Over the past fifty years, wood stoves and wood inserts have undergone significant transformations, particularly in the pursuit of enhanced efficiency. The 1970s marked the introduction of the "air tight" wood stove, a design shift focusing on controlling combustion air intake instead of using a damper in the stove pipe to regulate exhaust.
The energy crises in the late 1970s saw a surge in the popularity of wood inserts, leading to their widespread production. Numerous small town welding shops across America began manufacturing and selling these inserts, often directly from trucks in public spaces. However, these early models were generally untested, potentially unsafe, and not environmentally friendly, reflecting a time when safety concerns were not as paramount as they are today. Consequently, few of these early models remain in use.
Subsequent years brought increased regulation and mandatory testing. UL testing emerged as the benchmark for establishing safe clearances and proper venting. Innovations like the secondary burn system, which included catalytic burners, were developed to re-burn smoke before it left the stove. In 2020, the EPA imposed stricter regulations on efficiency and emissions, leading to the creation of the cleanest burning, most efficient wood stoves and inserts to date.
Many of these modern appliances even qualify for federal income tax credits.
Despite these technological advancements, the fundamental way we use these appliances has largely remained unchanged. As with any tool, proper usage is key to achieving optimal performance.