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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 pollution. Undark discovered that some of the latest stoves may not be up to EPA standards.

In the current climate of high energy costs, cities are seeking to reduce wood combustion, especially in areas where air quality is poor. Here are 10 ways to improve the indoor air quality and get more heat out of each log.

Efficiency

Wood stoves are one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat your home. Modern EPA certified wood stoves burn logs very quickly and produce less creosote compared to older models. This lets you burn more energy into your fireplace and cut down on heating costs by up to 30%. The efficiency of wood stoves increases over the lifetime of the stove when you use only wood that is seasoned.

Older wood stoves are efficient at 50 percent or lower. This means that carbon dioxide and smoke are released into the air, resulting in an evaporation of about 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 made by controlling the fuel, 5829186 air and combustion process. Wood stoves that have controlled airflow can slow the speed at which the fire moves through the wood, allowing gases produced to stay hot and completely burn.

Modern wood stoves can also reuse the byproducts of incomplete combustion to create a new flame that burns more efficiently. This process is known as reburn and can increase the efficiency of wood stoves by up to 10 percent.

Another advantage of using wood as a source of heat is that it is carbon neutral. When trees expand they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen when they are burnt. Wood is a resource that is sustainable for the environment, particularly when it comes from local woodlands managed in a way that promotes healthy tree growth.

Cleanliness

Cleaning and maintenance of wood stoves is essential for keeping homes warm. In the United States, 8.8 million households use wood stoves. A dirty stove or flue pipe can lead to carbon monoxide and fire hazards. Clean stoves, chimneys and flue pipes are 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 cool down. Choose a container made of steel 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 a healthy addition to you garden.

While the ashes are out of the stove, it is an ideal time to sweep the floor and vacuum up any residual dust. It is important to keep at minimum 3 feet of space between your wood stove and any combustible items such as curtains, pillows or toys. This will stop the spread of fire and burning the items.

A clear glass door interior of your stove will let you see the flames dancing, www.5829186.Xyz and it can also assist you in determining the best time to start a fresh fire. Be sure to have a glass cleaner available to remove any tarred or smudged areas. If the glass is very filthy you can use newspaper dipped in ash and water to wipe it down. Avoid scratching the glass as this can cause it to weaken and break when heated.

Creosote buildup on the inside of your flue is the primary cause of chimney fires. A tiny amount of creosote could cause a fire to a chimney. Clean your flue often, especially if you burn pine or other soft woods that create more creosote than other types of wood.

To avoid creosote vapors entering your home, you should only burn seasoned and dry wood that has been cut in half or smaller. Never burn artificial trash, logs or other items in your wood stove.

Safety

Wood stoves can release toxic gasses like carbon monoxide and particulates. These harmful gases can be absorbed into the home, and can have negative health effects on children, elderly adults, and those suffering from respiratory ailments like COPD or asthma. Smoke from wood over time can cause heart disease and cause lung damage.

It is crucial to follow the correct burning techniques for wood stoves in order avoid these risks. This includes ensuring that the stove is working correctly and has sufficient heat output for the room size and design. Additionally, only dry, well-seasoned hardwoods are allowed to be used in the stove. The moisture content should be less than 20%. If the moisture content of the firewood is higher, the fire will burn faster and produce a smoky fire with more creosote buildup on the chimney vent pipe wall.

A well-drawn chimney is an additional essential safety feature. This can be achieved by observing how much air is flowing into the firebox as well as through the chimney. The majority of modern stoves offer several options to regulate the flow of air and the owner's manual has documented procedures. The highest heating efficiencies can be achieved if the air controls are properly operated.

The flue pipe and chimney must be free of combustible material, such as drapes, trash or paper. Insufficient clearance between combustibles as well as wood-burning appliances is the most common cause of fires in homes caused by wood stoves.

It is also important to keep children away from wood stoves while the flame is in progress or when the ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious, and 5829186.xyz may try to touch the hot surfaces of the wood stove or even put their hands in the fire. It is recommended to set up a childproof gate around the fireplace, or 5829186 use a fireplace screen. It is also crucial to examine the fireplace and stove frequently for signs of wear.

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

Maintenance

Wood stoves can be a great way to reduce the cost of heating, however they need some 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 a house fire. In addition to cleaning the chimney and cleaning the stove, you need to clean and sweep the surfaces in the stove and flue. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and test it regularly. Smoke detectors are also an excellent idea for all rooms of the home, but they are especially useful in the room where the stove is.

In general, you should clean the stove and chimney at least once per year. The schedule of cleaning should be altered in accordance with how frequently the stove is used. It may be necessary to clean it more often in winter. You should also be sure to make sure to use only dry and seasoned wood to use in the stove. Avoid using lots of oil or kerosene to ignite the fire. These fuels can release toxic gases and be harmful to your health.

During your regular cleaning, you should examine the gaskets on your doors. They are usually made of rope-like braids which can degrade with repeated opening and closing. If you notice that the gasket is loosened and you need to replace it, buy a gasket made of fiberglass and some cement to repair it. Also, 5829186.xyz the hinges of these doors need to be examined as well.

Chimneys and flues should be examined to ensure that they are free of creosote accumulation and obstructions. During this inspection, look for cracks in the chimney liner as well as any other indications of damage. Stovepipes should also be examined and any dents must be fixed.

If you have a glass door on your wood stove, it is crucial to keep it clean. This can be accomplished easily with a mix of water and ammonia. The solution is then wiped onto the glass using either a sponge or rag. You can let the solution sit for 5829186.Xyz a few moments before wiping it off again.