OK need some of you South of 49 to clear this up

[Frozen Canuck]

Would like those of you that are interested in the EPA ratings for OWB's to read some of the posts (on page 2) in the thread E-classic vs Heatmor response 200ssr. One of the posts stated (correctly) that the heatmor had achieved an efficiency rating of 99%. A few other responders (myself included) took issue with this number, as it is virtually impossible to achieve & at the very least highly undesirable in a wood fired unit. So my question is this: what do those EPA numbers refer to? It cannot be anything usable/real world as I cannot buy a mod/con fossil burner rated that high. At least not on this planet. BTW, mods I understand if you move this or otherwise assign it as it refers to another post. However I really do want to know what those numbers refer to, even if it is just hocus pocus, smoke & mirrors, snake oil.

 

[sgschwend]

Must be a typo, or the reference is to combustion efficiency, which has little value to any and all users. We want heat transfer efficiency, in a temperature range that makes usable hot water while not damaging the stove due to a cold flue.

The EPA test method has been documented and released so you can download a copy to look at.

I posted the response the EPA sent me when asked if they were going to conduct any testing (such as testing indoor units). They said no plans at this time. It is their hope that test will be paid for and run by the appliance owners, they can contract a third part to run the test to obtain an official report that can be summited to the EPA. So what do you think is going to happen, nothing, unless it is required the test will just die. Well, the states will take care of it, maybe so.