Wood Stove Burning Tips That Will Revolutionize Your Life
EPA-Certified Wood Stoves May Not Meet Your Health and 913875.xyz Safety Standards
Many communities have provided financial incentives to replace old wood stoves with EPA certified models that emit less pollutant. But Undark found that some of these more modern stoves might not be up to EPA standards.
In the current climate of high energy costs, many cities are trying to cut down on wood combustion, particularly in areas in which air quality is poor. Here are 10 strategies to improve indoor air quality, and get more heat out of each log.
Efficiency
Wood stove burning is one of the most efficient methods to heat your home. Modern EPA certified wood stoves burn logs very quickly and produce less creosote compared to older models. This lets you use a greater proportion of the energy of your fire in a shorter time and cut down on your heating bill by as much as 30 percent. When you only use wood that has been seasoned, the efficiency of wood stoves will increase over the lifetime of the stove.
Older wood stoves have an efficiency of 50 percent or lower. This means that smoke and carbon dioxide are released into the air, which results in a loss of half the energy potential of the fire. Modern stoves can have an efficiency of up to 85 percent or more. This is comparable to oil and gas furnaces.
Wood stoves can be made more efficient by controlling the air, fuel, and combustion processes. Wood stoves that have controlled airflow can slow the speed at which the fire moves through the wood, allowing gases to remain hot and completely burn.
Additionally, modern wood stoves are able to recycle the byproducts from incomplete combustion into a new one that produces more efficient combustion. This process is known as reburn, and can boost the efficiency of a wood stove by as much as 10 percent.
Another benefit of using wood as a source for heat is that it is carbon neutral. When trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen when burned. Wood is also an environmentally sustainable resource, particularly when it is obtained from woodlands in the local area that are managed in a manner that encourages the growth of healthy trees.
Cleanliness
With 8.8 million households that use wood stoves in the United States, cleaning and maintenance are an essential part of keeping the home warm. A dirty stove or flue pipe can lead to carbon monoxide and fire hazards. Clean stoves, flue pipes and chimneys are more efficient.
The most common task associated with cleaning your wood stove is to empty the ashes. Wear gloves that are protective and wait until the stove is cool down. Choose a metal container that can hold all the ashes and dump it outside away from anything that could burn. You can also add the ashes to your compost for an organic addition to your garden.
Once the ashes have gone out of the stove, it is an ideal time to sweep the floor and sweep up any dust that remains. It is also a good idea to leave at least three feet space between your wood stove and any other combustible objects like pillows or curtains. This will prevent the spread of a fire and burning the items.
For the interior of your stove, a clean glass door allows you to take a look of the flames dancing and can help you tell when it's time to begin the fire again. Make sure you have a glass cleaning solution available to remove any tarred or smudged areas. Newspapers dipped in water and ash can be used to cleanse the glass if it's extremely filthy. Be careful not to scratch the glass, since scratches can weaken glass and cause it to shatter when the glass is heated.
Creosote build-up on the inside of your flue is the primary cause of chimney fires. A tiny amount of creosote could cause a fire to a chimney. Clean the flue often, especially when burning soft or pine woods produces more creosote.
To avoid creosote vapors entering your home, only burn dry, seasoned wood that has been cut in half or www.913875.xyz (www.913875.xyz`s latest blog post) smaller. Also, don't burn artificial wood 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 may have negative health effects on children, elderly adults or those suffering from respiratory issues like asthma or Www.913875.Xyz COPD. As time passes, wood smoke exposure can cause lung damage and heart disease.
It is important to follow the correct wood stove burn practices in order avoid these risks. This includes ensuring that the stove is operating properly and has enough energy output to meet the dimensions and design of the room. Only dry, well-seasoned hard woods should be burned in the stove. The moisture content should be below 20 percent. If the moisture content of the firewood is higher the fire will burn faster and produce smoke that is smoky and has more creosote on the chimney vent pipe's wall.
A good draw is another important safety element. This can be achieved by monitoring the amount of air that 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 best efficiency of heating can be achieved when the air controls are properly operated.
The flue pipe and chimney must be free of combustible material, such as drapes, trash or paper. The wood stove fires are usually caused by inadequate clearance between combustibles wood-burning appliances as well as combustibles.
It is also essential to keep children away from wood stoves while the flame is burning or when the ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious and may want to touch the hot surfaces of a wood stove or place their hands into the flame. It is recommended to install a childproof gate around the fireplace, or make use of a fireplace screen. It is also important to regularly inspect the fireplace and wood stove for signs of wear and tear.
Finally, it is essential to have your stove and chimney professionally checked every year for creosote accumulation, bird nests and other issues that can impact stove and chimney safety. This will help avoid fires and health hazards, as well as reduce the need for smoke or carbon monoxide remediation.
Maintenance
Wood stoves can be an effective way to lower the cost of heating, however they do require a little more maintenance. If you do not perform the necessary maintenance on your wood stove, it could result in a fire which escapes the flue, a dangerous chimney fire, or even an unintentional house fire. It is important to clean the stove's surfaces and flue. Keep a fire extinguisher at hand and test it regularly. It is also recommended to install smoke detectors around the house, especially one in the room that houses the stove.
In general, you should clean your chimney and stove at least once per year. The frequency of cleaning is dependent on the amount that the stove is used, and may need to be done more frequently during winter. Use only dry and seasoned wood for burning in the stove. Avoid using lots of oil or kerosene to start the fire. These fuels can produce toxic gases and can be harmful to your health.
When you clean your house regularly, you should check the gaskets on your doors. They are typically made of a braided substance that may degrade over time. If you notice that the gasket is not sealing properly and requires to be replaced, purchase a new fiberglass seal and some gasket adhesive. Likewise, the hinges on these doors must be examined as well.
Chimneys and flues need to be inspected to ensure that they are free of creosote accumulation and obstructions. During the inspection, look out for cracks or other signs of damage to the chimney lining. Stovepipes also need to be inspected and any dents must be repaired.
It is essential to clean the glass door 913875 of your wood stove. It is easy to accomplish this by mixing water and ammonia. The solution is then applied to the glass using either a sponge or rag. For tougher stains, you can leave the solution on for a few minutes prior to wiping the glass again.
