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 produce less pollution. However, Undark found that some of these newer stoves may not be able to meet EPA standards.

In a time of high energy prices, a lot of cities are seeking ways to cut down on wood burning, especially in areas where air quality is poor. Here are 10 strategies to improve indoor air quality, and to get more heat out of each log.

Efficiency

Wood stoves are one of the most energy efficient methods to heat your house. modern wood burning stove EPA certified wood stoves burn logs very quickly and produce less creosote than older models. This makes it possible to make use of a larger portion of the potential energy generated by your fireplace in a shorter time and cut down on your heating bill by up to 30 percent. If you only use seasoned hardwood the efficiency of wood stoves improves over the lifetime of the stove.

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

The higher efficiencies of wood stoves are achieved by controlling the air, fuel and combustion process. Wood stoves that have controlled airflow can slow down the speed at which the flame moves through wood, allowing gases produced to remain hot and fully burn.

In addition modern wood stoves can recycle the byproducts of incomplete combustion into a new fire that produces more efficient combustion. This process is known as reburn and can improve wood stove burning efficiency by up to 10 percent.

Another benefit of using wood as a source of heat is that it is carbon neutral. The trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while growing and release oxygen when they are burned. Wood is a renewable resource for the environment, particularly when it is sourced from local woodlands that are managed in a way that promotes healthy tree growth.

Cleanliness

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

The removal of ashes is the primary task you can do when cleaning your wood stove. Wear protective gloves and wait until the stove has cooled down. Choose a container made of metal that is big enough to accommodate all the ashes, and then dump them in a safe place away from anything that might burn. You can also add the ashes to your compost for a healthy addition to your garden.

When the ashes have been cleared of the stove, it is a good time to sweep the floor and vacuum up any residual dust. It is important to keep at three feet of space between your wood stove and any combustible materials like pillows, curtains or toys. This will stop the fire from getting out of control and burning these items.

As for the inside of your stove, a clear glass door lets you to see of the dancing flames and will help you determine when it is time to light an all-new fire. Make sure you have a glass cleaner on hand to remove any tarred or smudged areas that might be present. Newspapers dipped in water and ash can be used to clean the glass if it's extremely filthy. Avoid scratching the glass since this could cause it to shrink and break when heated.

Creosote accumulation on the inside of your flue is the primary cause of chimney fires. Creosote can be extremely flammable, which is why a layer of even a few millimeters can cause the chimney to catch fire. Clean the flue often especially when burning soft or pine woods produces more creosote.

To prevent creosote vapors from entering your home, you should only burn seasoned and dry wood that has been cut in half or smaller. Never burn fake garbage, logs, or other objects in your wood stove.

Safety

Wood stoves can release very toxic gases, including carbon monoxide and particulates. These harmful gases can be found in the home and could have adverse health consequences for children, elderly adults or those suffering from respiratory issues such as asthma or COPD. Exposure to wood smoke over time can also cause heart disease and eventually lung damage.

To avoid these risks, it is essential to follow proper methods for burning wood on your stove. This includes making sure that the stove is working correctly and has sufficient heat output to the size of the room and style. Only dry, well-seasoned, hard woods should be burnt in the stove. The moisture content should be less than 20 percent. If the moisture content of the firewood is higher, the fire will burn faster and produce an smoky flame with more creosote buildup on the chimney vent pipe's wall.

A good draw is another important safety feature. This can be achieved by observing how much air is flowing into the firebox and through the chimney. The owner's manual will give detailed instructions on how to adjust air flow in most modern stoves. When you operate the air controls correctly, you will ensure the highest heating efficiency.

The flue pipe and chimney should be free of combustible material, such as drapes, paper or trash. A lack of clearance between combustibles and wood-burning appliances is the most common cause of house fires caused by wood stoves.

It is also essential to keep children out of wood stoves when the fire is in progress or when ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious and they can touch hot surfaces on a wood stove or place their hands in the fire. Install a childproof fence around the fireplace or use a fireplace screen. It is also essential to check the fireplace and wood stove often for signs of wear and tear.

It is also crucial to have your chimney and stove professionally checked at least once a year to ensure there is no creosote buildup, bird nests, and other problems which can affect the safety of your stove. This will prevent fires and health hazards as well as reduce the need for smoke or CO2 remediation services.

Maintenance

Although wood stoves are an excellent method of saving the cost of heating your home however, they require additional maintenance. If you do not perform the necessary maintenance on your wood stove, it could result in a fire that escapes the flue, a risky chimney fire, or even an unintentional house fire. In addition to sweeping the chimney and cleaning the stove, you must to sweep and clean the stove's surfaces and flue. Keep a fire extinguisher at the counter and test it frequently. Smoke detectors are also an excellent idea for all rooms of the home, but they are especially useful in the area where the stove is.

As a rule, you should clean the stove and chimney at least once per year. Cleaning schedules should be adjusted in accordance with how frequently the stove is used. It might be necessary to clean it more frequently in winter. Use only dry and seasoned wood to burn in the stove. Avoid using a lot of oil or kerosene for starting the fire. These fuels can produce toxic gases and can be harmful to your health.

You should check the gaskets on your door when you clean them regularly. They are typically made of braided rope-like material that can be damaged by repeated closing and opening. If you find that the gasket is loose and needs to be fixed, purchase an alternative gasket made of fiberglass and adhesive. The hinges of these doors must be inspected as well.

Chimneys and flues need to be examined to ensure that they are free of creosote build up and obstructions. During the inspection, check for cracks and other signs of damage to the chimney lining. Stovepipes should also be examined and any dents must be repaired.

It is essential to clean the glass door of your wood stove. You can accomplish this by mixing water and ammonia. A rag or sponge should be saturated with the solution and then wiped across the surface of the glass until it is completely clean. For more difficult stains, you can leave the solution on for a few minutes before wiping again.