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The Facts About Gas Stove Standards and Indoor Air
Reading time: 4 minutes
Safety
This article, originally titled "Are Gas Stoves Being Banned?", has been updated to reflect the latest developments in regulations across North America.
Summary
Gas stoves aren’t banned, but new U.S. efficiency standards apply starting in 2028.
Most Canadian provinces lack firm regulations on BTU regulation.
Makeup air solutions are essential in modern, airtight homes.
Canada’s guidelines may signal future changes in U.S. policy.
Since December 2023, we have gained clarity on the question “Are Gas Stoves Being Banned?”, as the final rule regarding DOE gas stove efficiency went into effect in January 2024. Known as the “Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Conventional Cooking Products”, the rule applies to new stove models manufactured after January 31st, 2028.
It gives gas stove manufacturers guidance to develop and redesign products, and consumers peace of mind that regulations are designed based on scientifically sound studies. What hasn’t changed? Even efficient stoves can emit pollutants. Therefore, systems like range hoods and makeup air are essential to maintaining healthy indoor air.
Key Differences from 2023 to 2025
BTU Limit
Since the ruling has been set, we can look retrospectively and provide clarity on where the rumors led us versus what actually happened. One rumor centered on the proposed annual energy consumption (AEC) limit of 1.204 million BTUs. At that level, many gas cooktops with features like high-heat burners, continuous cast-iron grates, or multiple large burners would have struggled to comply. The finalized limit of 1.77 million BTUs is significantly less restrictive for manufacturers, yet still sets an efficiency benchmark for new models.
Number of Stoves Out of Compliance
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An article from 2023 by E&E News speculated that this low BTU limit would restrict the number of stove models available to U.S. consumers by 50%. With the higher allowable annual energy consumption of 1.77 million BTUs, about 97% of today’s gas cooktops already meet the standard without redesign. In contrast, the finalized rule is more demanding for electric cooktops: about 23% of current electric models will need design changes to comply with the new kWh limit.
Differences between Canada and the U.S.
In 2023, this article mentioned, “…government body Health Canada hasn’t indicated it will pursue similar bans…”. As of April 1, 2025, we see the fruits of localized efforts in areas like Montreal that have successfully banned gas stoves in new buildings up to three stories and in new, larger buildings.
This instance indicates Canadian provinces are much more restrictive than U.S. regulations; however, this ruling only applies to the city of Montreal. At the national level, current proposals from Canadian regulators would limit gas cooktops to 1.77 million BTUs AEC under standardized test conditions, aligning Canada’s requirements with the U.S. rule.
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Amount of gas cooktops that already meet the new standard.
Amount of electric cooktops that will require redesigns to comply.
The U.S. regulation takes effect in 2028, giving manufacturers time to adapt; Most Canadian provinces lack firm regulations on BTU regulation.
What Can Pros and Homeowners Do About Pollutants from Stoves and Cooking?
While the actual U.S. ruling differed from the proposed, what still remains true are the hazardous emissions from gas stoves—to both the environment and human health.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that homes with gas stoves often have higher levels of nitrogen dioxide than those outdoors. Nitrogen dioxide can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system, as well as potentially impact those with asthma and pulmonary disease.
Reported by Forbes, this 2020 study from RMI “…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”. In 2025, this study remains undebunked. A 2024 Stanford University study adds further cautions to the usage of gas stoves.
Professor Rob Jackson, senior author of this study, mentions how burning gas indoors affects the entire household—even in areas outside of the kitchen and long after cooking. “I didn’t expect to see pollutant concentrations breach health benchmarks in bedrooms within an hour of gas stove use, and stay there for hours after the stove is turned off,” said Rob.
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. These activities produce fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues and can even contain carcinogens.
One peer-reviewed study found that cooking on Thanksgiving day produced higher levels of PM2.5 than are found on the streets of one of the most polluted cities in the world. So how can we reduce this particulate matter?
“Running a range hood exhaust on high (300 cubic feet/minute) during cooking can reduce exposure to cooking-related pollutants by more than 80% when compared to slower speeds.”
Lead study author, Yannai Kashtan, a PhD student in Earth System Science at Stanford University, adds an idea similar to this
“We found that just how much gas you burn in your stove is by far the biggest factor affecting how much you’re exposed. And then, after that, do you have an effective range hood – and do you use it?”
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. In modern, tightly sealed homes, exhaust fans can’t work effectively unless fresh air is brought in as makeup air. This is particularly the case as stoves get more powerful and require more robust exhaust fans. A lack of makeup air can also cause issues like backdrafting in the home’s chimneys and appliance vents.
“I didn’t expect to see pollutant concentrations breach health benchmarks in bedrooms within an hour of gas stove use, and stay there for hours after the stove is turned off,”
Professor of Earth System Science, Stanford
Clearing the Air with Proper Ventilation
Compared to 2023 regulations and now, the case for makeup air is strengthened evermore. Makeup air, such as that provided by a mechanical makeup air system, is not only best practice, but also addressed in both the U.S. International Residential Code and the Canadian National Building Code.
Recent studies highlight that maintaining this balance is essential for effective pollutant removal. The exhaust system and MUAS then work together to capture VOCs and odors at the source while ensuring the polluted air stream exits as intended.
One solution offered is to use mechanical ventilation to make up that air, such as a makeup air system (MUAS). The MUAS automatically replenishes lost air as needed to ensure the intended air pressure scheme is not thrown out of balance.
After cooking, homeowners should feel confident that the air throughout the home, including back bedrooms, is safe to breathe long after the stove is off. Taking steps to clear lingering pollutants helps keep occupants healthy, happy, and comfortable—regardless of their stove of choice.
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