Wood-Fired Furnaces in Philipstown Restricted to Certain Months
By Elena Castriota – Last Wednesday, the Phillipstown Town Board voted in favor of an amendment that will impose time of operation restrictions on pre-existing wood-fired furnaces. The law applies only to pre-existing furnaces, not wood stoves or fireplaces. This amendment comes after countless complaints from town residents tired of inconsiderate neighbors with the wood-fired furnaces, according to the board.
According to the amendment, “Any wood-fired furnace in existence as of the effective date of this Chapter, which has received a permit from the Town, shall be permitted to remain, provided that the emissions from the furnace do not interfere with reasonable enjoyment of life or property and, further, provided that such wood-fired furnaces shall be operated only between November 1 and April 15.” It was passed unanimously.
The difference between the old and new law is that the new law applies to pre-existing wood-fired furnaces, as well as new ones. Previously, it only applied to new furnaces.
Wood-fired furnaces, or “hydronic heaters,” are located outdoors or small sheds with smokestacks that burn wood in order to provide heat or hot water to a home, barn or greenhouse. They are sometimes located in garages and the law will apply to both indoor and outdoor heaters.
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