True North

True North Buyer's Guide

True North Stove in a modern home

Are you searching for an environmentally-friendly stove? With growing concern for carbon emissions, many are opting for more clean-burning solutions. True North Stoves specializes in highly efficient wood and gas heating. Purchasing a stove that meets the new EPA 2020 regulations is important not only for lower emissions but as an investment in your home.

For those of you who have been doing more interesting things than researching EPA regulations, here's a quick summary of how they've evolved.

The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to issue standards for "stationary sources of pollution". In other words, they regulate how much pollution your stove can make.

These regulations have gotten stricter as technology continues to improve. The most recent New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) went into effect in May 2020. The regulations apply to all new stove sales, so you're not suddenly illegal if you own a stove you bought in 2002.

However, an up-to-date EPA certified stove is an important factor when it comes to buying or selling a home or doing renovations. Some states even offer incentives such as tax deductions for replacing uncertified stoves.

So what does all that have to do with True North Stoves? Glad you asked.

Why Consider True North Stoves?

True North has been in business for over 40-years and they make it their mission to offer clean-burning wood and gas heating appliances. Their stove designs are manufactured right here in the U.S. by Pacific Energy and offer quality at an affordable price.

True North's wood, pellet, and gas stoves meet all the most current EPA standards including the less than 2 gram per hour emissions rate. All EPA-compliant wood stoves will have a label on the stove, and the new ones should also have a hanging tag with a summary of their emissions. Using innovative technology, they were also able to reach the emissions goals on their wood stoves and inserts without using a catalyst.

EPA 2020 label

Catalytic-free technology means the stoves and inserts require less maintenance and are easier to operate. There's nothing wrong with having a catalyst, per se, but catalytic models tend to be less user-friendly, and they require more maintenance.

Now with the ability to make non-catalytic stoves highly efficient, you can enjoy excellent efficiency and air quality without having to worry about replacing catalysts.

Their new designs also have cleaner glass fronts so you can make the most of the charming flames.

Burning the Right Fuel

We can't emphasize enough how important it is to burn the right fuel. Without proper fuel and safety practices, you will sabotage even a low-emissions stove. Start by reading the manual for your stove or insert, since it will provide specific information about what type of fuel it is safe to use.

PFI Certified label

For example, not all pellet fuel is created equal. Some have added binders and impurities that aren't ideal for your stove. The Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) has a standards program to help you identify quality pellet fuel that will help keep your low-emissions stove burning cleanly. Look for the PFI symbol to know you're buying good quality fuel!

Never, ever, ever burn trash, painted wood, or treated lumber in a wood stove! Doing so could release harmful chemicals into your home or badly damage your stove. Instead, use dry, seasoned wood according to the recommendations from the manufacturer.

Pay attention to the ordinances and regulations of your state. Even with an EPA 2020 certified stove, there may still be restrictions depending on fire advisories.

True North Product Line

Let's jump into the product lineup. For starters, all of the following are EPA 2020 certified with catalytic-free technology. You can choose from wood, gas, or pellet fuel, and you also have the option of selecting a standalone stove or an insert for an existing fireplace.

Wood Stoves

True North TN10 Wood Stove

• Model - TN10 Wood Stove
• Efficiency - 78.3%
• Emission - 1.4g/hr
• BTU Output - 30K

FEATURES: The TN10 wood stove works well for small rooms due to its compact size and comparatively low BTU output. It's also mobile home approved! It is designed with a cast-iron door and an air wash system that helps keep the front glass nice and clean. Another bonus is that it can be set up to use either inside or outside air for combustion, depending on your preference and setup.

True North TN20 Wood Stove

• Model - TN20 Wood Stove
• Efficiency - 72.7%
• Emission - 1.6g/hr
• BTU Output - 60K

FEATURES: Constructed from 10-gauge steel, the TN20 has twice the BTU rating and is capable of heating much larger spaces than the TN10. Even though it produces more heat, it is still mobile home approved. Like the TN10, it also has an air wash system to keep the front glass clean. It is available with legs or a pedestal base.

Wood Insert

True North TN20 Wood Insert

• Model - TN20 Wood Insert
• Efficiency - 73%
• Emission - 1.6g/hr
• BTU Output - 55K

FEATURES: The TN20 wood insert is similar to the TN20 standalone wood stove, but it is designed to install in an existing fireplace. The design features a gasketed cast iron door and single-lever air control to adjust the flow of air to the fire. Both the TN20 stove and the TN20 insert give you the option of using either indoor or outdoor air for combustion. The insert comes with an optional surround to cover the gap between the insert and the wall of the existing fireplace.

Pellet Stove

True North TN40 Pellet Stove

• Model - TN40 Pellet Stove
• Efficiency - 78.9%
• Emission - 1.36g/hr
• BTU Output - 40K

FEATURES: In addition to a clean burn and low-emissions, the pellet stove enables you to use biofuel to heat your home. It's designed for simple operation and maintenance with digital controls, easy-open hopper, and a self-cleaning burn pot. When equipped with a thermostat, you can set it to automatically regulate the temperature in your home.

These units are mobile home approved and also come with the option of black metallic legs or a pedestal.

Pellet Insert

True North TN40 Pellet Insert

• Model - TN40 Pellet Insert
• Efficiency - 73%
• Emission - .69g/hr
• BTU Output - 36K

FEATURES: This sleek, durable insert transforms an existing traditional fireplace into an efficient pellet burning heater. It's made from heavy-gauge steel and designed so you can still enjoy a wide viewing area of the flames. Like its standalone counterpart, the pellet insert is mobile home approved and easy to operate with digital controls. It also comes with an oversized surround to cover any gaps, airwash technology to keep the front glass clean, and the option of thermostat control.

Gas Stove

True North TN24 Gas Stove

• Model - TN24 Stove
• Efficiency - 74.4%
• Emission - 1.6g/hr
• BTU Output - 24K

FEATURES: This is a great option for mid-sized rooms and will work with a rear vent or minimal vertical venting. You can order this model in either natural gas or propane depending on your preference. The viewing window offers a great view of the flames and the subtle micro-mesh screen offers safety protection without sacrificing aesthetic. It also comes with remote control for easy operation.

International distributors

World globe in a hand

True North Stoves are manufactured here in the United States, but they have international distributors throughout the world. Their international distributors include Australia, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Korea, Latvia/Lithuania/Estonia, Slovakia, and Spain.

Which Stove is Right For My Home?

Finding the right stove is dependent on so many factors and preferences. You can start by choosing your fuel. Gas fuel is the most convenient for those who already have a gas supply to their home. Others might not have easy access to gas, may instead have a plentiful supply of wood, or simply enjoy traditional wood-burning stoves.

True North fireplace insert installed in a home

Pellet stoves tend to be more expensive than regular wood burning stoves, but they offer an added degree of automation that makes your life easier.

Another consideration is the size of the area you want to heat. When it comes to comparing heat output, most stoves and inserts are measured by BTU. Generally speaking, the more BTU, the more square footage the stove will heat.