What Is The Best Way To Spot The Wood Stove Burning Which Is Right For…

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

Many communities have offered incentives to purchase wood stoves with EPA-certified models that emit less pollution. However, Undark discovered that some of these modern stoves might not be up to EPA standards.

In an era of high energy costs, many cities are trying to cut down on wood combustion, particularly in areas where air quality is low. Here are 10 ways to improve indoor air quality and to get more heat out of each log.

Efficiency

Wood stoves are one of the most efficient ways to heat your home. Modern EPA-certified wood stoves burn logs quickly and generate less smoke than older models. This makes it possible to use a greater portion of the potential energy generated by your fireplace in a shorter period of time and reduce your heating bills by up to 30 percent. If you only use wood that has been seasoned the efficiency of wood burning stoves near me stoves increases over the lifetime of the stove.

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

The higher efficiencies of wood stoves are made by controlling the air, fuel and combustion process. Wood stoves with controlled airflow can slow the speed at which the fire moves through the wood, allowing gas produced to stay hot and fully burn.

In addition, modern wood stoves are able to recycle the byproducts of incomplete combustion into a new one that is more efficient in burning. This process is referred to as reburn and can improve wood stove burning efficiency 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 they are burned. Wood is also an eco-friendly resource, particularly when it comes from woodlands in the local area that are managed in a manner that encourages the growth of healthy trees.

Cleanliness

Cleaning and maintenance of wood stoves is essential for keeping homes warm. In the United States, 8.8 million households utilize wood stoves. A dirty stove or flue 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. This should be done on a cool day, when the stove isn't hot anymore, and you should wear protective gloves when handling the ashes. Choose a metal container that can accommodate all of the ashes and then dispose of it outside away from anything that could ignite. You can also add the ashes to your compost for an excellent addition to your garden.

After the ashes have been removed from the stove, you can sweep the floor to remove dust. It is important to have at least 3 feet of space between your wood stove and any other combustible objects such as curtains, pillows or toys. This helps to prevent a fire from getting out of control and burning these things.

A clean glass door that is placed on the interior of your stove will let you see the dancing flames, and can help you determine when to light a new fire. Make sure you have a glass cleaner on hand to get rid of any smudged or tarred areas that might be present. If the glass is extremely filthy, you can make use of a newspaper that has been dipped in water and ash to wipe it down. Be careful not to scratch the glass because scratches can weaken the glass and shatter when it is heated.

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

To avoid creosote vapors entering your home, only burn dry, seasoned wood that has been cut in half or smaller. Do not burn artificial logs, trash or other items in your wood stove.

Safety

Wood stoves are known to produce extremely toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide and particulates. These toxins can make their way into the home, and can have negative health effects for children, older adults, and those suffering from respiratory ailments like COPD or asthma. The exposure to wood smoke in the long run can lead to heart disease and lead to lung damage.

To prevent these risks It is crucial to follow proper wood stove burning practices. This includes making sure that the stove is working correctly and has enough heat output to the size of the room and style. Only dry, well-seasoned and dry woods should be burned in the stove. The moisture content should be below 20%. If the moisture content is higher, it will burn more quickly and produce a more smoky fire that has more creosote building up on the chimney vent pipe walls.

A good draw is another important safety element. This can be achieved by monitoring how much air is flowing into the firebox and through the chimney. The majority of modern stoves offer various ways to alter the flow of air and the owner's manual has documented the procedures. The highest efficiency in heating can be achieved if the air controls are operated correctly.

The chimney and flue pipe should be free of fire-prone materials, like drapes, paper or trash. A lack of clearance between combustibles and wood-burning appliances is the most common reason for house fires caused by wood stoves.

It is also important to keep children out of wood stoves while the flame is in progress or when the ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious, and may try to touch the hot surfaces of a wood stove or place their hands into the fire. It is recommended to set up a child-proof barrier around the fireplace, or employ the fireplace screen. It is also important to inspect the wood stove and fireplace often for signs of wear.

It is also important to have your chimney and stove professionally examined at least once per year to check for creosote buildup, bird nests, and other issues that may affect the safety of your stove. This will help avoid fires, health hazards and reduce the necessity for carbon monoxide remediation services.

Maintenance

Wood stoves are an excellent way to cut down the cost of heating, however they require some extra maintenance. If you don't perform the necessary maintenance, your wood stove can cause a fire that is dangerous to escape the flue or chimney or even start fire in your home. It is important to clean the surfaces of the stove and flue. Keep a fire extinguisher in your desk and check 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.

As a rule it is recommended to clean the chimney and stove every year. The cleaning schedule should be adjusted based on the amount that the stove is used, and it may need to be done more frequently during winter. Make sure to use only dry and seasoned wood to use in the stove. Avoid using a lot oil or kerosene to ignite the fire. These fuels can produce toxic gases and be harmful to your health.

In the course of your regular cleaning, you should inspect the gaskets of your doors. These are often made from rope-like braids which can become degraded with repeated opening and closing. If you notice the gasket is not sealing properly and requires to be repaired, buy a new gasket made of fiberglass and adhesive. The hinges of these doors need to also be checked.

It is essential to check chimneys and flues to make sure that they are free of creosote and obstructions. During this inspection, look for cracks in the chimney liner as well as any other indications of damage. Stovepipes must be examined too and any dents or gaps 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 ammonia and water. The solution should be applied to the glass using a rag or sponge. For tougher stains, you can leave the solution in place for a couple of minutes before wiping the glass again.