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 produce less polluting. However, Undark discovered that some of these modern stoves might not be up to EPA standards.

In the current climate of high energy costs, cities are seeking to reduce the use of wood, especially in areas in which air quality is poor. Here are 10 ways you can improve the quality of indoor air and get more heat from each 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 use a greater percentage of the potential energy generated by your fireplace in a shorter time and cut down on your heating bill by up to 30 percent. The efficiency of wood stoves also grows over the lifetime of the stove if you use only wood that is seasoned.

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

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

Additionally, modern wood stoves can recycle the waste products of incomplete combustion into a fresh 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.

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

Cleanliness

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

The removal of ashes is the most common 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 steel that will hold all of the ashes and dump it outside, away from anything that may ignite. You can also put the ashes into your compost to make an excellent addition to your 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 also a great idea to keep at least three feet between your wood stove and any combustible things like pillows or curtains. This prevents the fire from getting out of control and burning these things.

Regarding the inside of your stove, a clean glass door allows you to see of the flames dancing and can help you tell when it is time to light a new fire. Make sure you have glass cleaner available to remove any smudged or tarred areas that might be present. Newspaper dipped in ash and water can be used to cleanse the glass if it's extremely dirty. Avoid scratching the glass since this can cause it to weaken and break when heated.

The buildup of creosote inside your chimney flue is one the main causes of chimney fires. Creosote can be extremely flammable, and any layer of even millimeters could cause a chimney fire. Clean your flue often particularly if you are burning pine or other soft woods that produce more creosote than other types of wood.

Burn only dry, seasoned wood that has been split in half or smaller. Also, never burn artificial logs or www.913875.Xyz trash in your wood stove.

Safety

Wood stoves can release toxic gasses like carbon monoxide and Www.913875.Xyz particulates. These toxins can enter the home and cause negative health effects for children, older adults, or those with respiratory diseases such as COPD or asthma. As time passes, wood smoke exposure can cause lung damage and 913875 - www.913875.Xyz - heart disease.

It is essential to follow the correct wood stove burn practices to reduce the risk. This includes ensuring that the stove is operating correctly and has the right energy output to meet the dimensions and shape of the room. Only dry, well-seasoned hard woods are suitable for burning in the stove. The moisture content should be less than 20%. If the moisture content of the wood is higher the fire will burn faster and produce an smoky flame with more creosote buildup on the chimney vent pipe wall.

A good draw is another essential safety feature. This can be achieved by monitoring how much air is flowing into the firebox as well as through the chimney. Most modern stoves have 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 the control of the air flow is properly used.

The flue and chimney pipes should be free of combustible materials, including drapes, paper, or rug. 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 away from wood stoves when the fire is burning or when the ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious and they can touch hot surfaces of the stove or place their hands on the fire. Install a childproof fence around the fireplace, or use a fireplace screen. Additionally, it is important to regularly inspect the fireplace and wood stove for signs of wear and tear.

It is also important to have your stove and chimney professionally inspected at least every year to check for creosote buildup, bird nests, and other issues that could affect the safety of your stove. This will help prevent fires and health hazards and will also lessen the need for CO2 or smoke remediation services.

Maintenance

While wood stoves are an excellent method of saving money on home heating however, 913875.xyz they require additional maintenance. If you do not do the necessary maintenance on your wood stove, it could result in a fire which escapes the flue, which could lead to a chimney fire, or even a house fire. It is also recommended to clean the stove's surfaces and flue. Keep a fire extinguisher at hand www.913875.Xyz and test it regularly. Smoke detectors are also a great idea throughout the house, but especially in the room where the stove is.

As a general rule it is recommended to clean your stove and chimney at least once a year. Cleaning schedules need to be adjusted depending on how often the stove is used. It is possible to clean it more frequently in winter. Only use dry and seasoned wood to burn in the stove. It is advised to avoid using lots of kerosene or oil for beginning the fire, because these fuels have different burning patterns and produce toxic gases that could be very harmful to your health.

You should check your door gaskets at the time of your regular cleaning. They are usually made of braided rope-like material that can be damaged by repeated closing and opening. If you find that the gasket is not tight and you need to replace it, buy a fiberglass gasket and some gasket cement to fix it. The hinges of these doors must be examined as well.

It is important to inspect chimneys and flues to make sure that they are free of creosote and obstructions. During the inspection, check for cracks and other signs of damage to the chimney lining. Stovepipes also need to be inspected, and any dents should be repaired.

If you have a glass door on your wood stove, 913875 (Www.913875.Xyz) it's important to keep this clean. This can be accomplished quickly by mixing a solution of ammonia and water. A rag or sponge should be soaked in the solution, then wiped over the surface of the glass until it is clean. It is possible to leave the solution for a couple of minutes before wiping it again.