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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 pollution. However, Undark found that some of these modern stoves might not be up to EPA standards.

In these times of high energy prices, many cities are seeking ways to reduce wood burning, especially in areas that have poor air quality. Here are 10 strategies to improve indoor air quality and get more heat out of each log.

Efficiency

Wood stoves are one of the most efficient ways to heat your house. Modern EPA certified wood stoves burn up logs quickly and produce less creosote than previous models. This lets you burn more energy into your fireplace and cut down on heating expenses by as much as 30%. If you only use seasoned hardwood the efficiency of wood stoves improves over the life of the stove.

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

Wood stoves can be improved by controlling the airflow, 5829186.Xyz [Https://Www.Namedia.Co.Kr/] fuel, and combustion processes. Wood stoves that control the airflow are able to slow down the speed at which flame moves through the wood, and permit the gases that are produced to stay hot and completely combust.

In addition, modern wood stoves are able to recycle the byproducts of incomplete combustion into a new one that burns more efficiently. This process, referred to as Reburn, can improve the efficiency of wood stoves up to 10 percent.

Wood is also carbon-neutral which is a further benefit. As trees develop, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen when they are burned. Wood is also an eco-friendly resource, particularly if it comes from local woodlands that are managed in a way that encourages the growth of healthy trees.

Cleanliness

With 8.8 million households using wood stoves in the United States, cleaning and maintenance are an essential part of keeping the home warm. A dirty flue pipe or stove can cause carbon monoxide and fire hazards. Clean chimneys, stoves and flue pipes are more efficient.

The most common task associated with cleaning your wood stove is to empty the ashes. Wear protective gloves and wait until the stove has cool down. Select a metal container big enough to hold all the ashes, then take them in a safe place away from anything that could cause a fire. You can also add the ashes to your compost for an organic addition to your garden.

While the ashes are out of the stove, it's a good time to sweep the floor and sweep up any residual dust. It is also a good idea to keep at least 3 feet of space between your wood stove and any other combustible objects such as curtains, 5829186.xyz pillows or toys. This helps to prevent the fire from growing out of control and burning these items.

As for the inside of your stove, a clear glass door lets you to enjoy a view of the dancing flames and can help you tell when it's time to light an all-new fire. Make sure you have glass cleaner in your kitchen to clean any tarred or smudged areas that might be present. Newspaper dipped into water and ash can be used to clean the glass if it's extremely dirty. Avoid scratching the glass as this could cause it to weaken and break when heated.

The accumulation of creosote in your chimney flue is among the primary causes of chimney fires. Creosote is extremely flammable, and any layer of even one millimeter can trigger the chimney to catch fire. Clean the flue frequently especially in the event that burning pine or soft woods create more creosote.

Burn only dry, seasoned wood that has been cut in half or smaller. Never burn artificial trash, 5829186 logs or other objects in your wood stove.

Safety

Wood stoves can release very toxic gases, including carbon monoxide and 5829186 particulates. These harmful gases can be found in the home and can have negative health effects on older adults, children 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.

To avoid these risks, it is essential to follow the proper wood stove burning practices. This includes ensuring the stove is functioning correctly and has the right power to heat the size and shape of the room. In addition, only dry, well-seasoned hardwoods should be burned in the stove. The firewood's moisture content should be less than 20%. If the moisture content of the wood is higher, the fire will burn more quickly and create an smoky flame with more creosote on the chimney vent pipe wall.

Another important aspect of safety is ensuring that the stove has a sufficient draw by observing the amount of air flowing through the firebox and the chimney. Modern stoves come with several options to alter the flow of air, and the owner's manual has documented the procedures. The best efficiency of heating can be achieved when control of the air flow is properly used.

Finally, the flue and chimney pipes must be kept clear of any material that could ignite, such as drapes, papers, trash or carpets. The wood stove fires are often caused by an inadequate clearance between combustibles, wood-burning appliances and combustibles.

Be sure to keep children out of wood stoves when the fire is burning or when the ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious and might try to touch the hot surfaces of a wood stove or place their hands into the flame. It is recommended to set up a child-proof gate around the fireplace or use the fireplace screen. It is also essential to examine the fireplace and wood stove frequently for signs of wear.

It is also crucial to have your chimney and stove professionally checked 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 reduce the risk of fires and health hazards as well as lessen the need for smoke or CO2 remediation services.

Maintenance

While wood stoves are an excellent method of saving the cost of heating your home, they do require some additional maintenance. If you fail to take care of the required maintenance on your wood stove, it can result in a fire that escapes the flue, a dangerous chimney fire, or even a house fire. It is important to clean the surfaces of the stove and flue. It is also advisable to keep an extinguisher on hand and test it regularly. It is also an excellent idea to place smoke detectors throughout the home particularly in the room that houses the stove.

In general you should clean the chimney and stove every year. The frequency of cleaning is dependent on how often the stove is used, and may require more frequently during winter. Make sure to use only dry and seasoned wood to use in the stove. It is recommended to avoid using lots of kerosene or oil when starting the fire, as these fuels have different burning patterns and create toxic gases that can be dangerous to your health.

In the course of your regular cleaning it is important to examine the gaskets on your doors. They are usually made of rope-like braids that may be damaged by repeated closing and opening. If you find that the gasket is not tight you can purchase a new fiberglass gasket and 5829186 some gasket cement to fix it. Also, the hinges on these doors should be checked as well.

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

It is crucial to clean the glass door of your wood stove. It is easy to accomplish this by mixing water and ammonia. A sponge or rag should be soaked with the solution and wiped across the glass's surface until it is clean. It is possible to leave the solution for a few minutes before wiping it over again.