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

Many communities have provided financial incentives to replace old wood stoves with EPA certified models that produce less pollutants. Undark discovered that some of the more recent stoves may not meet EPA standards.

In the current climate of high energy costs, many cities are trying to cut down on the use of wood, especially in areas where air quality is low. Here are 10 tips to improve indoor air quality and get more heat out of every log.

Efficiency

Wood stoves are among the most energy-efficient ways to heat your house. Modern wood stoves certified by the EPA burn logs quickly and generate less smoke than older models. This allows you to make use of a larger proportion of the energy of your fire in a shorter amount of time and lower your heating costs by up to 30 percent. If you use only well-seasoned wood, the efficiency of wood stoves will increase over the life of the stove.

Older wood stoves are efficient at 50 percent or lower. This means that half the potential energy in the fire is lost as smoke and carbon monoxide are released into the atmosphere. Modern stoves can boast an efficiency of 85% or more. This is comparable to oil and gas furnaces.

Wood stoves can be made more efficient by controlling the airflow combustion, multi fuel stoves, and processes. Wood stoves that control the airflow are able to slow down the speed at which fire moves through the wood, and permit the gas that is produced to stay hot and combust completely.

Additionally modern wood stoves are able to recycle the waste products of incomplete combustion into a new one that burns more efficiently. This process is called reburn and can increase the efficiency of a wood stove by up to 10 percent.

Wood is also carbon-neutral and carbon neutral, which is an additional benefit. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air while growing and release oxygen when they are burned. Wood is a renewable resource for the environment, especially when it comes from local woodlands managed in a way that promotes healthy tree growth.

Cleanliness

Cleaning and maintaining wood stoves is essential for keeping homes warm. In the United States, 8.8 million households use wood stoves. A dirty stove and flue pipe can be a fire hazard, and could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Clean stoves, flue pipes and chimneys are more efficient.

Cleaning the ashes is the most common 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 must wear gloves to protect yourself when handling the ashes. Choose a metal container that can hold all 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 organic addition to your garden.

When the ashes have been cleared of the stove, it's a good time to sweep the floor and remove any dust that remains. It is recommended to have at least 3 feet of space between your wood stove and any other combustible objects like pillows, curtains or toys. This helps to prevent a fire from getting out of control and burning these items.

As for the inside of your stove a clean glass door allows you to take a look of the flames dancing and will help you determine when it's time to light an all-new fire. Make sure to have a glass cleaner in your kitchen to remove any smudged or tarred areas. If the glass is extremely dirty it is possible to make use of a newspaper that has been dipped in water and ash to wipe it down. Avoid scratching the glass as this could cause it to shrink and break when heated.

The accumulation of creosote in your chimney flue is among the main causes of chimney fires. A few millimeters of creosote can cause a fire in 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.

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

Safety

Wood stoves can release very toxic gases, including carbon monoxide and particulates. These toxins enter the home and may have negative health consequences for older adults, children or people suffering from respiratory ailments like asthma or COPD. As time passes, wood smoke exposure can cause lung damage and heart disease.

To prevent these risks It is crucial to follow the proper wood stove burning practices. These include ensuring that the stove is working correctly and has sufficient heat output to the size of the room and style. Additionally, only dry, well-seasoned woods should be used in the stove. The moisture content should not exceed 20%. If the moisture content of the wood is higher it will burn more quickly and produce an smoky flame with more creosote buildup on the chimney vent pipe wall.

A strong draw is an essential safety feature. This can be accomplished by monitoring how much air is flowing into the firebox as well as through the chimney. The owner's manual will give specific instructions on how you can adjust air flow in most modern stoves. The highest efficiency in heating can be achieved if the control of the air flow is properly used.

The chimney and flue pipe must be free of materials that could ignite, including drapes, paper or trash. The fires that occur in wood stoves are often caused by an insufficient clearance between combustibles wood-burning appliances, and combustibles.

It is also essential to keep children out of wood stoves while the fire is burning or while the ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious and might try to touch the hot surfaces of a wood stove or place their hands into 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.

It is also important to ensure that your chimney and stove are professionally inspected once per year for creosote accumulation as well as bird nests and other issues that could affect the safety of your chimney and stove. This will reduce the risk of fires and health hazards, and will also reduce the need for CO2 or smoke remediation services.

Maintenance

While wood stoves are an excellent method of saving money on heating bills, they do require some additional maintenance. If you fail to take care of the required maintenance on your wood stove, it can result in a fire which escapes the flue, which could lead to a chimney fire, or an unintentional house fire. It is also recommended to clean the stove's surfaces and flue. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and test it regularly. Smoke detectors are also a great idea throughout the house, but particularly in the area where the stove is located.

In general it is recommended to clean the stove and chimney every year. The schedule for cleaning can be altered based on how often the stove is used, and may require more frequently during winter. Use only dry and seasoned wood for burning in the stove. Avoid using lots of oil or kerosene to start the fire. These fuels can produce toxic gases and be harmful to your health.

During your regular cleaning and maintenance, be sure to check the gaskets on your doors. These are usually made of a braided material that can become degraded over time. If you notice that the gasket is leaking and needs to be repaired, buy a new gasket made of fiberglass and adhesive. The hinges of these doors must be inspected as well.

It is important to inspect flues and chimneys to ensure that they are clear of obstructions and creosote. During the inspection, look for cracks in the chimney liner as well as any other signs of damage. Stovepipes should be inspected as well and any gaps or dents need to be filled.

If you have a glass door for your wood stove, it's important to keep this clean. You can easily do this by mixing water and ammonia. The solution is then wiped onto the glass using a rag or sponge. You can let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping it again.