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.
