Why All The Fuss About Wood Stove Burning?

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

Many communities have provided incentives to purchase wood stoves with EPA-certified models which produce less polluting. But Undark discovered that some of these newer stoves may not be able to meet EPA standards.

In the midst of rising energy prices, a lot of cities are looking for ways to cut down on burning wood, particularly in areas that have poor air quality. Here are ten things you can do to improve the quality of your indoor air and gain more heat from every log.

Efficiency

Wood stoves are one of the most efficient ways to heat your house. Modern wood stoves certified by the EPA burn logs quickly and generate less smoke than older models. This lets you use a greater proportion of the energy from your fire in a shorter amount of time and lower your heating costs by up to 30 percent. When you only use well-seasoned wood the efficiency of wood stoves improves over the lifetime of the stove.

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

The higher efficiencies of wood stoves are achieved 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 gases to remain hot and fully burn.

Modern wood stoves can recycle the byproducts of incomplete combustion to create a new flame that produces more efficient combustion. This process, called reburn, can increase the efficiency of wood stoves by as much as 10%.

Another advantage of using wood as a source of heat is that it is carbon neutral. As trees expand, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen when they are burned. Wood is also an eco-friendly resource, particularly if it comes from woodlands in the local area that are managed in a manner 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 dirty stove or flue pipe can lead to carbon monoxide and fire dangers. Clean stoves, chimneys and flue pipes are more efficient.

Emptying the ashes is the most frequent task you can do when cleaning your wood stove. This should be done on a cool day when the stove is no longer hot, and you should wear gloves to protect yourself when handling the ashes. Select a container made of metal that can hold all the ashes, and then dump it outside away from anything that could ignite. You can also add the ashes into your compost to make an excellent addition to your garden.

Once the ashes have gone out of the stove, it's the perfect time to sweep the floor and vacuum up any residual dust. It is also a good idea to have at minimum 3 feet of space between your wood stove and any combustible items such as curtains, pillows or toys. This will prevent the spread of a fire and burning the objects.

A clean glass door inside of your stove will let you see the flames dancing, and can assist you in determining the best time to light a fire. Make sure that you have glass cleaner available to get rid of any smudged or tarred areas that may be present. If the glass is very dirty you can make use of newspaper soaked in ash and water to wipe it down. Avoid scratching the glass since this can cause it to break or break when heated.

The accumulation of creosote in your chimney flue is among the main causes of chimney fires. Creosote can be extremely flammable, so an accumulation of just one millimeter can trigger a chimney fire. Clean the flue regularly particularly if you are burning pine or other soft woods that generate more creosote compared to other types of small wood burning stove.

To ensure that creosote-free vapors do not enter your home, you should only burn dry and seasoned wood that has been split in half or smaller. Also, don't burn artificial wood or trash in your wood stove.

Safety

Wood stoves can emit toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and particulates. These harmful gases can be found in the home and may have negative health effects for older adults, children or those suffering from respiratory issues like asthma or COPD. Exposure to wood smoke over time can cause heart disease and lead to lung damage.

To reduce the risk of these issues to avoid these risks, it is vital to adhere to the correct wood stove burning procedures. This includes making sure that the stove is working correctly and has enough heat output for the space and design. Additionally, only dry, well-seasoned hardwoods should be used in the stove. The firewood's moisture content should be less than 20 percent. If the moisture content of the wood is higher the fire will burn faster and produce an smoky flame with more creosote on the chimney vent pipe's wall.

Another important aspect of safety is to ensure that the stove has a good draw by monitoring the amount of air that flows through the firebox and the chimney. The owner's manual will give detailed instructions on how to regulate air flow in the majority of modern stoves. Properly operating the air controls will ensure the highest efficiency in heating.

Additionally, the chimney and flue pipes must be free of material that could ignite, such as drapes, paper, trash or carpets. Inadequate clearance between combustibles and wood-burning appliances is a leading reason for house fires caused by wood stoves.

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

Finally, it is essential to have your stove and chimney professionally checked every year for accumulation of creosote as well as bird nests and other issues that can impact the safety of your chimney and stove. This will help prevent fires, health hazards and reduce the necessity for carbon monoxide remediation services.

Maintenance

While wood stoves are a great way to save money on heating bills however, they require additional maintenance. If you do not perform the required maintenance the wood stove could cause a fire that is dangerous to escape the flue or chimney, and even cause a housefire. In addition to cleaning the chimney and cleaning the stove, it is essential to sweep and clean the stove's surfaces and flue. Keep a fire extinguisher at hand and test it regularly. It's also a good idea to put smoke detectors in the house, especially one in the room that houses the stove.

As a rule you should clean the stove and chimney at least once per year. The schedule for cleaning can be altered based on the amount that the stove is used, and it may be required to be done more frequently during winter. It is also important to make sure you use only dry and well-seasoned wood for burning in the stove. Avoid using a lot of oil or kerosene to start the fire. These fuels can release toxic gases and can be harmful to your health.

In the course of your regular cleaning and maintenance, be sure to examine the gaskets on your doors. These are often made from braided rope-like material that can degrade with repeated closing and opening. If you notice the gasket is leaking and needs to be repaired, buy an alternative fiberglass seal and some gasket adhesive. The hinges of these doors must also be checked.

It is important to inspect chimneys and flues to make sure that they are free of obstructions and creosote. During the inspection, look for cracks in the chimney liner and any other indications of damage. Stovepipes must also be inspected, and any dents should be fixed.

If you have a glass door for your wood stove, it is crucial to keep it clean. You can easily accomplish this by mixing water with ammonia. The solution is then applied to the glass with a rag or sponge. It is possible to leave the solution for a couple of minutes before wiping it again.