EPA's Hydronic Heaters Program
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Phase 2 White TagWhen buying a hydronic heater, look for the white tag. The Phase 2 white tag is for qualified models that are about 90% cleaner than unqualified models. Full Size Version (PDF) |
Phase 1 Orange TagThe Phase 1 orange tag means the model pollutes about 70% less than unqualified models.
Full Size Version (PDF) |
EPA Hydronic Heaters Program
The hydronic heaters program encourages manufacturers to improve air quality
through developing and distributing cleaner, more efficient hydronic heaters. This program
will achieve emission reductions and protect public health sooner than a federal rule.
Information for Consumers
- Look for the Phase 2 white tag (about 90 percent cleaner) (PDF) (1pg, 281k) or the Phase 1 orange tag (about 70 percent cleaner) (PDF) (1pg, 277k) when purchasing a hydronic heater
- Understanding the white tag
- Understanding the orange tag
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) (5pp, 44k)
Information for Manufacturers
How a manufacturer can participate in the Hydronic Heater Program:
- sign a Partnership Agreement (PDF) (51pp, 408k) with EPA to bring cleaner hydronic heater models to the market
- use a descriptive hang tag (PDF) (1pg, 281k) on heaters that provides information on smoke emissions for particular hydronic heater models
- display information about the voluntary program in hydronic heater sales areas
- include text in each qualifying owner’s manual on proper operation and maintenance of the hydronic heater including how and what to burn
- submit sales and test data on improved hydronic heaters
In order to assist the manufacturing partners, EPA provides program support to encourage the purchase of cleaner, more efficient hydronic heater models. As part of the program, EPA provides:
- text labels that identify which models meet EPA program requirements
- outreach and educational materials
If you're a manufacturer and would like to participate in the program, email wood.gil@epa.gov.
Hydronic Heaters Model Rule
EPA provided technical and financial support for the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) to develop a model rule that states, tribes and local authorities may elect to use, in whole or in part, if they choose to regulate hydronic heaters. The model rule contains the following components for both new and existing hydronic heaters:
- emission limits
- setback requirements from property lines, structures, people
- stack height requirements
- instructions for proper operation and maintenance
- labels
- notice to buyers