A Step-By-Step Guide For Choosing Your Wood Stove Burning

EPA-Certified Wood Stoves May Not Meet Your Health and Safety Standards

Many communities have offered financial incentives to replace old wood stoves with EPA certified models that produce less pollutant. However, Undark discovered that some of these more modern stoves might not be up to EPA standards.

In these times of high energy prices, a lot of cities are looking for ways to reduce wood burning, especially in areas that have poor air quality. Here are 10 ways to improve indoor air quality, and extract more heat of each log.

Efficiency

Wood stoves are one of the most efficient ways to heat your home. Modern wood stoves certified by the EPA burn logs fast and produce less smoke than older models. This lets you burn a higher portion of the potential energy of your fire in a shorter amount of time and reduce your heating bills by as much as 30 percent. When you only use well-seasoned wood the efficiency of wood stoves improves over the lifetime of the stove.

Older wood stoves have an efficiency of 50 percent or less. This means that half of the potential energy in the fire is lost when smoke and carbon monoxide are released into the air. Modern stoves can boast an efficiency of 85 percent or more. This is comparable to oil and gas furnaces.

The higher efficiencies of wood stoves are achieved by controlling the fuel, air, and combustion process. Wood stoves that control the airflow can slow down the speed at which fire is moving through the wood and permit the gas that is produced to remain hot and completely combust.

Modern wood stoves can recycle the byproducts from incomplete combustion to create a new fire which burns more efficiently. This process is called reburn and can increase the efficiency of a wood stove by up to 10 percent.

Another advantage of using wood as a source of heat is that it is considered carbon neutral. The trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while growing and release oxygen when they burn. contemporary wood burning stoves is a renewable resource for the environment, especially when it comes from local woodlands managed in a way that promotes healthy tree growth.

Cleanliness

With 8.8 million households that use wood stoves in the United States, cleaning and maintenance are an essential element of keeping your home warm. A dirty stove and pipe can pose a fire hazard, and could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Clean stoves chimneys, flue pipes and stoves are more efficient.

The most common task associated with cleaning your wood stove is emptying the ashes. Wear protective gloves and wait until the stove is cool down. Select a container made of metal that can accommodate all of the ashes and dump it outside away from anything that may ignite. Alternately, you can add the ashes to your compost for a healthy addition to your garden.

While the ashes have been removed from the stove, you can sweep the floor to get rid of dust. It is important to have at least 3 feet of space between your wood stove and any combustible items like curtains, pillows or toys. This will stop the spread of a fire and burning the items.

A clear glass door interior of your stove will allow you to see the dancing flames and it will also assist you in determining the best time to light a fire. Make sure to have a glass cleaning solution in your kitchen to get rid of any smudged or tarred areas. Newspaper dipped in water and ash can be used to cleanse the glass if it's extremely filthy. Avoid scratching the glass since this could cause it to break or break when heated.

The accumulation of creosote within your chimney flue is one the primary causes of chimney fires. A few millimeters of creosote can cause a fire to the chimney. Clean the flue frequently particularly if you are burning pine or other soft woods that create more creosote than other types of wood.

Burn only seasoned, dry wood that is split in half or smaller. Never burn artificial trash, logs or other items inside your wood stove.

Safety

Wood stoves can release toxic gases like carbon monoxide or particulates. These toxins can enter your home and may have negative health effects for young people, older adults or those suffering from respiratory issues like asthma or COPD. Smoke from wood in the long run can lead to heart disease and eventually lung damage.

To avoid these risks It is crucial to follow the proper wood stove burning procedures. This includes making sure the stove is working properly and has enough heat output for the size and shape of the room. Only dry, well-seasoned, hard woods should be burnt in the electric stove fires. The firewood's moisture content must be less than 20 percent. If the moisture content is higher it will burn more quickly and produce a smoky fire, with more creosote accumulation on the chimney vent pipe walls.

Another important aspect of safety is ensuring that the stove has a sufficient draw by monitoring the amount of air that flows into the firebox and through the chimney. Most modern stoves have a variety of ways to regulate the flow of air and the owner's manual has documented the procedures. Properly operating the air controls can ensure the highest heating efficiency.

Finally, the chimney and flue pipes must be kept clear of any combustible materials, including drapes, paper, or rugs. The wood stove fires are usually caused by insufficient clearance between combustibles wood-burning appliances as well as combustibles.

It is also essential to keep children away from wood stoves while the flame is burning or while ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious and they might touch hot surfaces on the stove or place their hands in the fire. Install a childproof fence around the fireplace or use a fireplace screen. Additionally, it is important to check the fireplace regularly and wood stove for signs of wear.

Finally, it is essential to have your stove and chimney regularly inspected for accumulation of creosote as well as bird nests and other issues that can impact the safety of your chimney or stove. This will help prevent fires and health hazards, and will also lessen the necessity for CO2 or smoke remediation services.

Maintenance

Although wood stoves are an excellent way to save the cost of heating your home but they also require additional maintenance. If you fail to do the necessary maintenance on your wood stove, it could result in a fire that escapes the flue, which could lead to a chimney fire, or a house fire. In addition to cleaning the chimney and cleaning the stove, you must to clean and sweep the surfaces in the stove and flue. Keep a fire extinguisher on the counter and test it frequently. Smoke detectors are also a great idea throughout the house, but especially in the area where the stove is located.

In general it is recommended to clean the chimney and stove every year. Cleaning schedules need to be adjusted in accordance with how frequently the stove is used. It may be necessary to clean it more frequently in winter. Only use dry and seasoned wood to use in the stove. Avoid using lots of oil or kerosene to start the fire. These fuels can release toxic gases and can be harmful to your health.

You should check the gaskets in your door at the time of your regular cleaning. These are often made from rope-like braids that may be damaged by repeated opening and closing. If you notice that the gasket is loose and you need to replace it, buy a gasket made of fiberglass and some cement to repair it. Likewise, the hinges on these doors should be inspected as well.

Chimneys and flues should be examined to ensure that they are free of creosote build-up and obstructions. During the inspection, look for cracks, and other indications of damage in the chimney lining. Stovepipes must be examined as well and any holes or dents need to be filled.

It is essential to clean the glass door of your wood stove. This can be done easily with a mix of water and ammonia. The solution is then wiped onto the glass using a rag or sponge. For more difficult staining, leave the solution in place for a few minutes before wiping it off again.