WASHINGTON -- It's an old-fashioned concept, but the wood-burning stove is once again growing in popularity, and it's greener than you think.

Just ask the people in Libby, Mont.

The town sits in a valley, and for years, people survived the frigid winters with the basic wood-burning stove. The problem was most of them were some quite ancient and dirty.

"I grew up with the ever-present smoke, and winter pollution, and summer pollution," said Ron Anderson.

He once headed the county's health department. "We had it all. Libby was dubiously tagged with the title of having the dirtiest fair in Montana," said Anderson.

Two years ago the Environmental Protection Agency started a pilot program in Montana called "Clearing The Smoke." It partnered with the University of Montana and the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association.

The groups used grants and donations to switch out the old dirty wood-burning stoves and replace them with newer efficient ones built after 1992.

The results were quick and encouraging. "The new stoves we replaced reduced pollution by 70 to 90 percent," said Jack Goldman, with the HPBA.

At a news conference to extol the virtues of these new appliances, the EPA and the HPBA had several types of stoves on display.

There didn't appear to be any smoke coming from the stacks above.

Shannon Rogers with Jotel Stoves explains why there's more heat and less smoke. He said, "what's happening is that you're no longer burning the wood, you're actually burning the smoke inside the box."

To encourage homeowners to upgrade their stoves, Congress is considering a bill that would authorize a tax credit to those who make the switch.

It can cost $2,000 to $4,000 dollars to purchase and install a new stove, and the EPA estimates that you can save $250 dollars a winter using a more efficient appliance.

Using more efficient stoves can also help you to lower your carbon footprint by not burning as much wood or gas.

For More Information: EPA Clean Wood Burning Stoves And Fireplaces

Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association