7 Things You ve Never Learned About Wood Stove Burning
EPA-Certified Wood Stoves May Not Meet Your Health and Safety Standards
Many communities have provided financial incentives to replace old wood stoves with EPA certified models that emit less pollution. Undark discovered that some of the newer stoves may not be up to EPA standards.
In the midst of rising energy prices, a lot of cities are looking for ways to reduce wood burning, especially in areas that have poor air quality. Here are 10 strategies to improve indoor air quality and 5829186.xyz get more heat out of each log.
Efficiency
Wood stoves are one of the most efficient ways to heat your home. Modern EPA certified wood stoves burn up logs quickly and produce less creosote compared to older models. This makes it possible to burn a higher portion of the potential energy generated by your fireplace in a shorter amount of time and lower your heating costs by as much as 30 percent. The efficiency of wood stoves also increases over the lifetime of the stove if you only use seasoned hardwood.
Older wood stoves are efficient at 50 percent or less. This means that carbon dioxide and smoke are released into the air, resulting in losing half of the energy potential of the fire. Modern stoves can achieve efficiency of 85 percent or more, which is similar to the efficiency of oil and gas furnaces.
The higher efficiencies of wood stoves are achieved by controlling the fuel, air, and combustion process. Wood stoves with controlled airflow can slow down the speed at which the flame moves through wood, allowing gases to stay hot and fully burn.
Modern wood stoves are able to recycle the byproducts of incomplete combustion to create a new fire that produces more efficient combustion. This process is known as reburn and can improve the efficiency of wood stoves by up to 10 percent.
Another benefit 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 burnt. Wood is a renewable resource for the environment, especially when it is sourced from local woodlands managed in a way that promotes healthy tree growth.
Cleanliness
With 8.8 million households using wood stoves in the United States, cleaning and maintenance are an important element of keeping your home warm. A dirty stove and flue pipe can pose a fire hazard, and could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Clean stoves chimneys, flue pipes and stoves are more efficient.
Emptying the ashes is the most common task you can do when cleaning your wood stove. Wear gloves that are protective and wait until the stove has cooled down. Select a metal container that is large enough to hold all of the ashes, and then dump them outdoors away from anything that might cause a fire. Alternatively, you can add the ashes to your compost for a healthy addition to your garden.
When the ashes have been cleared of the stove, it's a good time to sweep the floor and remove any dust left behind. It is also a good idea to have at three feet of space between your wood stove and any combustible items like pillows, curtains or toys. This will prevent the spread of a fire and burning the objects.
A clear glass door on the inside of your stove will let you see the dancing flames and it can also help you determine when to light a new fire. Make sure you have a glass cleaning solution on hand in order to get rid of any tarred or smudged areas. If the glass is extremely dirty you can make use of a newspaper that has been dipped in water and ash to wipe it down. Be careful not to scratch the glass, 5829186 since scratches can weaken glass and shatter when it is heated.
The accumulation of creosote within your chimney flue is among the primary causes of chimney fires. A few millimeters of creosote can cause a fire in the chimney. Clean the flue frequently particularly if burning pine or soft 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. Also, never burn artificial garbage or logs in your wood stove.
Safety
Wood stoves are known to produce very toxic gases, including carbon monoxide and particulates. These toxins can make their way into the home and cause negative health effects on young people, older adults, or people suffering from respiratory illnesses such as COPD or asthma. In time exposure to wood smoke may cause lung damage and heart disease.
To reduce the risk of these issues, it is essential to adhere to the correct wood stove burning practices. This includes making sure that the stove is operating correctly and is able to produce enough heat for the room size and 5829186 style. Additionally, only dry, well-seasoned hardwoods should be burned in the stove. The firewood's moisture content should be less than 20 percent. If the moisture content of the firewood is higher, the fire will burn more quickly and create a smoky fire with more creosote buildup on the chimney vent pipe wall.
A well-drawn chimney is an additional important safety feature. This can be achieved by monitoring how much air is circulating through the firebox as well as through the chimney. Most modern stoves have several options to adjust the air flow and the owner's guide has documented procedures. Properly operating the air controls can ensure the highest efficiency of heating.
The flue and chimney pipes should be kept free of combustible materials, including drapes, papers, trash or carpets. The wood stove fires are often caused by an inadequate clearance between combustibles wood-burning appliances, and combustibles.
Keep children away from wood stoves while the fire is burning or when the ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious and may try to touch the hot surfaces of a wood stove or place their hands into the flame. Install a childproof fence around the fireplace, or install a fireplace screen. It is also important to check the fireplace regularly and wood stove for signs of wear and tear.
Finally, it is essential to have your stove and chimney regularly inspected for creosote accumulation, bird nests and other problems that can affect the safety of your chimney or stove. This will prevent fires and health hazards and will also reduce the need for CO2 or smoke remediation services.
Maintenance
Wood stoves can be an excellent way to cut down the cost of heating, however they do require a little more maintenance. If you don't perform the necessary maintenance, your wood stove can cause a fire that is dangerous to escape the flue or chimney, and even cause a housefire. In addition to sweeping the chimney and cleaning the stove, you must to clean and sweep the stove's surfaces and flue. Keep a fire extinguisher on the counter and test it frequently. Smoke detectors are also an excellent idea for all rooms of the house, but especially in the area where the stove is.
As a rule it is recommended to clean your stove and chimney at least once a year. Cleaning schedules should be adjusted according to how often the stove is used. It might be necessary to clean it more frequently in winter. Only use dry and seasoned wood for burning in the stove. Avoid using lots of oil or kerosene for starting the fire. These fuels can produce toxic gases and can be harmful to your health.
You should inspect the gaskets in your door during your regular cleaning. These are usually made of a braided material that can degrade over time. If you find that the gasket is leaking and needs to be repaired, buy an alternative gasket made of fiberglass and adhesive. The hinges of these doors must be inspected as well.
It is essential to check chimneys and flues to make sure that they are clear of creosote and 5829186 obstructions. During this inspection, look for cracks in the chimney liner and any other indications of damage. Stovepipes should also be examined and any damage should be repaired.
If you have a glass door on your wood stove, it is important to keep this clean. It is easy to accomplish this by mixing water and ammonia. A rag or sponge should be soaked in the solution and wiped across the surface of the glass until it is clean. For 5829186 tougher staining, leave the solution in place for a few minutes prior to wiping the glass again.
