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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 pollution. Undark discovered that some of the newer stoves may not be up to EPA standards.

In an era of high energy costs, cities are trying to cut down on the use of wood, especially in areas where air quality is poor. Here are 10 strategies to improve the indoor air quality, and to 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 up logs quickly and 913875 produce less creosote than previous models. This allows you to make use of a larger percentage of the potential energy from your fire in a shorter period of time and reduce your heating bills by up to 30 percent. If you use only wood that has been seasoned, the efficiency of wood stoves increases throughout the life of the stove.

Older wood stoves generally have efficiency of less than 50 percent. This means that smoke and carbon dioxide are released into the air, which results in an evaporation of about half the energy potential in the fire. Modern stoves can achieve efficiencies of up to 85 percent or greater, which is comparable to the efficiency of oil and gas furnaces.

The higher efficiency of wood stoves are made by controlling the fuel, air and combustion process. Wood stoves with controlled airflow can slow the speed at which the fire moves through wood, allowing gas produced to remain hot and completely burn.

Modern wood stoves can also recycle the byproducts from incomplete combustion to create a new fire that produces more efficient combustion. This process is known as reburn, and can boost the efficiency of a wood stove by up to 10 percent.

Another advantage of using wood as a source of heat is that it is carbon neutral. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while growing and release oxygen when they burn. Wood is a sustainable resource for the environment, particularly when it comes from local woodlands that are managed in a way that encourages healthy tree growth.

Cleanliness

With 8.8 million households using wood stoves in the United States, 913875 cleaning and maintenance are an essential element of keeping your home warm. A filthy stove or 913875 (Www.913875.xyz) flue pipe can cause carbon monoxide and fire hazards. Clean stoves chimneys, flue pipes and 913875.Xyz stoves are more efficient.

Cleaning the ashes is the most common task to do when cleaning your wood stove. Wear gloves that are protective and wait until the stove has cool down. Select a container made of metal 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 excellent addition to your garden.

Once the ashes have gone out of the stove, it's the perfect time to sweep the floor and remove any dust that remains. It is also a great idea to put at least three feet between your wood stove and any other combustible objects such as curtains or pillows. This helps to prevent a fire from getting out of control and burning these things.

Regarding the inside of your stove, a clear glass door lets you to enjoy a view of the dancing flames and help you know when it's time to light the fire again. Make sure you have a glass cleaner on hand to remove any smudged or tarred areas that could be present. If the glass is extremely filthy it is possible to make use of a newspaper that has been dipped in water and ash to wipe it down. Avoid scratching the glass because this could cause it to shrink and break when heated.

The accumulation of creosote within your chimney flue is among the main causes of chimney fires. Creosote is extremely flammable, so an accumulation of just a few millimeters can cause a chimney fire. Clean the flue often, especially when burning soft or pine woods produces more creosote.

To prevent creosote vapors from entering your home, you should only burn seasoned and dry wood that has been split in half or smaller. Also, never burn artificial logs or trash in your wood stove.

Safety

Wood stove burning can produce very toxic gases, including 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 suffering from respiratory issues such as asthma or COPD. Smoke from wood over time can also cause heart disease and lead to lung damage.

It is essential to follow the correct burning techniques for wood stoves to reduce the risk. This includes making sure the stove is operating correctly and has sufficient heat output for the size and shape of the room. In addition only dry, well-seasoned hardwoods should be used in the stove. The moisture content should not exceed 20%. If the moisture content is higher it will burn more quickly and produce a more smoky fire with more creosote build-up on the chimney vent pipe's walls.

Another important safety issue is ensuring that the stove has a sufficient draw by monitoring the amount of air that flows through the firebox and the chimney. Modern stoves come with several options to alter the flow of air and the owner's manual includes the procedures. Correctly operating the air controls can ensure the highest efficiency in heating.

The chimney and flue pipe should be free of combustible material, such as drapes, paper or trash. Inadequate clearance between combustibles and wood-burning appliances is a major cause of fires in homes caused by wood stoves.

It is also important to keep children out of wood stoves when the fire is in progress or when the ashes are being removed. Children are naturally curious and may want to touch the hot surfaces of the wood stove or even place their hands into the flame. Install a childproof fence around the fireplace, or use a fireplace screen. It is also important to examine the fireplace and stove frequently for signs of wear and tear.

It is also essential to ensure that your stove and chimney are professionally inspected at least every year to look for creosote buildup, bird nests, and other problems which can affect the safety of your stove. This will prevent fires and health hazards and will also lessen the need for CO2 or smoke remediation services.

Maintenance

Although wood stoves are an excellent method of saving money on heating bills, they do require some additional maintenance. If you don't take care of the required maintenance, your wood stove can 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 flue. Keep a fire extinguisher in your desk and check it frequently. It is also recommended to install smoke detectors in the house particularly in the room with the stove.

As a rule it is recommended to clean the stove and 913875 chimney every year. Cleaning schedules should be adjusted depending on how often the stove is used. It is possible to clean it more often in winter. Only use dry and seasoned wood to use in the stove. Avoid using a lot oil or kerosene to start the fire. These fuels can produce toxic gases and 913875 be harmful to your health.

It is recommended to check your door gaskets when you clean them regularly. These are often made from rope-like braids that may be damaged by repeated closing and opening. If you find that the gasket is not tight, purchase a replacement gasket made of fiberglass as well as some gasket cement to fix it. The hinges of these doors should also be checked.

It is essential to check chimneys and flues to make sure that they are clear of creosote and obstructions. During this inspection, you should look for cracks in the chimney liner, as well as any other signs of damage. Stovepipes must be examined as well and any gaps or dents should be repaired.

If you have a glass door on your wood stove, it is crucial to keep it clean. This can be done easily by using a mixture of ammonia and water. A sponge or rag should be soaked with the solution, then wiped over the surface of the glass until it is completely clean. You can let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping it off again.