About the Association
Our mission statement (because every association needs to have one):
The Masonry Heater Association (MHA) is an association of builders, manufacturers and retailers of masonry heaters and masonry wood fired bake ovens whose purpose is to promote the industry, sponsor research and development, shape regulations, standards and codes, inform and educate the public, and further the expertise and professionalism of its membership.
(Passed unanimously at 1998 MHA Annual Meeting; revised in 2013)
An amazing legacy…
Since 1987, the Masonry Heater Association has been fighting for the future of Masonry Heaters in America.
We developed the ASTM Standard Guide for the Construction of Solid Fuel Masonry Heaters (ASTM E1602).
We fought successfully to keep masonry heaters from being banned in Colorado, Washington, and Canada.
We have developed a top-notch MHA certification program; with a minimum of 40 hours and three in-home heater builds under MHA supervision to become certified. The MHA Heater Mason’s Reference Manual is the authoritative guide to the skills and knowledge necessary for practicing the trade.
We have worked closely with the Home, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) to coordinate efforts related to emissions regulations at international, national, and local levels.
We obtained funding for, and were the prime mover behind, EPA-accredited lab testing for masonry heaters, thus allowing us to obtain EPA equivalency in a number of jurisdictions.
We set up a private affiliated test lab and developed North America’s largest database of masonry heater performance tests.
… and a warmer future
The Masonry Heater Association continues to research, improve, and pursue the art of masonry heaters. Our annual meeting at the Wildacres Retreat Center in the Great Smokey Mountains of North Carolina is a week of education and research; but also just good fun, recreation, and fellowship.
We offer three levels of membership: Associate, Full Voting, and Certified. The associate membership is designed for interested homeowners, sales representatives, and manufacturers who support our industry. Full Voting members can additionally vote for representatives on the MHA Board of Directors. Certified members are full-voting members who have completed a minimum 40 hours of training, and 3 heater builds, under the direct supervision of another certified MHA member.
All membership levels offer the ability to attend our annual meeting, participate in mailing lists, attend workshops, access our documentation website, license to use our marketing materials, and paths for certification or maintaining certification.
Look for the certification
Our certification process requires a minimum of 40 hours of labor over the course of 3 separate masonry heater builds; under the direct supervision of a previously certified MHA member.
By hiring an MHA-Certified builder, you can be confident that your masonry heater will be built to the highest standard of quality possible.
By training for and receiving MHA Certification, you will know how to build masonry heaters in almost any home while conforming to ASTM E1602 and other requirements.
