Appendix - Additional Resources
B. Definitions
25c: Federal tax code section under which tax credits for efficient appliances (including wood heaters) exist.
Biomass: In general, "biomass" is a very comprehensive term and can include a variety of fuels including wood, wood pellets, ag residues, organic material, algae, MSW, etc...In the residential sector, however, the types of biomass used for heating are typically cordwood, wood pellets, and corn pellets. Herein, the term 'biomass' is meant to include these home heating fuels, while the term 'wood' mainly refers to cordwood, but can more generally refer to cordwood or wood pellets. The term pellets refers to wood and corn pellets. For the full discussion on the 14 different definitions of biomass, see Biomass: Comparison of Definitions in Legislation Through the 111th Congressby the Congressional Research Service1.
Catalytic Wood Stove: Wood stove with a catalytic unit similar to those used to control car emissions.
EPA Exempt Stoves: Stoves that avoid EPA regulation through intentional design features that fall outside of the EPA’s wood stove definition.
Indoor Pellet Boiler: Whole home heating units that operate much like traditional boilers by combusting pellets automatically fed from a large storage bin in order to achieve temperatures controlled by a thermostat.
Indoor Pellet Boiler: Whole home heating units that operate much like traditional boilers by combusting pellets automatically fed from a large storage bin in order to achieve temperatures controlled by a thermostat.
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HPBA: Hearth Patio and Barbeque Association
LIHEAP: Low Income Energy Assistance Program
Masonry Stove: Highly efficient units with a small, powerful firebox and a large masonry mass that absorbs heat and reradiates it throughout the home.
Non-catalytic Wood stove: A wood stove that lacks a catalytic unit, but rather uses preheated air and other design features to regulate emissions.
NSPS: New Source Performance Standards
Outdoor Wood Boiler: Large heating units that are stationed outside the home that deliver heat via hot water. These units typically emit large volumes of opaque smoke due to low combustion rates.
PACE: Property Assessed Clean Energy Loan Program
Pellet Stove: A self-regulating stove that works by feeding a controlled amount densified biomass “pellets” and air into the stove to maintain a constant temperature and efficient burn.
Particulate Matter (PM): A complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets. The main pollutant of concern from wood burning units.
USDA: United States Department of Agriculture
WERC: Wood Education and Resources Center
Wood Stove: General term for home heating devices that heat areas of the home with split wood logs (cord wood)
1 Bracmort K. & Gorte R. Biomass: Comparison of Definitions in Legislation Through the 111th Congress. Congressional Research Service. October 2010.