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

Many communities have offered financial incentives to replace old wood stoves with EPA certified models that produce less pollutant. However, Undark discovered that some of these more modern stoves may not be able to meet EPA standards.

In the current climate of high energy costs, cities are seeking to reduce wood combustion, especially in areas where air quality is low. Here are 10 things you can do to improve the quality of indoor air and get more heat out of every log.

Efficiency

Wood stoves are among the most energy efficient methods to heat your house. Modern EPA-certified wood stoves burn logs quickly and produce less smoke than older models. This lets you make use of a larger percentage of the potential energy from your fire in a shorter period of time and 913875.xyz reduce your heating bills by up to 30 percent. The efficiency of wood stoves increases over the lifetime of the stove if you use only seasoned hardwood.

Older wood stoves have an efficiency of 50 percent or less. This means that half the potential energy in the fire is lost as carbon monoxide and smoke are released into the air. Modern stoves can achieve efficiencies of up to 85 percent or greater, which is comparable to the efficiency of gas and oil furnaces.

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

Modern wood stoves can also recycle the byproducts of incomplete combustion to create a new fire that produces more efficient combustion. This process, referred to as reburn, can increase the efficiency of wood stoves by up to 10 percent.

Another advantage of using wood as a source for heat is that it is carbon neutral. When trees expand they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen when burned. Wood is also an eco-friendly resource, particularly when it comes from local woodlands that are managed in a manner 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 use wood stoves. A filthy stove or flue pipe could cause carbon monoxide to build up and create fire hazards. Clean stoves, flue pipes and chimneys are more efficient.

Cleaning the ashes is the most common task to do when cleaning your wood stove. This is best done on a day that is cool, when the stove is no longer hot, and you should wear protective gloves when handling the ashes. Choose a container made of steel that can hold all the ashes and dump it outside away from anything that could burn. You can also incorporate the ashes to your compost for a healthy addition to you garden.

When the ashes have been cleared of the stove, it is the perfect time to sweep the floor and remove any dust that remains. It is also a good idea to leave at least three feet space between your wood stove, and any combustible things such as curtains or pillows. This will stop the spread of fire and burning the items.

For the inside of your stove glass doors that are clean allow you to enjoy a view of the flames dancing and help you know when it's time to light a new fire. Make sure that you have glass cleaner available to get rid of any smudged or tarred areas that could be present. If the glass is very filthy, you can make use of a newspaper that has been dipped in ash and water to wipe it down. Be careful not to scratch the glass as scratches can weaken the glass and cause it to shatter when it is heated.

Creosote buildup on the inside of your flue is the primary cause of chimney fires. Creosote can be extremely flammable, so an accumulation of just one millimeter can trigger an explosion in your chimney. Clean the flue often especially in the event that burning pine or soft woods produces more creosote.

Burn only seasoned, dry wood that has been split in half or smaller. Never burn artificial garbage, logs, or other objects in your wood stove.

Safety

Wood stoves are known to produce extremely toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide and particulates. These toxins can enter your home and can have negative health effects for older adults, children or those with respiratory conditions like asthma or 913875.xyz COPD. Over time exposure to wood smoke can cause heart disease and lung damage.

It is essential to adhere to proper wood stove burn practices to reduce the risk. This includes making sure that the stove is functioning properly and that it has sufficient heat output to the size of the room and style. Only dry, well-seasoned and dry woods are suitable for burning in the stove. The firewood's moisture content must be less than 20 percent. If the moisture content is higher it will burn faster and produce a more smoky fire that has more creosote building up on the chimney vent pipe walls.

A good draw is another important safety feature. This can be achieved by monitoring the amount of air that is circulating through the firebox as well as through the chimney. Modern stoves come with a variety of ways to alter the flow of air and the owner's guide includes procedures. Properly operating the air controls can achieve the highest heating efficiency.

The chimney and flue pipe should be free of 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 and combustibles.

Keep children away from wood stoves when the flame is burning or when the ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious, and they might touch hot surfaces on a wood stove or place their hands in the fire. Install a child-proof fence around the fireplace or install a fireplace screen. It is also important to inspect the fireplace and wood stove frequently for signs of wear and tear.

Lastly, it is important to have your stove and chimney professionally inspected once per year for creosote accumulation and bird nests, as well as other issues that can impact the safety of your chimney and stove. This will prevent fires and www.913875.xyz health hazards as well as lessen the need for CO2 or smoke remediation services.

Maintenance

Wood stoves are an effective way to lower your heating expenses, but 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, and even cause an explosion in your home. It is important to clean the surfaces of the stove and flue. Keep a fire extinguisher at hand and test it regularly. It is also a good idea to put smoke detectors in the house, especially one in the area with the stove.

As a rule it is recommended to clean the chimney and stove at least once per year. Cleaning schedules should be adjusted in accordance with how frequently the stove is used. It might be necessary to clean it more often in winter. Make sure to use only dry and seasoned wood to burn in the stove. It is recommended to avoid using lots of oil or kerosene for starting the fire, since these fuels burn differently and can generate toxic gases that can be extremely harmful to your health.

It is recommended to check your door gaskets at the time of your regular cleaning. These are usually made of a braided substance that may be damaged over time. If you notice the gasket is loose and needs to be replaced, purchase an alternative fiberglass seal and some gasket adhesive. The hinges of these doors should also be checked.

Chimneys and flues should be inspected to ensure they are free of creosote build up and obstructions. During this inspection, look for cracks in the chimney liner as well as any other indications of damage. Stovepipes should be inspected as well and any holes or dents must be fixed.

If you have a glass door for your wood stove, it's essential to keep it clean. This can be accomplished easily with a mix of water and Www.913875.Xyz ammonia. A sponge or rag must be soaked with the solution, then wiped over the surface of the glass until it is completely clean. For more difficult stains, you can leave the solution in place for a few minutes prior to wiping again.