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Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Have Proper Ventilation

    Scope
    Scope Images
    Image
    Outside air is provided directly to the fireplace
    Scope

    If fireplaces are installed, ensure that ventilation air is provided directly to the fireplace and conduct combustion safety testing to ensure the fireplace will not be backdrafted by other exhaust fans in the home.

    • Meet applicable code requirements for the installed fireplace, woodstove, pellet stove, or masonry heater.
    • For use of a fireplace as a backup heat source during power outages, ensure that

      • Chimney or flue has been cleaned and inspected for cracks, damage, animal debris, and creosote buildup.
      • Damper is open and there is a proper draft before starting a fire.

    See the Compliance Tab for related codes and standards requirements, and criteria to meet national programs such as DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home programENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, and Indoor airPLUS.

    Description
    Description

    A fireplace needs adequate combustion air to function properly and safely. Combustion air can come from inside the home or from outdoors. Like other combustion appliances, fireplaces come in three types: natural-draft, mechanically drafted, and direct-vent sealed-combustion. The first two take all or some of their combustion air from the indoor space. The third, direct-vent sealed-combustion, takes 100% of its combustion air directly from outdoors.

    A direct-vent fireplace has a dedicated combustion air inlet that ducts air from the outside directly to the fireplace box and tight-fitting glass doors across the face of the fireplace opening to prevent room air from being used as combustion air. Direct vent fireplaces are typically gas fueled. Because a direct-vent sealed-combustion fireplace draws its combustion air directly from outdoors, it is not affected by house air tightness or exhaust fan size.

    A direct-vent sealed-combustion fireplace takes its combustion air directly from outside through a dedicated air inlet ducted to the firebox and vents combustion products directly outside.
    Figure 1. A direct-vent sealed-combustion fireplace takes its combustion air directly from outside through a dedicated air inlet ducted to the firebox and vents combustion products directly outside. Tightly fitting glass doors (not shown) cover the firebox combustion chamber and prevent the fireplace from back-drafting.

     

    The mechanically drafted fireplace uses an exhaust fan attached to the top of the chimney. The exhaust fan pulls combustion gases up and out of the chimney while the fireplace is in use. Some, if not all, of the combustion air typically comes from the conditioned space. Mechanically drafted fireplaces are less affected by building air tightness or indoor exhaust fans but they do have the ability to backdraft other naturally drafted appliances.

    Natural-draft fireplaces are the most affected by the combination of building air tightness and mechanical exhaust systems. When a natural-draft fireplace is in full operation or at maximum burn, the natural draft of the fireplace will be hard to overcome; it can move as much as 400 CFM of air up the chimney. Because of the density expansion factor (about 1.6), only about 250 CFM is actually being exhausted out of the building. Nevertheless, it is possible for a natural-draft fireplace, at full burn, to backdraft other natural-draft-vented combustion appliances in the home.

    However, when the chimney is cooler, such as when a fire is just getting started in a cold fireplace or when a fire has burned down or is on a low flame, the natural-draft fireplace is more vulnerable to being backdrafted. During these conditions, a small kitchen or bath exhaust fan (50 CFM) could backdraft the combustion pollutants from the fireplace into the home. To avoid this, install a dedicated combustion air duct to bring outside air directly to the fireplace for combustion air and select a fireplace with tight-fitting glass doors.

    For wood-burning stoves and other appliances EPA implemented the Residential Wood Heater New Source   Performance Standard (NSPS) and two voluntary programs - the Fireplace Program and the Hydronic Heater Program to help improve wood-burning devices and substantially reduce pollutant emissions to the outdoor air while maintaining energy efficiency.

    EPA-Certified wood stoves meet the requirements of the NSPS, which has governed the manufacture and sale of wood stoves and certain wood-burning fireplace inserts based on emissions testing since 1988. EPA-Qualified appliances, such as wood fireplaces and wood hydronic heaters, meet emission levels set by EPA’s Voluntary Fireplace and Hydronic Heater Programs. An EPA-certified appliance must adhere to regulatory emission requirements established by EPA, while appliances that meet the voluntary emission standards set by EPA are considered "EPA-qualified."

    EPA-Certified wood stoves typically use up to one-third less firewood than older, less-efficient stoves. When wood is not completely burned, a complex mixture of gases and particles is created and emitted as wood smoke. In EPA-certified stoves, most of the wood is burned, resulting in more heat for the home from the same amount of wood. EPA-certified wood stoves are designed with better insulation and improved airflow, which promotes more efficient combustion. This overall improved combustion process reduces the risks of producing pollutants from incomplete combustion, which could leak from the appliance itself directly into the indoor environment. Additionally, as more gases and particles are burned inside the stove, less smoke and fewer chemical and particulate pollutants are emitted from the vent stack or chimney into the ambient outdoor atmosphere. This helps improve outdoor air quality and reduces the amount of pollutants that could be drawn back into the home (or neighboring homes) through imperfect air barriers or other openings in the building envelope.

    EPA maintains and periodically revises the list of EPA-Certified and EPA-Qualified wood-burning appliances to help housing professionals and homeowners make better purchasing decisions. The listed models have been tested and shown to burn cleaner and more efficiently than other, similar models. Any wood stove or fireplace that meets the requirements of the EPA Certified or EPA Qualified designation are identified with metal tags. See the References/Additional Information section below for lists of EPA-certified wood stoves and EPA-qualified wood hydronic heaters and wood fireplaces.

    The Washington State Department of Ecology publishes Wood Stoves, Fireplaces, Pellet Stoves, and Masonry Heaters along with a list of wood stoves compliant with Washington state standards.

    How to Test for Proper Ventilation of Natural-Draft Fireplaces

    1. If installing a natural-draft fireplace, install a dedicated combustion air duct that brings outside air directly into the firebox. Install a fireplace that has tight-fitting glass doors across the face of the fireplace opening.
    2. The rater will verify that the total net rated exhaust flow of the two largest exhaust fans is ≤ 15 CFM per 100 ft2 of occupiable space.
      • Calculate the total occupiable space of the house. Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010, occupiable space is any enclosed space inside the pressure boundary and intended for human activities, including, but not limited to, all habitable spaces, toilets, closets, halls, storage and utility areas, and laundry areas.
      • Calculate the net rated exhaust flow of the two largest exhaust fans. Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010 and published addenda, the term “net-exhaust flow” is defined as flow through an exhaust system minus the compensating outdoor air flow through any supply system that is interlocked to the exhaust system. Add together the rated exhaust flow of the two largest exhaust fans in the home. Subtract the air flow of any dedicated supply ventilation.
      • Verify the total net rated exhaust flow is less than or equal to 15 CFM per 100 ft2 of occupiable space:
        15 CFM per 100 ft2 (Largest Fan Rated Flow) CFM + (Second Largest Fan Rated Flow) CFM - (Supply Outdoor Air Intake) CFM ) / (Occupiable Space) ft.2
    Success
    Ensuring Success

    If a fireplace is installed, make sure it has adequate ventilation. If the fireplace is naturally drafted, the rater must verify that the total net rated exhaust flow of the two largest exhaust fans is <= 15 CFM per 100 ft2 of occupiable space.

    Climate
    Climate

    Winter Weather/Power Outage

    For use of a fireplace as a backup heat source during power outages, ensure that

    • Chimney or flue has been cleaned and inspected for cracks, damage, animal debris, and creosote buildup.
    • Damper is open and there is a proper draft before starting a fire.

     Depending on the climate zone of the building, a secondary heat source is perhaps the easiest way to increase resiliency during a severe winter weather event. In climate zones 4 and 5, a secondary heat source would only be used in an emergency but may still be worth the investment. In climate zones 6 through 8, a secondary heat source will be useful not only in emergencies, but in normal winter operations during extended periods of cold. In climate zones 7 through 9, where winter temperatures can become quite dangerous, it is an unnecessary risk for a home to depend on only one heat source. The secondary heat source for the building should not require the same fuel type as the primary heat source. In rural areas, a sealed wood-burning appliance can provide heat during severe winter weather events without the need for electricity. Several models of wood stoves and masonry heaters are ENERGY STAR labeled. Modern wood-burning stoves should be directly vented. Older style open-hearth fireplaces are not as effective nor as safe. Other options for secondary heat sources are non-electric pellet stoves and direct-vent non-electric gas heaters. Many pellet stoves, gas stoves, and gas fireplaces use electricity for starting or for blowers. Ensure that your appliance can be started and operated without electricity. Note that some gas stoves for cooking also require an electric starter; look for models that can be started manually.

    In existing homes, older open-hearth fireplaces should be inspected to ensure they have not been blocked by prior owners and that the chimney flues are operational. Chimneys should be cleaned to remove debris and creosote that may have accumulated over time and that can lead to chimney fires. Older fireplaces can be fitted with efficient sealed combustion inserts that will improve safety and performance. 

    Training
    Right and Wrong Images
    Image
    Right – Home owner guidance for safe operation of fireplaces
    Right – Home owner guidance for safe operation of fireplaces
    Image
    Wrong – If a fireplace is desired, install a vented model not an unvented model.
    Wrong – If a fireplace is desired, install a vented model not an unvented model.
    Image
    Right - The high-efficiency wood stove is located on an interior wall in this home to provide a secondary heating source in cold climates.
    Right - The high-efficiency wood stove is located on an interior wall in this home to provide a secondary heating source in cold climates.
    Videos
    Publication Date
    Author(s)
    Washington Department of Ecology
    Organization(s)
    Washington Department of Ecology
    Description
    This video shows home owners how to operate their wood stoves more efficiently to get more heat with up to one-third less wood.
    Publication Date
    Author(s)
    Misiuk,
    Givens
    Organization(s)
    Cold Climate Housing Research Center,
    CCHRC
    Description
    Video describing the design and installation of a masonry heater retrofit project in Fairbanks, Alaska.
    Compliance

    Compliance

    The Compliance tab contains both program and code information. Code language is excerpted and summarized below. For exact code language, refer to the applicable code, which may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

     

    ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, Version 3/3.1 (Rev. 11)

    National Rater Field Checklist

    HVAC System.
    10. Combustion Appliances.
    10.2 Fireplaces are mechanically drafted or direct-vented. Alternatives in Footnote 67. 64, 65, 67

    Footnote 64) The pressure boundary is the primary enclosure boundary separating indoor and outdoor air. For example, a volume that has more leakage to outside than to conditioned space would be outside the pressure boundary.

    Footnote 65) Per the 2009 International Mechanical Code, a direct-vent appliance is one that is constructed and installed so that all air for combustion is derived from the outdoor atmosphere and all flue gases are discharged to the outside atmosphere; a mechanical draft system is a venting system designed to remove flue or vent gases by mechanical means consisting of an induced draft portion under non-positive static pressure or a forced draft portion under positive static pressure; and a natural draft system is a venting system designed to remove flue or vent gases under nonpositive static vent pressure entirely by natural draft.

    Footnote 67) This item only applies to fireplaces located within the home’s pressure boundary. Naturally drafted fireplaces are allowed within the home’s pressure boundary if the Rater has verified that the total net rated exhaust flow of the two largest exhaust fans (excluding summer cooling fans) is ≤ 15 CFM per 100 sq. ft. of occupiable space when at full capacity. If the net exhaust flow exceeds the allowable limit, it shall be reduced or compensating outdoor airflow provided. Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010, the term “net rated exhaust flow” is defined as flow through an exhaust fan minus the compensating outdoor airflow through any supply fan that is interlocked to the exhaust fan. Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010, the term “occupiable space” is defined as any enclosed space inside the pressure boundary and intended for human activities, including, but not limited to, all habitable spaces, toilets, closets, halls, storage and utility areas, and laundry areas. See Footnote 51 for the definition of “habitable spaces”.

    Please see the ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes Implementation Timeline for the program version and revision currently applicable in your state.

     

    DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (Revision 07)

    Exhibit 1 Mandatory Requirements.
    Exhibit 1, Item 1) Certified under the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Program or the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program.
    Exhibit 1, Item 6) Certified under EPA Indoor airPLUS.

     

    EPA Indoor airPLUS (Revision 04)

    5.1 Combustion Equipment Located in Conditioned Spaces.

    • Mechanically draft or direct vent all gas- and oil-fired furnaces, boilers and water heaters located in conditioned spaces. Naturally drafted equipment is allowed in Climate Zones 1-3 if the Rater has followed the combustion safety test procedures in Section 805 of the RESNET Standard (ENERGY STAR requirement).
    • Fireplaces that are not mechanically drafted or direct-vented to the outdoors must meet maximum allowed exhaust flow (ENERGY STAR requirement).
    • Do not install any unvented combustion space-heating or decorative appliances within conditioned space.
    • Ensure that all fireplaces and other fuel-burning and spaceheating appliances located in conditioned spaces are vented to the outdoors and supplied with adequate combustion and ventilation air according to the manufacturers' installation instructions.
    • Meet the following energy efficiency and emissions standards and restrictions for all fireplaces and other fuel-burning and space-heating appliances located in conditioned spaces: 
      • Traditional masonry fireplaces designed for open fires are not permitted, with the exception of "masonry heaters" as defined by ASTM E1602 and section 2112.1 of the 2012 International Building Code (i.e., fireplaces engineered to store and release substantial portions of heat generated from a rapid burn).
      • Factory-built wood-burning fireplaces shall meet the certification requirements of UL 127 and shall have tightfitting, gasketed glass doors and a dedicated outside air supply. Advisory: Factory-built wood burning fireplaces qualified under EPA's BurnWise Program are recommended. 
      • Wood stove and fireplace inserts as defined in section 3.8 of UL 1482 shall meet the certification requirements of that standard, AND they shall meet the emission requirements of the EPA’s New Source Performance Standards for new residential wood heaters.
      • Pellet stoves shall meet the requirements of ASTM E1509 AND they shall meet the emission requirements of the EPA New Source Performance Standards for new residential wood heaters.
      • Natural gas and propane fireplaces shall have a permanently affixed glass front or gasketed door, and be power vented or direct vented in accordance with ANSI Z21.88/CSA 2.33. Decorative gas logs as defined in ANSI Z21.84/CSA 2.33 are not permitted.

    Note: Unfinished basements and crawlspaces (except raised pier foundations with no walls) and attached garages that are airsealed to the outside and intended for use as work or living space, are considered “conditioned spaces” for the purpose of this requirement.

     

    EPA New Source Performance Standards

    Federal emission standards established by EPA as required by Section 111 of the Clear Air Act. These standards set limits for source categories that cause or contribute significantly to air pollution. These standards are intended to promote use of the best air pollution control technologies, taking into account the cost of such technology and any other non-air quality, health, and environmental impact and energy requirements.

     

    2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

    Wood-burning fireplaces should have doors with gaskets and should have outdoor combustion air.

    2012, 20152018, and 2021 IECC

    Wood-burning fireplaces should have tight-fitting flue dampers and should have outdoor combustion air.

    Retrofit:  2009, 2012, 2015, 2018,  and 2021 IECC

    Section R101.4.3 (in 2009 and 2012). Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall conform to the provisions of this code, without requiring the unaltered portions of the existing building to comply with this code. (See code for additional requirements and exceptions.)

    Chapter 5 (in 2015, 2018, 2021). The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration, repair, addition, and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures.

     

    National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211: Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances, 2013 Edition

    This standard by the National Fire Protection Association provides guidelines for construction projects involving chimneys, fireplaces, venting systems, and solid fuel-burning appliances.

     

    American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 62.2-2010, ASHRAE 62.2-2013, and ASHRAE 62.2-2016

    Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings.  The standard applies to spaces intended for human occupancy in single-family homes and multifamily homes that are three stories or less, including manufactured and modular homes.  The standard provides minimum acceptable requirements for mechanical and natural ventilation in these spaces.

    Retrofit
    Existing Homes

    When conducting renovation work in older homes, identify any fireplaces or wood stoves located in the home and determine whether they are natural draft, mechanically drafted (with an exhaust fan at the top of the chimney), or direct vent (having an outside air source that brings outside air directly to the firebox). If the home has natural draft fireplaces and other renovation work will be done in the home that includes air sealing and insulating, a home energy rater should test the fireplaces after the renovation work is completed (as described in the Description tab) to verify that the fireplace’s ability to exhaust will not be overcome by other depressurization forces in the home. Consider upgrades to the fireplace such as installing an outside air vent and tight-fitting doors or a sealed combustion fireplace insert. These changes would improve the safety and efficiency of the fireplace.  

    For more information on combustion appliances, please see the assessment guide, Pre-Retrofit Assessment of Combustion Appliances.

    The U.S. Department of Energy’s Standard Work Specifications has additional information on combustion appliances.

    See Compliance tab. 

    More

    More Info.

    Access to some references may require purchase from the publisher. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.

    Case Studies
    Author(s)
    Gas Technology Institute,
    University of Minnesota
    Organization(s)
    NSTAR,
    PARR,
    NorthernSTAR
    Publication Date
    Description
    Case study describing a method for evaluating safe installation and operation of combustion appliances in homes undergoing energy efficiency upgrades where indoor air is used for combustion and venting.
    References and Resources*
    Author(s)
    International Code Council
    Organization(s)
    ICC
    Publication Date
    Description
    2009 edition of code establishing minimum regulations for mechanical systems, including heating, cooling, ventilation, exhaust, ducts, fireplaces, combustion and hydronic systems, using prescriptive and performance-related provisions.
    Author(s)
    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Organization(s)
    EPA
    Publication Date
    Description
    Document outlining specifications that were developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to recognize new homes equipped with a comprehensive set of indoor air quality (IAQ) features.
    Author(s)
    Washington State Department of Ecology
    Organization(s)
    Washington State Department of Ecology
    Publication Date
    Description
    This web site has information about burn bans, which wood burning devices are legal in Washington, why wood smoke is harmful to health, and how to reduce the smoke from your wood burning device.
    Author(s)
    American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers
    Organization(s)
    ASHRAE,
    American National Standards Institute,
    ANSI
    Publication Date
    Description
    Standard that defines the roles of and minimum requirements for mechanical and natural ventilation systems and the building envelope intended to provide acceptable indoor air quality in low-rise residential buildings. This version of the standard was published in the year 2010, and is available for...
    Author(s)
    American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers
    Organization(s)
    ASHRAE,
    American National Standards Institute,
    ANSI
    Publication Date
    Description
    Standard that defines the roles of and minimum requirements for mechanical and natural ventilation systems and the building envelope intended to provide acceptable indoor air quality in low-rise residential buildings. This version of the standard was published in the year 2013, and is available for...
    Author(s)
    American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers
    Organization(s)
    ASHRAE
    Publication Date
    Description
    Standard that defines the roles of and minimum requirements for mechanical and natural ventilation systems and the building envelope intended to provide acceptable indoor air quality in low-rise residential buildings. This version of the standard was published in the year 2016, and is available for...
    Author(s)
    EPA
    Organization(s)
    EPA
    Publication Date
    Description
    A list of EPA-certified wood-burning appliances for home heating for a range of budgets.
    Author(s)
    EPA
    Organization(s)
    EPA
    Publication Date
    Description
    A list of EPA federal regulations regarding stationary sources of air pollution.
    Author(s)
    Gromicko
    Organization(s)
    International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
    Publication Date
    Description
    Document outlining important safety considerations of ventless fireplaces.
    *For non-dated media, such as websites, the date listed is the date accessed.
    Contributors to this Guide

    The following authors and organizations contributed to the content in this Guide.

    Sales
    Building Science Measures
    Building Science-to-Sales Translator

    Proper Ventilated Fireplaces = Ventilated Fireplace

    Image(s)
    Technical Description

    Ventilated fireplaces typically burn natural gas or propane and use a vent to bring outside combustion air directly into the firebox. These fireplaces have tight-fitting glass doors across their face to prevent conditioned room air from being used as combustion air and then expelled through the flue. Consuming room air for combustion may deplete oxygen levels in the home and pull conditioned air out of the home. Exhaust gases are vented up a chimney or out a side wall. These closed-combustion systems are much less likely to experience spillage of combustion gases into the home. This improves both health and comfort while eliminating odors.

    Ventilated Fireplace
    Sales Message

    Ventilated fireplaces help ensure dangerous by-products from burning fossil fuel cannot back-draft into homes. What this means to you is your family can breathe better every day knowing your home is equipped to help manage a critical respiratory contaminant. Wouldn’t you agree protecting health is too important to ignore in new homes?

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