Wood-fired Boilers (legal to install and use AS OF JUNE 15, 2009)

As fuel prices rise, people look for ways to save on the costs of heating their homes.  Recently, using wood-fired/small wood boilers has become increasingly popular.  Laws in Maryland now allow these boilers to be sold, installed and used if they meet recently adopted air pollution standards.  Existing units are “grandfathered” and may be used until 2014.  Manufacturers are required to place a permanent label on approved units that shows:

1.      Month and year of manufacture

2.      Model number or name

3.      Serial number

4.      Date of certification

5.      Thermal output rating in million Btu per hour

6.     Results of emission standard testing for particulate matter in pounds per million Btu

It is the owner’s responsibility to operate the boiler properly.  This means that the units must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements and only clean wood or clean wood pellets can be burned.  Burning such things as treated wood, garbage, plastics, waste oil, and other non-approved materials is prohibited.  Not only do such materials create air pollution even in approved furnaces but they also can damage the interior of furnaces and reduce their life expectancies.

Improper use or maintenance of small wood boilers can create a nuisance.  If the Health Department receives a valid complaint about one of these units, we will refer it to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).  Penalties of up to $25,000 can be assessed if MDE takes the matter to court.

The bottom line is that a homeowner should consider all the requirements and potential problems associated with these units before considering buying or installing one.  If you would like more information concerning the requirements for these units, you may call MDE at (410) 537-3215 or the Carroll County Health Department.