Hints for Wood Stove Safety and Efficiency
Many people are turning to wood burning stoves or inserts to save on heating costs this year.
If you are planning on getting a wood burning stove or fireplace insert remember some of the most important rules for safe and environmentally sound wood burning:
- Burn only well-seasoned wood and minimize the amount of soft woods (like pine and spruce). Not only do unseasoned woods or other unsuitable materials create more creosote, they are also more polluting.
- It is best to burn wood that has dried for a full year. Plan ahead not only for this years wood needs, but next years as well.
- When making a purchase, buy the most efficient wood burner you can afford. It will give you more heat per unit of wood and save both time and money in the long run.
- Don’t burn trash (especially plastic and vinyl). Trash gives off a number of unhealthy pollutants when burned, several of which are proven to cause cancer.
- Follow the manufacturers directions for lighting and running your wood burning stove or insert. The manufacturer instructions will help you run your stove or insert as efficiently as possible.
Comments off