Models must be tested by an accredited independent laboratory per the guidelines set forth in the 2015 Residential Wood Combustion New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), and under the Voluntary Fireplace partnership agreement. EPA has sole responsibility for qualifying models under the hydronic heater and fireplace programs.

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Because of uncertainties associated with the previous Test Method 28 OWHH, EPA, states, manufacturers, and laboratories spent several months revising this method in 2011 and have made several improvements, including:

1. Efficiency calculation uses calibrated flow meter and temperature thermophiles on the load side;

2. Increased data readings from every 10 minutes to every minutes;

3. Increased moisture readings from three to five;

4. Use CSA B415.1 stack loss method to check appropriateness of the overall efficiency calculation;

5. Changed the HHV default to 8600 BTUS/LB or using ASTM E711, and LHV default to 7938BTU/LB.

The revised method is Test Method 28 WHH for Measurement of Particulate Emissions and Heating Efficiency of Wood-Fired Hydronic Heating Appliances. The method can be used to test both indoor and outdoor models.

Fireplace Test Method Information

EPA’s Voluntary Fireplace Program qualifies models achieving a particulate matter emission level of 5.1 g/kg.To qualify a fireplace, program partners must adhere to the test methods outlined in the partnership agreement. Fireplaces will be tested using ASTM methods E2558 and E2515, and the test procedure in the test guidelines for determining “worst case” operating conditions.

Dirigo Laboratories, Inc.
11785 SW Highway 212-Suite 305
Clackamas, Oregon 97015-9050
(503)-650-0088

Intertek Testing Services NA Inc.
(formerly Warnock Hersey)
8431 Murphy Drive
Middleton, Wisconsin 53562
(608) 836-4400

Intertek Testing Services NA LTD.
1829 32^nd Avenue
Lachine, Quebec H8T-3J1
(514) 631-3100

Intertek Testing Services NA LTD.
22887 NE Townsend Way
Fairview, Oregon 97024
(503)-676-2311

MiCOM Labs, Inc.
556 Avenue Lepine Dorval
QC, Canada H9P2V6
(514)-633-0078

Myren Consulting, Inc.
512 Williams Lake Road
Colville, WA 99114
(509)-684-1154
(509)-685-9458

OMNI-Test Laboratories, Inc.
13327 NE Airport Way
Portland, Oregon 97230
(503) 643-3788

Services Polytests, Inc.
695 B Gaudette Street
St-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Quebec, Canada J3B 7S7
(450)-741-3636

For more detailed information on test method procedures and guidelines, download the Fireplace Partnership Agreement (PDF)(28pp, 435k).