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Exactly as I said, ‘boiling the frog slowly’.

You and I must be kindred spirits. I also have a 100+ house but it has no central heat or air. I have used a wood stove for 30+ years now.

I totally agree. The EPA should be dissolved.

I can't think of a better way to dissolve the EPA than to publicize the hell out of regulations like this:

(e) Pellet Fuel Requirements. Operators of wood heaters that are certified to burn pellet fuels may only burn pellets that have been produced under a licensing agreement with the Pellet Fuels Institute or an equivalent organization approved by the EPA. The pellet fuel must meet the following minimum requirements:

(1) Density: consistent hardness and energy content with a minimum density of 38 pounds/cubic foot;

(2) Dimensions: maximum length of 1.5 inches and diameter between 0.230 and 0.285 inches;

(3) Inorganic fines: less than or equal to 1 percent;

(4) Chlorides: less than or equal to 300 parts per million by weight;

(5) Ash content: no more than 2 percent; and

(6) A quality assurance process licensed by the Pellet Fuels Institute or equivalent organization approved by EPA.

The central heat (forced air) was added as an afterthought in the 60s during a major remodel (before I bought the place). It still works, and in this climate (North Dakota) beats heating with wood. I have done that in the winter here (one of the worst in the last 50 years--static air temps to -60F), and that just wasn't any fun at all.

It wouldn't be so bad in a warmer climate.