Summary

SECTION 7.1

RESIDENTIAL WOOD COMBUSTION

(This page last updated on October 12, 2015)

Emission Inventory Source Category: Miscellaneous Processes / Residential Fuel Consumption / Residential Wood Combustion 

Method Summary: This methodology is used to estimate criteria pollutant emissions from fireplaces and wood stoves (which includes fireplace inserts and pellet stoves). The calculation method utilizes firewood consumption estimates from local and national surveys and updated emission factors from the U.S. EPA National Emission Inventory and other studies.   

Changes in Methodology: The 1997 version of this methodology estimated emissions from burning cord wood in fireplaces and wood stoves based on 1993 activity data for SJV and 1991 for the remainder of the state. This revised methodology provides emission estimates for cord wood, bundle wood, artificial/manufactured wax/sawdust logs, compressed sawdust logs, and pellets, based on 2005 activity data for all regions in the state. In addition, the types of devices now include fireplaces, wood stoves, fireplace inserts, and pellet stoves.

Activity Data Source: Firewood consumption estimates by county were developed using one of two approaches.  The preferred method, which relies on local surveys of firewood usage, was used primarily for areas in Northern and Central California where residential wood combustion is more prevalent.  An alternative method, which uses U.S. Census Bureau data, was employed for areas where local survey data was not available.

Emission Factor Source: Default values for emission factors were updated to reflect data used by U.S. EPA to develop the 2002 National Emission Inventory and information from other wood combustion studies.

Temporal Data:  ARB staff developed a default temporal profile that assumes that most residential wood burning occurs during the cold season (from early fall to mid-spring).  However, several districts have submitted temporal profiles for their region that differ from the ARB default.

Growth Parameter: Default growth parameters for fireplace and woodstove emissions are based on historical residential wood combustion survey data and residential wood burning forecasts from the U.S. Energy Information Agency.  However, some districts have submitted alternative growth data based on local information and updated rules that limit growth of wood-burning appliances.

Date of Last Update: July 2011

2005 Statewide Emissions Summary 
(Annual Average Tons/Day, Uncontrolled)

Click to download the full methodology (354 KB) in PDF format

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