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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 which produce less polluting. But Undark found that some of these modern stoves may not be able to meet EPA standards.

In the midst of rising energy prices, many cities are seeking ways to reduce burning wood, particularly in areas with poor air quality. Here are 10 ways to improve indoor air quality and get more heat out of each log.

Efficiency

Wood stoves are among the most energy-efficient ways to heat your home. Modern wood stoves certified by the EPA burn logs quickly and generate less smoke than older models. This lets you burn more energy in your fireplace and cut down on heating costs by up to 30%. The efficiency of wood stoves improves over the life of the stove if you use only wood that is seasoned.

Older wood stoves are efficient at 50 percent or lower. This means that carbon dioxide and smoke are released into the air, which results in a loss of half the energy potential of the fire. Modern stoves can boast an efficiency of up to 85 percent or more. This is similar to oil and gas furnaces.

Wood stoves can be improved by controlling the air combustion, fuel, and processes. Wood stoves that control the airflow can slow down how fast the fire is moving through the wood and permit the gases produced to stay hot and completely combust.

In addition, modern wood stoves can recycle the byproducts of incomplete combustion into a new fire that produces more efficient combustion. This process, called reburn, 913875 can increase the efficiency of wood stoves by up to 10%.

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

Cleanliness

With 8.8 million households using wood stoves in the United States, cleaning and maintenance are a crucial element of keeping your home warm. A dirty flue pipe or stove can cause carbon monoxide and fire dangers. Clean stoves, chimneys and flue pipes are also more efficient.

The removal of ashes is the primary task you can do when cleaning your wood stove. Wear protective gloves and wait until the stove has cooled down. Choose a container made of metal that is large enough to hold all the ashes, then take them outdoors away from anything that might cause a fire. Alternately, you can add the ashes to your compost pile for a healthy addition to your garden.

While the ashes have been removed from the stove, you can sweep the floor to remove dust. It is also a good idea to leave at least three feet between your wood stove, and any other combustible objects like pillows or curtains. This will prevent a fire from spreading and burning the items.

Regarding the inside of your stove, a clear glass door lets you to take a look of the dancing flames and will help you determine when it is time to light the fire again. Make sure to have a glass cleaner in your kitchen to remove any tarred or smudged areas. Newspaper dipped in ash and www.913875.xyz; 913875.xyz, water can be used to wash the glass if it is extremely filthy. Be careful not to scratch the glass since scratches can weaken glass and www.913875.xyz shatter when it is heated.

The accumulation of creosote within your chimney flue is among the main causes of chimney fires. Creosote is highly flammable, so an accumulation of just millimeters could cause the chimney to catch fire. Clean the flue regularly particularly if you are burning pine or other soft woods that generate more creosote compared to other types of wood.

Burn only dry, seasoned wood that has been cut in half or smaller. Do not burn artificial garbage, logs, or other items inside your wood stove.

Safety

Wood stove burning can produce extremely toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide and particulates. These toxins can make their way into the home, and can have negative health effects for young people, older adults, and those suffering from respiratory illnesses such as COPD or asthma. The exposure to wood smoke over time can also cause heart disease and eventually lung damage.

It is essential to adhere to the proper burning practices for wood stoves to reduce the risk. This includes ensuring the stove is working correctly and has sufficient power to heat the size and design of the room. Only dry, well-seasoned, hard woods are suitable for burning in the stove. The moisture content should be less than 20 percent. If the moisture content is higher it will burn more quickly and produce a more smoky fire that has more creosote building up on the chimney vent pipe walls.

Another important safety issue is to ensure that the stove has a good 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 alter the flow of air in most modern stoves. The highest heating efficiencies can be achieved if the air controls are operated correctly.

Additionally, the flue and chimney pipes should be kept free of fire-prone materials, such as drapes, paper, trash or carpets. The fires that occur in wood stoves are usually caused by inadequate clearance between combustibles wood-burning appliances, Www.913875.Xyz 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 the stove or place their hands in the flame. It is recommended to install a childproof gate around the fireplace or employ the fireplace screen. It is also crucial to check the fireplace and wood stove regularly for signs of wear.

Lastly, it is important to ensure that your chimney and stove are professionally checked every year for creosote accumulation as well as bird nests and other issues that can impact the safety of your chimney and Www.913875.Xyz stove. This will prevent fires and health hazards, and will also reduce the need for CO2 or smoke remediation services.

Maintenance

Wood stoves are an excellent way to cut down the cost of heating, however they do require a little more maintenance. If you fail to take care of the required maintenance on your wood stove, it can result in a fire which escapes the flue, a dangerous chimney fire, or even a house fire. In addition to cleaning the chimney and cleaning the stove, you need to clean and sweep the surfaces in the stove and flue. Keep a fire extinguisher on the counter and test it frequently. It is also recommended to install smoke detectors in the house particularly in the area with the stove.

As a general rule cleaning your stove and chimney at least once per year. The cleaning schedule can be altered based on how much the stove is used, and may require more frequently in winter. It is also important to make sure to use only dry and seasoned wood to burn in the stove. Avoid using a lot oil or kerosene for starting the fire. These fuels can produce toxic gases and can be harmful to your health.

In the course of your regular cleaning, you should examine the gaskets on your doors. They are typically made of rope-like braids which can degrade with repeated opening and closing. If you find that the gasket is loose you can purchase a new fiberglass gasket and some gasket cement to repair it. The hinges of these doors should be inspected as well.

It is essential to check chimneys and flues to ensure that they are clear of creosote and obstructions. During the inspection, look out for cracks, and other indications of damage to the chimney lining. Stovepipes must be examined too and any holes or dents must be fixed.

It is crucial to clean the glass door of your wood stove. This can be accomplished quickly by mixing a solution of water and ammonia. A sponge or rag should be soaked with the solution and wiped across the glass's surface until it is clean. For more difficult stains, you can leave the solution on for a few minutes before wiping it off again.