters is in the hands of the users. It has to be repeated regularly that keeping your appliance in good working order, sweeping the chimney at least once a year and burning ONLY properly dried firewood and not chemically treated paper and wood will go along way to avoid adding unwanted pollution into Canada's pristine ecosystems. Regards from Quebec City
    • Dominique Page
      Thanks Neil for your comment. I could not agree more with you! All the best!
  2. Are wood fireplaces and wood stoves legal to use in America? - We Love Fireplaces and Grills
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  3. don desilets
    Hello I am looking for info on a older " Triumph wood burning fireplace insert to see if it has a csa listing
  4. Tyson Cooper
    Hi Dominique , Quick question... I live in BC and I understand that as of May this year only NSPS 2020 certified stoves can be sold here. Do you know if it would be actually illegal to import one from another location... ie. Europe? I've got my heart set on a particular stove ... but it wouldn't be NSPS 2020 certified. It's intended installation is in an off-grid cabin, so no inspections would be happening, I'd just be installing it myself to the required standards for clearances etc. My main concern is that I arrange the import, then it gets seized at customs! Is this possible or likely? Btw... the stove is a Stuv 30 Compact ... so it's not some obscure manufacturer... my issue is that Stuv have SEVERELY hobbled their damping functionality in the North American market making their stoves no longer really desirable or even fit for purpose in my opinion. The European versions of the same stoves retain full damping functionality. Thanks!
    • Dominique Page
      Good morning! Thanks for your message. You made great work on your research! A couple things. I would doubt any manufacturer would ship 'illegal' products into Canada. They expose themselves to steep fines that way and this could become harder for that manufacturer to ship again into Canada. You are correct that customs may catch the 'illegal' stove and that could give you trouble. You are correct that the air control from the Stuv products has disappeared for North American consumers. That begin said, I would like to suggest something for you. If you are not in a rush, the Hearthstone Bari will be available late fall.The look is stunning and it will have a variable air control. This is the best option from our viewpoint. If you are pressed to get it done sooner, other 'modern' looks are available with beautiful air controls.Here's one we like. Hope this is helpful! Dominique
    • Michel Khan
      Bonjour Dominique, nous avons construit un chalet 4 saisons, 3 ch a coucher, pas de sousol,au sud de Winnipeg. Je remarque que l'info que je trouve au sujet des fours vari dépendant de la province. Par exemple, un distributeur içi a suggéré le poêle à bois Osburn 1700 pour mes besoins, mais, en appelant SBI, leur représentant au Québec, suggére le Osburn 2000 disant que les max BTU's est important parmi tout (cela me surprend). Aussi, j'ai été fortement avisé de vérifier les garanties (je comparais le Drolet1800 au Osburn 1700), et j'ai trouvé que le Osburn est exact au Enerzone, mais le Drolet et inférieur. Nous posons une fournaise et un système de circulation d'air comme les codes provinciales nous décrit, et cela aidera certainement pour chauffer chaque pièce (le poêle n'aura pas d'evantail) Alors...qui croire pour mes besoins, SBI ou leur représentant local? Ou, est ce que je choisi un fournisseur différent? Aussi, a t'il un de qualité entre les poêles de vendeurs indépendants et ceux des grands magasins le Costco et Canadian Tire? Merci, michel khan 204.998.5554 Winnipeg, Mb
      • Dominique Page
        Bonjour! Merci pour votre commentaire. Je comprends la confusion. Le chauffage au bois est un peu plus subjectif que le chauffage électrique ou au gaz. Pour faire un bon choix de poêle à bois, il est important de savoir quel usage on en fera. Par exemple, si vous comptez l'utiliser tout l'hiver, 24h sur 24, vous allez aimer un poêle qui procure un temps de combustion (burn time) de 8 heures et plus pour chaque charge de bois. Pour y arriver, ça prendra un poêle plus gros ou un poêle catalytique. Si vous allez vous servir de votre poêle un 'samedi' de temps en temps, un poêle plus petit pourra faire l'affaire. Donc, il est important de savoir quel usage vous allez en faire pour ensuite choisir la bonne grosseur d'appareil. Pour ce qui est des garanties: un poêle à bois va généralement avoir une durée de vie de plus de 25 ans. Donc il ne faut pas trop s'en faire avec la garantie. Ce qui est important, c'est de savoir si le manufacturier va être en affaires pour longtemps et supporter son produit pour des pièces de remplacement dans le futur. Pour la différence entre les Costco, Canadian Tire versus les boutiques spécialisées: Le niveau de service est vraiment meilleur en boutique. Ils peuvent aussi installer l'appareil et assurer que l'installation est sécuritaire pour vous et votre famille. Il ne faut jamais oublier que nous faisons un feu dans la maison...il faut que ce soit installé de façon professionelle et sécuritaire. Au plaisir!
    • JimRobinson
      Please advise me if this wood stove is allowed to be used in NS…Drolet Escape 1800 ?Thanks!
      • Dominique Page
        Hello Tyson Thanks for reaching out. If the stove is brand new, it should be fine. One way to make sure, if it does not say at the back, on the certification label, 'not to be sold after May 15, 2020', you are good to go! Dominique
  5. Louise
    I want to purchase an old cook stove. Seems in good condition, my husband is giving me grief on certification. I don't fully understand how a wood stove could have above harmful emissions over others. Maybe size but I would think the wood you burn is the larger factor. His issue on it is home insurance. What I'm ultimately wondering is could I still own the stove? is it an issue in Canada?
    • Dominique Page
      Good day Louise Thanks for your message. We understand your desire to get a cookstove, they are awesome! Two factors to take into consideration. First, about the emissions. Wood combustion has evolved over the past decade. EPA certified fireboxes burn up to 90% cleaner than non-EPA certified units. Older cookstoves therefore will smoke more than newer EPA certified ones. The other factor is the ULC certification that your home insurance will be looking for. That is also important for your own safety. Keep in mind you are making a fire inside your home. It needs to be safe. In order to find out if the cookstove you want to buy is ULC tested for safety, you need to look for a certification label, similar to this one here: Woodstove certification label Hope this answers your questions. Stay safe and keep warm! Dominique
    • George
      You’re claim that power lines emit and release 70% of the electricity they carry is completely not true. Line losses generate heat, or release of electricity. And the losses are nowhere near 70%. Total losses of transmission and distribution are in the order of 7% http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2010/ph240/harting1/
      • Dominique Page
        Hello Louise Thanks for your message and for sharing the information you found on transmission loss of electricity. You are correct that power lines indeed loose on average 6 to 8% due to resistance for the most part. Although I do not mean to create any debate on this, please allow me to explain where the 70% loss on electricity came from. Natural Gas and Nuclear power plants run at about 33% to 37% efficiency. So if we add 63% loss at the power plant and 7% on the distribution,the 'waste' is roughly 70%. In the USA, over 80% of electricity comes from fossil fuel and nuclear and about 40% in Canada. Hope this helps shed some light on our reasoning. Thanks again for sharing the Standford report. All the best!
  6. Helen Adams
    Hi, I have Bari wood stove that has water damage. It was purchased in 2017. My insurance company has received three quotes. Two are for the newer model and the lowest quote is for the exact model. I believe this model does not comply now with the new 2020 regulation. As this is the cheapest quote I feel my insurance company is pushing to install this. Are they allowed to do this? Is the installation company allowed to install and provide a wet certificate for a stove that does not comply with new regulations. I feel I'm getting the run around and my deductible is high. Thanks
    • Dominique Page
      Hi Helen The Bari continues to be legal in Canada. The two options are good to go. The 2020 regulation had very little impact on Canada. It is an USA one. If you liked the Bari before, the exact match will work the very same. The new one hasn't changed much...to our opinion, they both will perform equally. You will not notice any difference.
  7. Claude Cote
    Rebonjour autre question. Existe t'il un filtre pour les cheminés comme en Suisse ou l'on peu filtré les gaz qui s'en échappent merci Claude Côté
    • Dominique Page
      Non malheureusement, il n'y a pas de filtre pour les cheminées ici au Canada.
  8. David
    Hi Dominique, We are looking to install a stove to replace an open fire, relocating to the corner of the room. I am reviewing your info here and really appreciate your thoughts on the availability & opinion on the Stuv compact 30 H vs the HASE Bari Plus. We are located in BC so your knowledge of the EPA /CSA requirements. We have found a dealer that supply the Stuv which is pretty expensive but not yet the Bari Plus. If we can source either which functions best in terms of environmental considerations. Thanks D.
    • Dominique Page
      Hello David Thanks for reaching out. Both stoves are approved to be used in BC. Both stoves are good. We ourselves prefer the Bari. It is made in Germany and offers a little nicer fit & finish. Not sure where in BC you are from. We do have Member stores in BC. If you click there, it will give you the list of the stores we work with. I would expect the Bari to be more expensive than the STUV. But we never know... All the best!
  9. Jules
    I am looking to purchase a home in Lachute which was built in 2012 with a wood burning fireplace. I currently live in Montreal where they have banned the use of wood burning fireplaces. What is the law in Lachute and if ok to use, do you feel the law will also be implemented in Lachute in a few years time?
    • Dominique Page
      Hello Jules. Thanks for reaching out. The city of Montreal had banned wood fireplaces back in 2009. But the city of Montreal has approved clean wood fireplaces in 2018. They are approved to be installed in Montreal since then. Lachute has never had a ban and has been following the Provincial guidance are explained in the article. Hope this helps! Dominique
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