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 emit less pollution. Undark discovered that some of the latest stoves may not meet EPA standards.

In a time of rising energy costs, a lot of cities are seeking to reduce the use of wood, especially in areas in which air quality is poor. Here are ten things you can do to improve the quality of indoor air and get more heat from every log.

Efficiency

Wood stoves are among the most energy efficient methods to heat your home. Modern EPA certified wood stoves burn logs extremely quickly and produce less creosote than previous models. This allows you to make use of a larger proportion of the energy from your fire in a shorter amount of time and lower your heating costs by as much as 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 efficiencies of less than 50 percent. 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 have an efficiency of 85 percent or more. This is comparable to oil and gas furnaces.

The higher efficiency of wood stoves are achieved by controlling the fuel, air, and combustion process. Wood stoves that control the airflow can slow down how fast the flame moves through the wood, and permit the gases that are produced to remain hot and fully combust.

Additionally, modern wood stoves are able to recycle the byproducts from incomplete combustion into a new fire that produces more efficient combustion. This process, known as reburn, can boost the efficiency of wood stoves by as much as 10%.

Another benefit of using wood as a source for heat is that it is considered carbon neutral. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while growing and release oxygen in return when they are burned. Wood is also an environmentally sustainable resource, particularly when it comes from local woodlands that are managed in a way that encourages the growth of healthy trees.

Cleanliness

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

Cleaning the ashes is the most common task you can do when cleaning your wood stove. This is best done on a cool day, when the stove isn't hot anymore and you must wear gloves to protect yourself when handling the ashes. Select a container made of metal that can accommodate all of the ashes, and then dump it outside, away from anything that could ignite. Alternately, you can add the ashes to your compost pile for a healthy addition to your garden.

When the ashes have been cleared of the stove, it is the perfect time to sweep the floor and vacuum up any residual dust. It is also a good idea to have at minimum 3 feet of space between your wood stove and any combustible items such as curtains, pillows or 913875 toys. This will stop a fire from spreading and burning the objects.

For the inside of your stove, a clean glass door allows you to take a look of the flames dancing and can help you tell when it is time to light the fire again. Ensure that you have glass cleaner in your kitchen to remove any smudged or tarred areas that might be present. Newspaper dipped into water and 913875 ash can be used to cleanse the glass if it is extremely dirty. Be careful not to scratch the glass since scratches can weaken glass and shatter when it is heated.

The accumulation of creosote in your chimney flue is one of the primary causes of chimney fires. Creosote can be extremely flammable, and an accumulation of just one millimeter can trigger an explosion in your chimney. Clean the flue often especially if burning pine or soft woods produce more creosote.

To avoid creosote vapors entering your home, you should only burn dry and seasoned wood that has been split in half or smaller. Also, never burn artificial wood or trash in your wood stove.

Safety

Wood stoves can release extremely harmful gases, including carbon monoxide and particulates. These toxins can enter the home, and can have negative health effects for children, elderly adults, and those suffering from respiratory illnesses such as COPD or asthma. The exposure to wood smoke in the long run can lead to heart disease and lead to lung damage.

It is important to follow the correct wood stove burn practices in order avoid these risks. This includes ensuring the stove is functioning correctly and has sufficient energy output to meet the dimensions and layout of the room. Only dry, well-seasoned and dry woods are suitable for burning in the stove. The moisture content of the firewood should be less than 20 percent. If the moisture content is higher, it will burn faster and create a smokier fire, with more creosote accumulation on the chimney vent pipe's walls.

A strong draw is an essential safety feature. This can be accomplished by monitoring how much air is circulating through the firebox as well as through the chimney. Most modern stoves have several options to alter the flow of air and the owner's guide has documented the procedures. The highest efficiency in heating can be achieved when air controls are operated correctly.

The chimney and flue pipe must be free of all materials that could ignite, including drapes, paper or trash. The wood stove fires are often caused by an inadequate clearance between combustibles wood-burning appliances, 913875.xyz and combustibles.

It is also essential to keep children out of wood stoves while the flame is in progress or when the ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious and might try to touch the hot surfaces of the wood stove or even place their hands into the fire. It is recommended to set up a child-proof barrier around the fireplace or to make use of a fireplace screen. Additionally, it is important to regularly check the fireplace and wood stove for signs of wear.

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

Maintenance

Wood stoves are an effective way to lower your heating costs, 913875.Xyz - Https://Www.913875.Xyz/Dn2G1T-3Eesc-2T5Iofv-Qj7-A3Xh88-2204, but they need some additional maintenance. If you fail to do the necessary maintenance on your wood stove, it can result in a fire which escapes the flue, a dangerous chimney fire, or a 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. It is also recommended to install smoke detectors in the house particularly in the room with the stove.

In general you should clean the stove and chimney every year. The schedule for cleaning is dependent on how much the stove is used, and may be required to be done more frequently in winter. Make sure to use only dry and seasoned wood for burning in the stove. It is best to avoid using lots of oil or kerosene for beginning the fire, because these fuels burn differently and can generate toxic gases that can be very harmful to your health.

During your regular cleaning and maintenance, be sure to examine the gaskets on your doors. They are typically made of a braided substance that may become degraded over time. If you notice that the gasket is loosened you can purchase a new fiberglass gasket and some gasket cement to fix it. The hinges of these doors should also be checked.

It is crucial to examine flues and chimneys to ensure that they are free of creosote and obstructions. During this inspection, you should look for cracks in the chimney liner and any other indications of damage. Stovepipes should be inspected too, and any dents or 913875.xyz [www.913875.xyz] gaps should be repaired.

If you have a glass door on your wood stove, it is crucial to keep it clean. You can easily do this by mixing water and ammonia. A sponge or rag should be soaked in the solution and then wiped across the glass's surface until it is completely clean. You can let the solution sit for a few moments before wiping it again.