EPA-Certified small wood burning stoves Stoves May Not Meet Your Health and Safety Standards

Many communities have provided financial incentives to replace wood stoves with EPA-certified models which produce less pollution. However, Undark discovered that some of these newer stoves may not be able to meet EPA standards.

In a time of high energy costs, cities are looking for ways to cut down on the use of wood, particularly in areas where air quality is poor. Here are 10 ways to improve the 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 very quickly and produce less creosote than older models. This lets you burn more energy into your fireplace and cut down on heating costs by up to 30 percent. The efficiency of wood stoves improves over the life of the stove when you use only seasoned hardwood.

Older wood stoves generally have efficiencies of 50 percent or less. This means that a significant portion of the potential energy generated by the fire is lost as smoke and carbon monoxide are released into the atmosphere. Modern stoves can boast an efficiency of up to 85 percent or more. This is similar to oil and gas furnaces.

Wood stoves can be more efficient by controlling airflow, fuel, and combustion processes. Wood stoves that have controlled airflow can slow down the speed at which the flame moves through wood, allowing gas produced to remain hot and burn completely.

Modern wood stoves can recycle the byproducts from incomplete combustion to create a new fire that burns more efficiently. This process is known as reburn and can increase the efficiency of wood stoves by as much as 10 percent.

Wood is also carbon-neutral, which is another advantage. As trees grow they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen when burnt. Wood is also an environmentally sustainable resource, particularly when it comes from woodlands in the local area that are managed in a way that encourages the growth of healthy trees.

Cleanliness

Cleaning and maintenance of wood stoves is crucial to keeping homes warm. In the United States, 8.8 million households utilize wood stoves. A dirty stove and flue pipe can be a fire hazard and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Clean chimneys, stoves and flue pipes are also more efficient.

The most frequent task associated with cleaning your wood stove is to empty the ashes. Wear protective gloves and wait until the stove has cooled down. Choose a metal container that is that is large enough to hold all the ashes, and then dump them in a safe place away from anything that could burn. You can also add the ashes to your compost to make an organic addition to your garden.

Once the ashes have been removed from the stove, sweep the floor to remove dust. It is also a good idea to leave at three feet of space between your wood stove and any combustible materials like curtains, pillows or toys. This will stop the spread of fire and burning the objects.

A clear glass door inside of your stove will allow you to see the dancing flames and it can also assist you in determining the best time to light a fire. Make sure you have glass cleaner available to clean any smudged or tarred areas that might be present. If the glass is very dirty it is possible to use newspaper dipped in ash and water to clean it. Avoid scratching the glass as this can cause it to break or break when heated.

The buildup of creosote inside your chimney flue is one the primary causes of chimney fires. Creosote is extremely flammable, so any layer of even a few millimeters can cause a chimney fire. Clean the flue frequently, especially if you burn pine or other soft woods that produce more creosote than other kinds of wood.

To prevent creosote vapors from entering your home, only burn seasoned and dry wood that has been cut in half or smaller. Also, don't burn artificial wood or trash in your wood stove.

Safety

wood burning stove fan [just click the following website] stoves can emit toxic gases such as carbon monoxide or particulates. These toxins can make their way into the home and cause negative effects on the health of young people, older adults, or people suffering from respiratory ailments like COPD or asthma. As time passes exposure to wood smoke may cause lung damage and heart disease.

It is essential to adhere to proper burning techniques for wood stoves in order avoid these risks. These include ensuring that the stove is operating properly and that it has enough heat output for the space and style. Only dry, well-seasoned and dry woods should be burnt in the stove. The moisture content should be less than 20%. If the moisture content of the firewood is higher it will burn faster and produce an smoky flame with more creosote buildup on the chimney vent pipe wall.

Another important aspect of safety is ensuring that the stove is operating at a high draw by monitoring the amount of air flowing through the firebox and the chimney. The majority of modern stoves offer various ways to regulate the flow of air and the owner's manual includes the procedures. The highest heating efficiencies can be achieved when the air controls are operated correctly.

The chimney and flue pipe must be free of all fire-prone materials, like drapes, paper or trash. The fires that occur in wood stoves are often caused by an inadequate clearance between combustibles, wood-burning appliances as well as combustibles.

Be sure to keep children out of wood stoves when the flame is burning or when ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious and they can touch hot surfaces on the stove or place their hands in the fire. It is recommended to install a child-proof gate around the fireplace, or employ a fireplace screen. It is also essential to check the fireplace and wood stove regularly for signs of wear.

It is also important to ensure that your chimney and stove are regularly inspected for the accumulation of creosote as well as bird nests and other issues that can impact stove and chimney safety. This will help avoid fires and health hazards, as well as reduce the necessity for carbon monoxide remediation services.

Maintenance

Wood stoves are a great way to reduce the cost of heating, however they require some extra maintenance. If you do not perform the required maintenance, your wood stove can cause a dangerous fire to escape the flue or chimney or even start a housefire. In addition to cleaning the chimney and cleaning the stove, it is essential to clean and sweep the stove's surfaces and flue. Keep a fire extinguisher on your desk and check it frequently. It's also an excellent idea to place smoke detectors around the house, especially one in the room that houses the stove.

As a rule it is recommended to clean the stove and chimney once a year. The schedule for cleaning can be altered based on how often the stove is being used, and it might be required to be done more frequently during winter. You should also be sure to use only seasoned and dry wood for burning in the stove. Avoid using lots of oil or kerosene to ignite the fire. These fuels could release toxic gasses and pose a danger to your health.

It is recommended to check your door gaskets at the time of your regular cleaning. These are often made from braided rope-like material that can become degraded with repeated opening and closing. If you find that the gasket is leaking and needs to be repaired, buy an alternative gasket seal made of fiberglass and adhesive. The hinges of these doors should also be checked.

It is crucial to examine flues and chimneys to ensure that they are clear of creosote and obstructions. During the inspection, check for cracks, and other indications of damage in the chimney lining. Stovepipes must also be inspected, and any dents should be repaired.

It is important to clean the glass door of your wood stove. It is easy to accomplish this by mixing water with ammonia. The solution is then wiped onto the glass using either a sponge or rag. You can let the solution sit for a couple of minutes before wiping it again.