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 that emit less polluting. Undark discovered that some of the newer stoves may not meet EPA standards.

In the current climate of high energy costs, cities are trying to cut down on wood combustion, particularly in areas where air quality is poor. Here are ten tips to improve the quality of indoor air and get more heat out of every 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 allows you to use a greater percentage of the potential energy from your fire in a shorter amount of time and reduce your heating bills by as much as 30 percent. The efficiency of wood stoves grows over the lifetime of the stove when you use only seasoned hardwood.

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

Wood stoves can be made more efficient by controlling the airflow combustion, fuel, and processes. Wood stoves that control airflow are able to slow down how fast the fire is moving through the wood and allow the gases produced to remain hot and combust completely.

In addition modern wood stoves can recycle the waste products of incomplete combustion into a new one that produces more efficient combustion. This process is called reburn and can increase the efficiency of wood stoves by as much as 10 percent.

Another benefit of using wood as a source of heat is that it is carbon neutral. 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, which are managed in a way that encourages healthy tree growth.

Cleanliness

Cleaning and maintenance of wood stoves is important for keeping homes warm. In the United States, 8.8 million households make use of wood stoves. A dirty stove or flue pipe can pose a fire hazard and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Clean stoves, chimneys and flue pipes are also more efficient.

Emptying the ashes is the primary task you can do when cleaning your wood stove wood. This is best done on a day that is cool, when the stove isn't as hot, and you should wear gloves to protect yourself when handling the ashes. Choose a container made of metal that is that is large enough to hold all of the ashes, and dump them outside away from anything that could cause a fire. Alternatively, you can add the ashes to your compost for an excellent addition to your garden.

While the ashes are out of the stove, it is the perfect time to sweep the floor and sweep up any dust that remains. It is also a good idea to leave at least three feet between your wood stove and any other combustible objects like pillows or curtains. This will stop the spread of a fire and burning the objects.

A clean glass door inside 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 new fire. Make sure that you have a glass cleaner on hand to clean any tarred or smudged areas that may be present. If the glass is extremely filthy it is possible to make use of newspaper soaked in ash and water to wipe it down. Be careful not to scratch the glass, since scratches can weaken glass and cause it to shatter when it is heated.

The accumulation of creosote in your chimney flue is one the primary causes of chimney fires. Creosote is highly flammable, and any layer of even millimeters could cause a chimney fire. Clean the flue regularly particularly if burning soft or pine woods produce more creosote.

To ensure that creosote-free vapors do not enter your home, you should only burn dry, seasoned wood that has been cut in half or smaller. Do not burn artificial trash, logs or other objects in your wood stove.

Safety

Wood stoves emit harmful gasses like carbon monoxide and particulates. These harmful gases can be found in the home and may have negative health effects on older adults, children or people suffering from respiratory ailments such as asthma or COPD. Exposure to wood smoke in the long run can lead to heart disease and eventually lung damage.

To reduce the risk of these issues It is crucial to follow the proper wood stove burning practices. This includes ensuring that the stove is operating properly and has enough energy output to meet the dimensions and design of the room. Only dry, well-seasoned hard woods should be burnt in the stove. The moisture content of the firewood must be less than 20%. If the moisture content of the firewood is higher it will burn faster and produce smoke that is smoky and has more creosote buildup on the chimney vent pipe's wall.

A strong draw is an essential safety feature. This can be accomplished by monitoring the amount of air that is circulating through the firebox as well as through the chimney. The majority of modern stoves offer various ways to regulate the flow of air, and the owner's manual has documented procedures. The highest efficiency in heating can be achieved when control of the air flow is properly used.

The flue and chimney pipes must be kept clear of any combustible materials, including drapes, papers, trash or carpets. Insufficient clearance between combustibles as well as wood-burning appliances is a major reason for house fires caused by wood stoves.

Keep children away from wood stoves while the fire is burning or when the ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious, and they might touch hot surfaces of a wood stove or place their hands on the fire. Install a child-proof fence around the fireplace, or use a fireplace screen. Additionally, it is 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 regularly inspected for creosote accumulation as well as bird nests and other issues that can impact the safety of your chimney or stove. This will help to prevent fires and health hazards, as well as reduce the need for carbon monoxide remediation services.

Maintenance

Although wood stoves are a great way to save the cost of heating your home however, they require additional maintenance. If you don't do the necessary maintenance on your wood stove, it can cause a fire that escapes the flue, a dangerous chimney fire, or even an unintentional house fire. In addition to cleaning the chimney and cleaning the stove, it is essential to clean and sweep the stove's surfaces 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 house, but especially in the area in which the stove is.

In general it is recommended to clean your chimney and stove at least once per year. Cleaning schedules should be adjusted depending on how often the stove is used. It is possible to clean it more often in winter. Make sure to use only dry and seasoned wood for burning in the stove. Avoid using a lot of oil or kerosene to start the fire. These fuels can produce toxic gases and can be harmful to your health.

When you clean your house regularly 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 opening and closing. If you notice the gasket is leaking and needs to be fixed, purchase an alternative fiberglass seal and some gasket adhesive. Likewise, the hinges of these doors need to be checked as well.

It is crucial to examine flues and chimneys to ensure 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 need to be checked as well and any dents or gaps should be repaired.

If you have a glass door for your wood stove, it's important to keep this clean. This can be accomplished easily by using a mixture of ammonia and water. A sponge or rag should be soaked in the solution and wiped across the glass's surface until it is completely clean. For tougher staining, you can leave the solution in place for a few minutes before wiping again.