EPA-Certified Wood Stoves May Not Meet Your Health and Safety Standards

Many communities have offered financial incentives to replace 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 an era of high energy costs, a lot of cities are looking to reduce wood combustion, particularly in areas where air quality is low. Here are 10 tips to improve indoor air quality and get more heat from each log.

Efficiency

Wood stoves are among the most energy-efficient ways to heat your home. Modern EPA certified wood stoves burn logs extremely quickly and produce less creosote compared to older models. This lets you burn more of the energy in your fire and reduce your heating expenses by as much as 30 percent. If you only use wood that has been seasoned, the efficiency of wood stoves increases over the life of the stove.

Older wood stoves generally have efficiency of less than 50 percent. This means that half the potential energy in the fire is lost because smoke and carbon monoxide are released into the atmosphere. Modern stoves boast efficiency of up to 85 percent or more, which is similar to the efficiency of gas and oil furnaces.

The higher efficiency of wood stoves are made by controlling the air, fuel, and combustion process. Wood stoves with controlled airflow can slow down the speed at which the fire moves through wood, allowing gas produced to stay hot and burn completely.

Additionally modern wood stoves are able to recycle the waste products of incomplete combustion into a fresh fire that is more efficient in burning. This process is known as reburn, and can boost the efficiency of a wood stove by as much as 10 percent.

Another benefit of using wood as a source for heat is that it is carbon neutral. The trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while growing and release oxygen in return when they are burned. Wood is also an eco-friendly resource, especially if it is obtained from woodlands in the local area that are managed in a manner that encourages the growth of healthy trees.

Cleanliness

With 8.8 million households that use wood stoves in the United States, cleaning and maintenance are an important aspect of keeping your home warm. A dirty stove and pipe could be a fire hazard, and could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Clean stoves, chimneys and flue pipes are more efficient.

The most frequent task associated with cleaning your wood stove is emptying the ashes. This should be done on a day that is cool, when the stove isn't hot anymore and you must wear protective gloves when handling the ashes. Select a metal container large enough to accommodate all the ashes, and then dump them outside away from anything that might burn. You can also put 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 great idea to keep at least three feet between your wood stove, and any other combustible objects like pillows or 913875.xyz curtains. This helps to prevent a fire from getting out of control and burning these things.

As for the inside of your stove a clean glass door allows you to take a look of the flames dancing and help you know when it is time to light the fire again. Make sure you have a glass cleaner in your kitchen to get rid of any tarred or 913875.xyz smudged areas. If the glass is very filthy you can use newspaper dipped in water and ash to wipe it down. Be careful not to scratch the glass, since scratches can weaken glass and cause it to shatter when it is heated.

The accumulation of creosote in your chimney flue is among the primary causes of chimney fires. A tiny amount of creosote could cause a fire to a chimney. Clean the flue regularly, especially in the event that burning pine or soft woods produces more creosote.

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

Safety

Wood stoves can release extremely toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide and particulates. These toxins enter the home and could have adverse health effects on young people, older adults or those with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD. Smoke from wood in the long run can lead to heart disease and lead to lung damage.

It is crucial to adhere to the proper wood stove burn practices to reduce the risk. This includes ensuring the stove is functioning correctly and has sufficient heat output for the size and layout of the room. Only dry, well-seasoned hard woods should be burned in the stove. The firewood's moisture content must be less than 20 percent. If the moisture content is higher, www.913875.xyz (www.913875.Xyz) it will burn faster and produce a more smoky fire, with more creosote accumulation on the chimney vent pipe walls.

Another important aspect of safety is ensuring that the stove is operating at a high draw by observing the amount of air flowing through the firebox and the chimney. The owner's manual will give specific instructions on how you can adjust air flow in most modern stoves. The highest efficiency in heating can be achieved if the control of the air flow is properly used.

The chimney and flue pipe should be free of combustible material, such as drapes, trash or paper. The wood stove fires are often caused by an insufficient clearance between combustibles wood-burning appliances and combustibles.

It is also essential to keep children away from wood stoves while the flame is burning or while the ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious and may try to touch the hot surfaces of the wood stove or even put their hands in the flame. It is recommended to install a child-proof gate around the fireplace or employ the fireplace screen. It is also important to inspect the fireplace and wood stove regularly for signs of wear.

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

Maintenance

Wood stoves are a great way to reduce your heating expenses, 913875.xyz but they need some additional maintenance. If you do not perform the required maintenance the wood stove could cause a fire that is dangerous to escape the flue or chimney or www.913875.xyz even start fire in your home. It is important to clean the stove's surfaces and flue. You should also keep an extinguisher on hand and test it regularly. Smoke detectors are also beneficial throughout the home, but they are especially useful in the area where the stove is.

As a rule, you should clean your stove and chimney at least once a year. Cleaning schedules need to be adjusted according to how often the stove is used. It is possible to clean it more often in winter. You should also be sure to use only seasoned and dry wood to use in the stove. Avoid using lots of oil or kerosene for starting the fire. These fuels can release toxic gases and can be harmful to your health.

During your regular cleaning it is important to check the gaskets on your doors. They are usually made of rope-like braids which can degrade with repeated closing and opening. If you find that the gasket is loosened and you need to replace it, buy a gasket made of fiberglass and some cement to repair it. The hinges on these doors must be checked as well.

It is crucial to examine flues and chimneys to ensure that they are free of obstructions and creosote. During the inspection, look for cracks in the chimney liner as well as any other indications of damage. Stovepipes must also be inspected and any damage should be fixed.

If you have a glass door on your wood stove, it's essential to keep it clean. You can easily accomplish this by mixing water and ammonia. The solution is then applied to the glass using either a sponge or rag. You can leave the solution for a few minutes before wiping it over again.