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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 pollutants. But Undark found that some of these more modern stoves may not be able to meet EPA standards.

In a time of rising energy costs, cities are looking to reduce wood combustion, especially in areas in which air quality is poor. Here are ten ways you can improve indoor air quality and get more heat from every log.

Efficiency

Wood stoves are one of the most energy efficient methods to heat your home. Modern wood stoves certified by the EPA burn logs quickly and produce less smoke than older models. This allows you to burn more energy into your fire and reduce your heating expenses by up to 30%. The efficiency of wood stoves also increases over the lifetime of the stove when you use only seasoned hardwood.

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

Wood stoves can be made more efficient by controlling airflow combustion, fuel, and processes. Wood stoves that control airflow can slow down the speed at which the flame moves through the wood, and permit the gases produced to stay hot and fully combust.

Additionally, modern wood stoves are able to recycle the byproducts from incomplete combustion into a new one that is more efficient in burning. This process, referred to as Reburn, can improve the efficiency of wood stoves up to 10 percent.

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

Cleanliness

Cleaning and maintenance of 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 be a fire hazard and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Clean stoves, flue pipes and 5829186.xyz chimneys are more efficient.

The most frequent task associated with cleaning your wood stove is emptying the ashes. Wear protective gloves and wait until the stove has cooled down. Choose a metal container that will hold all of the ashes and dump it outside, away from anything that could ignite. Alternatively, you can add the ashes to your compost pile for a healthy addition to your garden.

After the ashes have been removed from the stove, you can sweep the floor 5829186 to remove any dust. It is recommended to have at least 3 feet of space between your wood stove and any other combustible objects like pillows, curtains or toys. This will stop a fire from spreading and burning the items.

For the inside of your stove, a clean glass door allows you to see of the dancing flames and can help you tell when it's time to begin a new fire. Be sure to have a glass cleaning solution in your kitchen to get rid of any smudged or tarred areas. Newspaper dipped in ash and water can be used to clean the glass if it is extremely dirty. Avoid scratching the glass because this could cause it to shrink and break when heated.

The accumulation of creosote in your chimney flue is one the primary causes of chimney fires. A few millimeters of creosote can cause a fire to the chimney. Clean your flue often, especially if you burn pine or other soft woods that generate more creosote compared to other types of wood.

Burn only seasoned, dry wood that has been split in half or smaller. Also, never burn artificial logs or trash in your wood stove.

Safety

Wood stoves can release extremely harmful gases, including carbon monoxide and particulates. These toxins can enter your home and could have adverse health effects on older adults, children or those suffering from respiratory issues like asthma or COPD. Over time, wood smoke exposure can cause lung damage and heart disease.

To avoid these risks, it is essential to adhere to the correct wood stove burning procedures. This includes making sure the stove is operating correctly and has sufficient power to heat the size and shape of the room. Only dry, well-seasoned, hard woods should be burnt in the stove. The moisture content of the firewood should be less than 20 percent. If the moisture content of the wood is higher the fire will burn more quickly and create smoke that is smoky and has more creosote buildup on the chimney vent pipe wall.

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

The flue pipe and chimney must be free of all fire-prone materials, like drapes, trash or paper. The fires that occur in wood stoves are usually caused by inadequate clearance between combustibles wood-burning appliances, and combustibles.

Be sure to keep children out of wood stoves when the fire is burning or the ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious, and they may touch the hot surfaces on the stove or place their hands in the flame. It is recommended to put up a childproof gate around the fireplace or employ the fireplace screen. It is also essential to inspect the wood stove and fireplace regularly for signs of wear.

Lastly, it is important to ensure that your chimney and 5829186 (Www.5829186.Xyz) stove are professionally inspected once per year for creosote accumulation as well as bird nests and other issues that can impact stove and chimney safety. This will help prevent fires and health hazards, and will also lessen the necessity for CO2 or smoke remediation services.

Maintenance

While wood stoves are an excellent way to save the cost of heating your home, they do require some additional maintenance. If you don't perform the necessary maintenance the wood stove could cause a dangerous fire to escape from the chimney or flue or even start fire in your home. In addition to sweeping the chimney and cleaning the stove, you must to sweep and clean the surfaces in the stove and 5829186.xyz flue. Keep a fire extinguisher at your desk and check it frequently. Smoke detectors are also a great idea throughout the house, but especially in the room where the stove is.

As a rule you should clean the stove and chimney at least once per year. The cleaning schedule can be altered based on the amount that the stove is being used, and it might need to be done more frequently during winter. Make sure to use only dry and seasoned wood for burning in the stove. Avoid using lots of oil or kerosene to ignite the fire. These fuels can produce toxic gases and be harmful to your health.

When you clean your house regularly and maintenance, 5829186.Xyz be sure to examine the gaskets on your doors. They are typically made of a braided material which can degrade over time. If you find that the gasket is loose, purchase a replacement gasket made of fiberglass and some cement to fix it. The hinges of these doors should be inspected as well.

It is essential to check flues and chimneys to ensure that they are free 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 gaps or dents should be repaired.

It is essential to clean the glass door of your wood stove. This can be accomplished easily with a mix of water and ammonia. A sponge or rag must be soaked in the solution and wiped across the surface of the glass until it is clean. For more difficult staining, you can leave the solution in place for a couple of minutes before wiping again.