Are Gas Stoves Being Banned?

Recent news about the U.S. Department of Energy’s proposed regulations on gas stove efficiency sparked rumors and outcry around both the U.S. and Canada about the possibility of “gas stove bans.” While that’s not entirely true, at least for now, it does serve as an important reminder about the importance of ventilation for all types of cooking.

According to EnergyWire, the proposed regulation would limit annual energy consumption for gas stoves to 1,204 BTUs and would prohibit stoves with a linear power supply. The publication estimates this would mean 50% of today’s stove models would not comply. The requirements are not an outright ban, which means manufacturers can adjust their appliances to meet the standard going forward.

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) also recently was thought to be proposing a ban on gas stoves.

However, CPSC Chair Alexander Hoehn-Sariccountered in a statement that he is not looking to ban gas stoves: “CPSC is researching gas emissions in stoves and exploring new ways to address health risks. … And later this spring, we will be asking the public to provide us with information about gas stove emissions and potential solutions for reducing any associated risks.”

In Canada, government body Health Canada hasn’t indicated it will pursue similar bans, but told CTV News in a statement that it has robust legislative frameworks in place to protect the public and has conducted studies to assess pollutant levels derived from gas stove usage, which it uses to provide IAQ guidelines. But similar to the U.S., localized efforts are forming: In Montreal, the city’s water, environment, and sustainable development commission has recommended banning gas stoves, among other recommendations, as part of a push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“A 2020 study released by RMI, a nonprofit organization that focuses on energy resources, found that nitrogen dioxide emissions from gas stoves—which are included in 35% of homes in the U.S.—can result in damaged lungs, irritated airways and increased risk of asthma, particularly in children,” Forbes reported. The American Gas Association pushed back, saying the study used flawed methodology.

Whether the home has a gas stove or not, the cooking process itself contributes to indoor air pollution, releasing grease, oils, smoke, moisture, and other particulates and pollutants. A Health Canada study reported that particulate matter can be 65 times higher than background levels following cooking activities.

Regardless of the type of stove, it’s essential that kitchens be equipped with a range hood that exhausts to the outdoors. And, of course, it’s equally essential that homeowners use their vent hoods every time they cook.

The California Air Resources Board and Health Canada also recommend using the back burners when possible, which are located more directly under the range hood.

Along with the kitchen exhaust, builders should install a makeup air system. As previously reported on our blog, an exhaust fan can only remove as much air from the home as is permitted via infiltration. This means that in today’s tighter, more energy efficient homes, the exhaust system won’t work to its full capacity without a makeup air system. This is particularly the case as stoves get more powerful and require more robust exhaust fans. A lack of makeup air also can cause issues like backdrafting in the home’s chimneys and appliance vents.