×
Back Button

Are Kresno Wood Stoves CSA Approved?

Frances Burks

The Canadian Standards Association tests and certifies products based on national and international performance and safety standards. The CSA certifies products sold in the United States and Canada. Some Kresno wood-burning stoves available for sale are more than 20 years old, and they’re too old to meet current standards set by the CSA and government agencies.

Kresno Stoves

Powrmatic of Canada filed for a U.S. federal trademark for Kresno fireplaces and stoves in 1979, and the trademark was cancelled in 2002. You may now only find Kresno wood-burning stoves sold through classified ads taken out by people who want to sell their old stoves. You're unlikely to find an old Kresno stove with a current CSA certification because manufacturers must meet the latest standards to maintain certifications for their products.

Air Quality Standards

You may not be able to use an old Kresno stove even if you're willing to buy one without a CSA certification. The California Energy Commission warns consumers to ensure wood stoves meet local air quality regulations before buying them. The commission notes that some areas regulate the use of stoves to meet federal clean air standards. In some cases, residents may not be able to install wood stoves if they don’t meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.

Building Inspection

Old Kresno wood stoves also may not pass inspections required by your local building department. A building inspector should evaluate any wood stove that's installed in your home to ensure it meets safety requirements before you begin using it. Operating a wood stove without following inspection and safety standards would probably prevent you from filing a claim with your insurance provider if the stove causes a fire.

Considerations

"The Western Star" newspaper in Newfoundland reports that CSA certifications for wood stoves may be insufficient in some circumstances. For example, CSA-certified stoves may be installed 18 inches from the nearest combustible structure. However, the newspaper noted that some insurance companies require more clearance between wood-burning stoves and combustibles. Other insurers may have additional requirements that exceed standards for wood stoves with CSA certifications.