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

In an era of high energy costs, cities are looking to reduce wood combustion, particularly in areas in which air quality is poor. Here are 10 ways to improve indoor air quality, and to get more heat out of each log.

Efficiency

Wood stoves are one of the most efficient methods to heat your home. Modern wood stoves certified by the EPA burn logs quickly and produce less smoke than older models. This lets you burn a higher proportion of the energy from your fire in a shorter amount of time and lower your heating costs by up to 30 percent. When you only use seasoned hardwood the efficiency of wood stoves will increase over the lifetime of the stove.

Older wood stoves are efficient at 50 percent or lower. This means that half the potential energy in the fire is lost when carbon monoxide and smoke are released into the air. Modern stoves boast efficiencies of up to 85 percent or greater, which is comparable to the efficiency of gas and oil furnaces.

The higher efficiency of wood stoves are achieved by controlling the air, fuel, and combustion process. 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 burn completely.

Additionally modern wood stoves can recycle the byproducts of incomplete combustion into a new one that produces more efficient combustion. This process, referred to as Reburn, can improve the efficiency of wood stoves by as much as 10 percent.

Another advantage of using wood as a source for heat is that it is considered carbon neutral. When trees develop, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen when burned. Wood is a renewable resource for the environment, especially when it is sourced from local woodlands that are managed in a way that promotes healthy tree growth.

Cleanliness

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

The most frequent task associated with cleaning your wood stove is emptying the ashes. This is best done on a day that is cool, when the stove isn't hot anymore and you must wear gloves to protect yourself when handling the ashes. Choose a container made of metal that is that is large enough to accommodate all the ashes, then take them in a safe place away from anything that could cause a fire. You can also incorporate the ashes into your compost for a healthy addition to you garden.

While the ashes are out of the stove, it is a good time to sweep the floor and remove any dust left behind. It is also a good idea to put at least three feet between your wood stove and any other combustible objects such as pillows or curtains. This will stop the spread of fire and burning the items.

A clear glass door on the interior of your stove will let you see the dancing flames, and can assist you in determining the best time to light a new fire. Be sure to have a glass cleaner in your kitchen to remove any tarred or smudged areas. Newspaper dipped in ash and water can be used to clean the glass if it is extremely filthy. Avoid scratching the glass as this can cause it to shrink and break when heated.

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

Burn only dry, seasoned wood that is split in half or smaller. Do not burn artificial logs, trash or Www.913875.Xyz other items in your wood stove.

Safety

Wood stoves are known to produce extremely harmful gases, including carbon monoxide and particulates. These toxins can enter the home, and have negative effects on the health of children, elderly adults, or those with respiratory diseases such as COPD or asthma. In time, wood smoke exposure can cause heart disease and lung damage.

To avoid these risks It is crucial to follow proper wood stove burning procedures. This includes making sure that the stove is working correctly and has enough heat output to the size of the room and design. Only dry, well-seasoned hard woods are suitable for burning in the stove. The moisture content should not exceed 20 percent. If the moisture content is higher, it will burn faster and produce a smoky fire that has more creosote building up on the chimney vent pipe's walls.

A good draw is another important safety feature. This can be accomplished by monitoring how much air is flowing into the firebox and through the chimney. The owner's manual will give specific instructions on how to alter the flow of air in most modern stoves. The highest heating efficiencies can be achieved when air controls are operated correctly.

Finally, 913875 the flue and chimney pipes should be kept free of fire-prone materials, such as drapes, 913875.xyz (913875.Xyz) paper, trash or rug. Insufficient clearance between combustibles as well as wood-burning appliances is a major cause of house fires caused by wood stoves.

Keep children away from wood stoves when the flame is burning or when ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious, and they can touch hot surfaces on the stove or place their hands in the fire. It is recommended to set up a child-proof gate around the fireplace or 913875 to employ the fireplace screen. It is also important to regularly inspect the fireplace and wood stove for signs of wear and tear.

It is also essential to have your chimney and stove professionally examined at least once per 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 also lessen the need for smoke or CO2 remediation services.

Maintenance

Wood stoves can be an excellent way to cut down the cost of heating, however they require some extra maintenance. If you don't perform the required maintenance, your wood stove can cause a fire that is dangerous to escape from the chimney or flue and could even trigger fire in your home. In addition to cleaning the chimney and cleaning the stove, it is essential to clean and sweep the stove's surfaces and flue. Keep a fire extinguisher on the counter and test it frequently. 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 located.

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 frequently in winter. Make sure to use only dry and seasoned wood to use in the stove. It is best to avoid using lots of oil or kerosene for starting the fire, since these fuels burn differently and can create toxic gases that can be dangerous to your health.

During your regular cleaning and maintenance, be sure to check the gaskets on your doors. They are usually made of rope-like braids that may become degraded with repeated opening and closing. If you notice that the gasket is not tight, purchase a replacement fiberglass gasket and some gasket cement to repair it. The hinges of these doors need to also be checked.

Chimneys and flues should be inspected to ensure that they are free of creosote build up and obstructions. During the inspection, look for cracks or other signs of damage in the chimney lining. Stovepipes need to be checked as well, and any dents or gaps must be fixed.

It is crucial to clean the glass door of your wood stove. You can accomplish this by mixing water with ammonia. A rag or sponge should be soaked in the solution and then wiped across the surface of the glass until it is clean. You can let the solution sit for www.913875.xyz a few minutes before wiping it over again.