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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. Undark discovered that some of the latest stoves may not meet EPA standards.
In the midst of rising energy costs, cities are seeking ways to reduce burning wood, particularly in areas where 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 ways to heat your house. Modern EPA certified wood stoves burn logs extremely quickly and produce less creosote compared to older models. This allows you to use a greater proportion of the energy generated by your fireplace in a shorter amount of time and reduce your heating bills by as much as 30 percent. If you only use well-seasoned wood the efficiency of wood stoves increases over the life of the stove.
Older wood stoves have an efficiency of 50 percent or less. This means that a significant portion of the energy potential in the fire is lost because smoke and carbon monoxide are released into the air. Modern stoves can boast an efficiency of 85 percent or more. This is comparable to gas and oil furnaces.
Wood stoves can be improved by controlling the airflow, fuel, 5829186 and combustion processes. Wood stoves that have controlled airflow can slow the speed at which the flame moves through the wood, 5829186, https://Www.5829186.xyz, allowing gas produced to remain hot and completely burn.
In addition, modern wood stoves can recycle the waste products of incomplete combustion into a new fire that burns more efficiently. This process, known as reburn, can boost the efficiency of wood stoves by up to 10%.
Another benefit of using wood as a source of heat is that it is considered carbon neutral. The trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air as they are growing and release oxygen in return when they are burned. Wood is also an environmentally sustainable resource, particularly if it comes from woodlands in the local area that are managed in a way that encourages the growth of healthy trees.
Cleanliness
Cleaning and maintaining wood stoves is essential for keeping homes warm. In the United States, 8.8 million households use wood stoves. A dirty stove or flue pipe can cause carbon monoxide and fire hazards. Clean stoves, chimneys and flue pipes are more efficient.
Emptying the ashes is the primary task you can do when cleaning your wood stove. Wear protective gloves and wait until the stove has cooled down. Select a metal container large enough to hold all of the ashes, and then dump them outside away from anything that might be able to ignite. You can also put the ashes into your compost to create a healthy addition to you garden.
While the ashes are out of the stove, it is an ideal time to sweep the floor and vacuum up any dust that remains. It is also a good idea to put at least three feet between your wood stove, and any other combustible objects like pillows or curtains. This will stop a fire from spreading and burning the objects.
A clean glass door on the inside of your stove will allow you to see the dancing flames, and it will also assist you in determining the best time to light a new fire. Make sure you have a glass cleaner available to remove any tarred or smudged areas. If the glass is extremely dirty you can use newspaper dipped in water and ash to clean it. Avoid scratching the glass as this can cause it to weaken and break when heated.
Creosote accumulation on the inside of your flue is the primary cause of chimney fires. A few millimeters of creosote can cause a fire to the chimney. Clean the flue frequently, especially in the event that burning soft or 5829186 pine woods create more creosote.
To ensure that creosote-free vapors do not enter your home, you should only burn dry and seasoned wood that has been cut in half or smaller. Do not burn artificial logs, trash or other objects in your wood stove.
Safety
Wood stoves emit harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and particulates. These harmful gases can be found in the home and can have negative health effects for older adults, children or those with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD. Smoke from wood over time can cause heart disease and lead to lung damage.
It is essential to adhere to proper wood stove burn practices in order avoid these risks. This includes making sure that the stove is functioning correctly and is able to produce enough heat for the room size and style. Only dry, well-seasoned, hard woods should be burnt in the stove. The firewood’s moisture content must be less than 20 percent. If the moisture content is higher, it will burn more quickly and produce a smoky fire with more creosote build-up on the chimney vent pipe walls.
Another important safety issue is ensuring that the stove has a good draw by observing the amount of air that flows into the firebox and through the chimney. The owner’s manual will give specific instructions on how you can adjust air flow in most modern stoves. The best efficiency of heating can be achieved when air controls are properly operated.
The flue pipe and chimney must be free of combustible material, such as drapes, trash or paper. A lack of clearance between combustibles and wood-burning appliances is a leading cause of house fires caused by wood stoves.
It is also important to keep children out of wood stoves while the fire is burning or while ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious, and may want to touch the hot surfaces of a wood stove or put their hands in the flame. Install a childproof fence around the fireplace or install a fireplace screen. Additionally, it is important to regularly check the fireplace and wood stove for signs of wear.
Finally, it is essential to have your stove and chimney professionally inspected once per year for the accumulation of creosote as well as bird nests and 5829186 other issues that can impact the safety of your chimney and stove. This will help prevent fires and 5829186.xyz health hazards, as well as reduce the need for carbon monoxide remediation services.
Maintenance
Wood stoves are an excellent way to cut down your heating expenses, but they do require a little more maintenance. If you don’t perform the necessary maintenance the wood stove could cause a fire that is dangerous to escape the flue or chimney, and even cause fire in your home. In addition to cleaning the chimney and cleaning the stove, you need to sweep and clean the surfaces in the stove and flue. Keep an extinguisher on hand and test it frequently. It’s also recommended to install smoke detectors throughout the home particularly in the room that houses the stove.
As a rule, you should clean the stove and chimney at least once per year. The schedule for cleaning is dependent on how much the stove is used, and may require more frequently during winter. Make sure to use only dry and seasoned wood for burning in the stove. It is advised to stay clear of using a lot of kerosene or oil for starting the fire, as these fuels have different burning patterns and produce toxic gases that could be harmful to your health.
You should check your door gaskets when you clean them regularly. These are often made from braided rope-like material that can 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 on these doors must be checked as well.
It is crucial to examine chimneys and flues to ensure that they are clear of obstructions and creosote. During the inspection, check for cracks and other signs of damage to the chimney lining. Stovepipes should be inspected 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 easily with a mix of water and ammonia. The solution should be applied to the glass with an abrasive or sponge. You can leave the solution for a few minutes before wiping it off again.