How To Find The Perfect Wood Stove Burning On The Internet

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 emit less polluting. But Undark found that some of these modern stoves may not meet EPA standards.

In a time of rising energy costs, cities are trying to cut down on wood combustion, especially in areas where air quality is poor. Here are 10 strategies to improve the indoor air quality and to get more heat out of each log.

Efficiency

Wood stoves are one of the most efficient methods to heat your home. Modern EPA certified wood stoves burn logs very quickly and produce less creosote than previous models. This makes it possible to make use of a larger portion of the potential energy from your fire in a shorter period of time and reduce your heating bills by up to 30 percent. If you use only seasoned hardwood, the efficiency of wood stoves will increase over the lifetime of the multi burner stove.

Older wood stoves usually have efficiencies of less than 50 percent. This means that smoke and carbon dioxide are released into the air, which results in a loss of half the energy potential of the fire. Modern stoves can have an efficiency of up to 85% or more. This is comparable to oil and gas furnaces.

Wood stoves can be more efficient by controlling the air combustion, fuel, and processes. Wood stoves with controlled airflow can slow down the speed at which the fire moves through wood, allowing the gases to stay hot and burn completely.

Modern wood stoves are able to recycle the byproducts from incomplete combustion to create a new fire which burns more efficiently. This process is known as reburn, and can boost the efficiency of a wood stove by as much as 10 percent.

Wood is also carbon-neutral which is a further benefit. When trees grow they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen when burned. Wood is also an eco-friendly resource, especially if it comes from local woodlands that are managed in a way that encourages the growth of healthy trees.

Cleanliness

Cleaning and maintaining wood stoves is essential for keeping homes warm. In the United States, 8.8 million households make use of wood stoves. A filthy stove or flue pipe can lead to carbon monoxide and fire hazards. Clean stoves chimneys, flue pipes and stoves are more efficient.

The most commonly-asked task with cleaning your wood stove is to empty the ashes. Wear protective gloves and wait until the stove has cooled down. Choose a metal container that can accommodate all of the ashes and dump it outside away from anything that could burn. You can also add the ashes to your compost pile for an excellent 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 also a good idea to put at least three feet between your wood stove, and any combustible items such as pillows or curtains. This prevents a fire from getting out of control and burning these things.

A clear glass door that is placed on the interior of your stove will allow you to see the dancing flames and it will also aid you in determining when to start a fresh fire. Ensure that you have glass cleaner available to remove any tarred or smudged areas that may be present. Newspapers dipped in water and ash can be used to clean the glass if it is extremely dirty. Be careful not to scratch the glass, as scratches can weaken the glass and cause it to shatter when the glass is heated.

Creosote build-up on the inside of your flue is the primary cause of chimney fires. A few millimeters of creosote may cause a fire to a chimney. Clean the flue regularly, especially if you burn pine or other soft woods that produce more creosote compared to other types of wood.

Burn only dry, seasoned wood that is split in half or smaller. Also, don't burn artificial logs or trash in your wood stove.

Safety

Wood stoves can release toxic gases like carbon monoxide and particulates. These toxins can enter the home, and have negative health effects for children, elderly adults, or people suffering from respiratory illnesses such as COPD or asthma. As time passes exposure to wood smoke may cause heart disease and lung damage.

To avoid these risks to avoid these risks, it is vital to follow proper wood stove burning practices. These include ensuring that the stove is working correctly and is able to produce enough heat for the space and design. Additionally only dry, well-seasoned hardwoods should be burned in the stove. The firewood's moisture content should be less than 20%. If the moisture content is higher it will burn more quickly and produce a smoky fire that has more creosote building up on the chimney vent pipe's walls.

Another important safety issue is to ensure that the stove is operating at a high draw by monitoring the amount of air that flows into the firebox and through the chimney. The owner's guide will provide detailed instructions on how to adjust air flow in most modern stoves. The highest efficiency in heating can be achieved when air controls are operated correctly.

The chimney and flue pipes must be free of material that could ignite, such as drapes, paper, trash or carpets. The wood stove fires are usually caused by inadequate clearance between combustibles wood-burning appliances and combustibles.

It is also essential to keep children out of wood stoves while the flame is in progress or when ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious, and they may touch the hot surfaces of the wood stove or put their hands on the fire. Install a child-proof fence around the fireplace, or install a fireplace screen. It is also important to examine the fireplace and wood stove often for signs of wear and tear.

It is also important to ensure that your chimney and stove are regularly inspected for accumulation of creosote and bird nests, as well as other issues that can impact the safety of your chimney and stove. This will prevent fires and health hazards and also reduce the need for smoke or CO2 remediation services.

Maintenance

Although wood stoves are an excellent way to save money on heating bills however, they require additional maintenance. If you do not perform the required maintenance, your wood stove can cause a fire that is dangerous to escape the flue or chimney, and even cause fire in your home. It is important to clean the surfaces of the stove and flue. You should also keep an extinguisher on hand and test it frequently. Smoke detectors are an excellent idea for all rooms of the home, but they are especially useful in the area where the stove is located.

In general it is recommended to clean your chimney and stove at least once a year. The schedule for cleaning is dependent on how much the stove is being used, and it might require more frequently during winter. Only use dry and seasoned wood to use in the stove. It is best to avoid using lots of oil or kerosene for beginning the fire, because these fuels have different burning patterns and generate toxic gases that can be very detrimental to your health.

In the course of your regular cleaning, you should check the gaskets on your doors. They are typically made from a braided material that can be damaged over time. If you notice the gasket is leaking and needs to be replaced, purchase a replacement fiberglass seal and some gasket adhesive. Likewise, the hinges on these doors should be checked as well.

Chimneys and flues need to be inspected to ensure they are free of creosote accumulation and obstructions. During the inspection, look for cracks in the chimney liner as well as any other indications of damage. Stovepipes must be examined as well and any dents or gaps need to be filled.

If you have a glass door for your wood stove, it is important to keep this clean. You can accomplish this by mixing water and ammonia. A rag or sponge should be soaked in the solution and wiped across the glass's surface until it is completely clean. For tougher stains, you can leave the solution on for a few minutes before wiping again.