tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90729283859809732222024-03-13T20:57:12.781-05:00Wood-Fired Heating and CookingEverything you always wanted to know about how to heat and cook using the renewable resource of wood. Sponsored by HearthMasters, Inc. We welcome blog submissions - see writer guidelines at www.woodfiredmag.com. Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17446228586431639863noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-14919039380949653782024-02-28T13:46:00.000-06:002024-02-28T13:46:15.594-06:00Squirrels and Racoons are Chimney Hazards!<p> </p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2tvF9XGzmxrCo6R-KdjxWg-fhkikOIFqWDdQL2kduzKGKqurZMuXrbeH5k1UzEVyOUW5YsiGwpVC63uLjrDb0ljNgRlgnb7jtf0mBYEwH7aSDSR6QQFVuQ2_PeV6aigMSft7rJEoyJW4DdSup03-6sbDmOVUnaWhknhr4Ebn0FejOjenVkAFph5QF6E/s1620/AdobeStock_367757588%20(Large).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2tvF9XGzmxrCo6R-KdjxWg-fhkikOIFqWDdQL2kduzKGKqurZMuXrbeH5k1UzEVyOUW5YsiGwpVC63uLjrDb0ljNgRlgnb7jtf0mBYEwH7aSDSR6QQFVuQ2_PeV6aigMSft7rJEoyJW4DdSup03-6sbDmOVUnaWhknhr4Ebn0FejOjenVkAFph5QF6E/w640-h426/AdobeStock_367757588%20(Large).jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Squirrels and racoons use chimneys to build nests for their young. Mama racoons are especially aggressive if their young are approached and may bite. Unfortunately, racoons carry rabies and if bitten a person would need to have rabies treatment. Both squirrels and racoons carry diseases as well. <p></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Squirrels have been known to build extremely large nests inside chimneys, causing a blockage and also a fire hazard. In one case, we encountered a 20'-foot tall, hard packed squirrel nest from a 30' tall chimney which took all day to remove. Besides being a fire hazard, nests block the flow of flue gasses which need to exit through the chimney. </p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOJyEe5mFQKSljJBIDt31E1oq9-h81uA7JhyphenhyphenRADdaPo69TeLLexD_zJTnVt9GvnxsCbysHSmdxNpevQu7z2d7_s0TmIjggKc2geNRkcdzJcYmaqtxvwonzbIgdPK8VrBFi8PaOvPmoJFeeMAKcFfAP2Ca1fDNPYpXTjeTJ-N8ZudUB1uOsXn2CCRvVRg/s456/1589791.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOJyEe5mFQKSljJBIDt31E1oq9-h81uA7JhyphenhyphenRADdaPo69TeLLexD_zJTnVt9GvnxsCbysHSmdxNpevQu7z2d7_s0TmIjggKc2geNRkcdzJcYmaqtxvwonzbIgdPK8VrBFi8PaOvPmoJFeeMAKcFfAP2Ca1fDNPYpXTjeTJ-N8ZudUB1uOsXn2CCRvVRg/s320/1589791.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br />It is best to avoid intrusion by these animals with the use of a heavy-duty stainless-steel chimney cover from a professional chimney sweep, which is much more difficult to destroy than a standard chimney cover that is available at hardware stores or box stores. The standard black steel covers also rust, causing unsightly stains on masonry that can't be removed. <p></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">However, if a racoon or squirrel family has set up home in your chimney, call a professional animal removal expert to have them removed prior to installing a cover. </p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">________________________________________________</p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Marge Padgitt is the author of Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking and the host of The Hearth and Home Show on the HearthMasters YouTube Channel. Reach her at www.chimkc.com. </p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0Missouri, USA37.9642529 -91.83183349.6540190638211527 -126.9880834 66.274486736178844 -56.675583399999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-91206123686608821702024-02-28T13:29:00.002-06:002024-02-28T13:29:13.427-06:00Chimney Swifts are Coming! <p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr3i9-1qPqIhBFlegqh-4iWy7zZHiVQLp0HdqqQ0-I5S_XL7nGyX1TD0MtH8KITYi_hieD6Xoet5L7-yvux6lJZOqyqQXuXQInU9LyeSuv76z4M-alpUwLBoLc094B3Iso3yo61nA6A8-q3VqdfW9uNEkuzozdGtpu8gEZFjycmsxLOMcHBGTyg3i4HQ/s1619/AdobeStock_470141915%20(Large).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #fefefd; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1619" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr3i9-1qPqIhBFlegqh-4iWy7zZHiVQLp0HdqqQ0-I5S_XL7nGyX1TD0MtH8KITYi_hieD6Xoet5L7-yvux6lJZOqyqQXuXQInU9LyeSuv76z4M-alpUwLBoLc094B3Iso3yo61nA6A8-q3VqdfW9uNEkuzozdGtpu8gEZFjycmsxLOMcHBGTyg3i4HQ/w490-h326/AdobeStock_470141915%20(Large).jpeg" width="490" /></a></p><p style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #606d78; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #111111;"><br />Chimney Swifts, those agile aviators of the sky, have intriguing nesting habits. The love to build flammable nests inside chimneys, along with other bird species. </span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #606d78; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #111111;"><br /></span></p><ul style="background-color: #fefefd; color: #606d78; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><li class="indent-1" style="color: #111111; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;">Chimney Swifts overwinter in the Amazon Basin in South America and return to nest across the eastern half of the USA each spring, and that includes the Midwest.</li><li class="indent-1" style="color: #111111; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;">These birds prefer dark and sheltered sites with vertical walls. While chimneys are their favored nesting spots, they also nest in: Natural sites: Hollow trees and tree cavities.</li><li class="indent-1" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;">Nest<a href="https://birdfact.com/articles/chimney-swift-nesting" style="color: #111111; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"> sites: Chimneys, wells, abandoned buildings, barns, silos, and outbuildings</a><span style="color: #111111;">.</span></li><li class="indent-1" style="color: #111111; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;">Nesting Period: Chimney Swifts begin nesting in the spring or summer.</li><li class="indent-1" style="color: #111111; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://birdfact.com/articles/chimney-swift-nesting" style="color: #111111; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">The entire nesting process typically takes about two and a half months</a>.</li><li class="indent-1" style="color: #111111; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;">These skilled architects weave their nests from small twigs, securing them to vertical surfaces using their glue-like saliva.</li><li class="indent-1" style="color: #111111; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;">Incubation lasts from 16 to 21 days, and the young fledge between 14 and 19 days after hatching.</li><li class="indent-1" style="color: #111111; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/chimney-swift/" style="color: #111111; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Overall, the nesting time frame for chimney swifts spans 30 to 40 days</a>.</li><li class="indent-1" style="color: #111111; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;">Chimney Swifts have been nesting in chimneys for centuries, benefiting from the increased abundance of nest sites due to human development.</li><li class="indent-1" style="color: #111111; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;">Concerned birdwatchers can contribute by erecting Chimney Swift nest towers to provide additional nesting sites OUTSIDE their chimney. </li><li class="indent-1" style="color: #111111; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding: 0px;">Chimney swifts are protected by the Migratory Bird Act so removal from a chimney is not an option. Only the nests can be removed after the fledglings have left the nest. </li></ul><div><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Keep birds out of chimney flues by having heavy duty stainless steel chimney covers installed. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">___________________________________</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Marge Padgitt is the author of Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking and host of The Hearth and Home Show on the HearthMasters YouTube Channel. She can be reached at www.chimkc.com. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-56066678137686413152023-11-30T13:17:00.048-06:002023-11-30T13:42:18.689-06:00Choosing the Right Hearth Appliance<p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;">Since there are so many options for hearth appliances, it can sometimes be difficult to make a decision. There are many choices available now from old school open fireplaces that actually take heat from the house to high-tech hybrid masonry heaters that heat an entire house with very little wood. Both gas and wood-burning appliances are available, and making the right choice can mean the difference between thoroughly enjoying a fire or regretting the day you decided to make a purchase. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8w1jAhXkTpWrtzFSxj1p40shyphenhyphenQB-i4003upZ7A_XjVmjRy3bJCHFmoOrAJ5r4ojIzx6TbIPV1p-EYMaDpA1Us5400M6fjwkLWVeO7hzQ62jIHYIxNvCnlsmr2BNScXBaIfS1qNpVry3b-47aaqPRbSoPH3Ktw_P_z_LxFr0qyAAwVryXHfu4DUwzA_Y/s1524/EX90_2_Excalibur.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1219" data-original-width="1524" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8w1jAhXkTpWrtzFSxj1p40shyphenhyphenQB-i4003upZ7A_XjVmjRy3bJCHFmoOrAJ5r4ojIzx6TbIPV1p-EYMaDpA1Us5400M6fjwkLWVeO7hzQ62jIHYIxNvCnlsmr2BNScXBaIfS1qNpVry3b-47aaqPRbSoPH3Ktw_P_z_LxFr0qyAAwVryXHfu4DUwzA_Y/w320-h256/EX90_2_Excalibur.jpg" title="High-efficiency wood-burning insert" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High-efficiency wood-burning insert</td></tr></tbody></table>First and foremost, it is critical to purchase a quality appliance from a reputable hearth dealer or chimney sweep, and that the installer is certified by the National Fireplace Institute and/or the Chimney Safety Institute of America (preferably both), or the National Chimney Sweep Guild. These Certifications show that the installer is trained in their field. Also be sure to find out if the dealer is properly licensed by the local contractor agency and pulls a permit from the city codes department if required by your city. Professional dealers carry quality products. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Buying from a big box store or local farm store may be tempting because of the low prices. The price reflects the quality, workmanship, and the warranty of the appliance, and that is why these types of stores sell the cheaper items. The metal is not as thick, the welds may not be as strong, and some stores even continue to sell non-EPA approved appliances which are not legal. You may also find non U.L. listed products online or in stores and that is a big problem since your local codes likely don't allow them. There is a reason - these appliances are inferior and could be a fire hazard in the near future. We've actually seen cheap stoves burn out in one season. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Another problem with box store hearth appliances (other than electric units which are OK) is that they don't provide a qualified installer to install it. Gas and wood-burning stoves and fireplace inserts should only be installed by a qualified professional, and the manual likely states that or the warranty is voided. There is a reason for this, too - there are too many mistakes that could be made that can cause a fire or Carbon Monoxide hazard.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Below is a chart I made to help people choose the appliance that is right for them: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhLs_bjpCKc02rCKagOjg2nDr8sPQn6NffEZ1UgaqMjG6QfCAbjrQJiOGq0bPCBcm8qR3He_zIgk1VYaD8I0AgyTmQPVqsBzkuZn2Qh9CcKhMQgbZKtdilzZs5uGEEuGZIrau0u3oUMNC/s1600/Appliance+Options.jpg" style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: #d91a00; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="783" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhLs_bjpCKc02rCKagOjg2nDr8sPQn6NffEZ1UgaqMjG6QfCAbjrQJiOGq0bPCBcm8qR3He_zIgk1VYaD8I0AgyTmQPVqsBzkuZn2Qh9CcKhMQgbZKtdilzZs5uGEEuGZIrau0u3oUMNC/w616-h783/Appliance+Options.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="616" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">If you can't read the small print, go to our website at <a href="http://www.chimkc.com/" style="color: #d91a00; text-decoration-line: none;">www.chimkc.com</a> and you'll find this same page under appliances. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><b style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Things never to buy: </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px; text-align: center;"></div><ul style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Non-U.L. Listed appliances</span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Barrel-stove kits (unsafe and not U. L. listed)</span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Non-EPA approved appliances</span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Older appliances that were made prior to 1989 (f you have one, get rid of it unless it is a rare early EPA approved and U.L. listed product)</span></li></ul><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">And do not sell your old appliance - have it hauled to the dump. It is illegal to install a non-approved appliance in most jurisdictions. </span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Remember that your local jurisdiction may REQUIRE a professional to do the installation, including the chimney or flue liner and connecting pipe, components, chimney cover, wall and floor protection, etc. and won't let homeowners DIY. </span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><b style="background-color: #fce5cd;">THIS IS NOT A DO IT YOURSELF PROJECT!</b></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; color: #333333; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 8px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UR1KcTYsw5-kcM24e9JuVOr5tQnOjBtD4rijeUN3oNHtwbjzMNJ4oI1nBbQ68zdq5a9S64Ozuxkp4sBZxYyRafV29a-g-2Fxqk-glSXMG1rCb-EJ0e3ibCzBhoIuIquO5ca9CzkMk9f6/s1600/529e4a5beadbf.preview-300+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" style="background-color: #fce5cd; clear: left; color: #d91a00; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UR1KcTYsw5-kcM24e9JuVOr5tQnOjBtD4rijeUN3oNHtwbjzMNJ4oI1nBbQ68zdq5a9S64Ozuxkp4sBZxYyRafV29a-g-2Fxqk-glSXMG1rCb-EJ0e3ibCzBhoIuIquO5ca9CzkMk9f6/s400/529e4a5beadbf.preview-300+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 15.456px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">House fire </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;">Let me repeat that - this is not a DIY project. I don't care how handy you are, if you are an engineer, contractor, or genius -if you are not a hearth or chimney professional you will miss something important!</span><br style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;" /></span><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">After all, we are talking about FIRE in your house! </span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">I don't suggest using non-venting gas logs (see my article To Vent or Not to Vent on this blog for more info), or pellet stoves. Pellet stoves require weekly maintenance by the homeowner, which they never do, and then the stove stops working. There are also times when in the middle of winter it is impossible to find pellets. So for this reason I say stay away from pellet heating appliances. Pellet grills and smokers, on the other hand, are very easy and fun to use and you can always get pellets in the spring. </span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Keep in mind that the newer the appliance the cleaner burning it is. The Environmental Protection Agency has come down hard on wood-burning appliance manufacturers and they've really stepped up and are now making super clean burning products. Some wood-burning stoves and inserts are hybrids, which means that a catalytic combustor is installed along with a secondary burn chamber. </span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; color: #333333; float: right; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 8px; position: relative; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQW2R0NnM2RmTRhntYBnaoZqFNvKmHRS2eu2N5dzpKiXXX_9Rha7PTGoYTjF_qMXscG6n_wHfqygxTAWAGVEwgpqWsKfSI71aN3FMIF238JyLAK5pX848GAo___CJ1nhy0xzUYxiFl-Mus/s1600/Masonry+Heater+complete_edited-21.jpg" style="background-color: #fce5cd; clear: right; color: #d91a00; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQW2R0NnM2RmTRhntYBnaoZqFNvKmHRS2eu2N5dzpKiXXX_9Rha7PTGoYTjF_qMXscG6n_wHfqygxTAWAGVEwgpqWsKfSI71aN3FMIF238JyLAK5pX848GAo___CJ1nhy0xzUYxiFl-Mus/w360-h640/Masonry+Heater+complete_edited-21.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 15.456px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-size: x-small;">Custom masonry heater<br />by Gene Padgitt</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><b>So what is my favorite heating appliance?</b> Masonry heaters, of course. Masonry heaters use 1/3 the wood of a new clean- burning wood stove to produce the same amount of heat. They also retain the heat for long periods of time then emit this in the form of radiant heat throughout the day or evening, and only require loading twice per day. And no fan is required. </span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">If you prefer gas, go with a high-efficiency direct vent gas insert that will provide ambiance and heating and is easy to use with a remote control! </span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">If you are considering a fireplace insert because your chimney is damaged by a chimney fire or rainwater, remember to ask your chimney sweep to remove the creosote in the flue and chamber first. Creosote can cause bad odors, but more importantly can catch on fire when exposed to heat from the flue liner that comes with the stove. </span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">I know, this is a lot to consider, but hopefully it makes your decision a bit easier. </span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRU1TU-KZtaWxlW9Zz0agG80NaJbJ6kKNF_xh69agrG0C38EhbDRffgT4lRBGRQT42IUZrQwv-9QK-Fw2VdeqpnL21NoI3dVFw0AeZofwOv_7Yk2Kgmc_I8uRefWPHcPwU59hG_NoZAtbIc3rcoJzHrnDmnw1EuimmSsPKtBWKI0VojNA6cXUHYcvjIM/s768/Cover%20(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRU1TU-KZtaWxlW9Zz0agG80NaJbJ6kKNF_xh69agrG0C38EhbDRffgT4lRBGRQT42IUZrQwv-9QK-Fw2VdeqpnL21NoI3dVFw0AeZofwOv_7Yk2Kgmc_I8uRefWPHcPwU59hG_NoZAtbIc3rcoJzHrnDmnw1EuimmSsPKtBWKI0VojNA6cXUHYcvjIM/s320/Cover%20(Medium).jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />For more detailed information, get our book<br />Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wood-Fired-Heating-Cooking-wood-fired-appliance/dp/1737892227/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3M0GFC4YRN92T&keywords=wood+fired+heating+and+cooking&qid=1701373257&s=books&sprefix=wood+fired+heating+and+cooking%2Cstripbooks%2C125&sr=1-1">Amazon.com</a></span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 19.32px;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">____________________________</span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #232323; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Marge Padgitt is a veteran chimney specialist in Kansas City, Missouri. She is a former CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and NFI Certified Wood-burning Specialist. Contact her at <a href="mailto:hearthmasters.office@gmail.com">hearthmasters.office@gmail.com</a>. </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-81316018566094764312023-11-29T13:09:00.003-06:002023-11-29T13:09:31.596-06:00How to Avoid a Chimney Fire<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">By Marge Padgitt<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Chimney fires occur during cold weather months when people
use their fireplace or wood-burning stove. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">A chimney fire occurs when accumulated
creosote in a flue or smoke chamber ignites from a spark.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFD; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSilgDsie-BlaImd4Es0ZbP0v6YOtCjyGy7AWRAoWDpmu_8RCNYFOVr2XKNS3-kGQjMb0sye1qEco3xsHofYisGKmJZvU2UCrAdv1rysHAyynEIf6V6oBYL7R_tQJPm11rl3yJgEAksEE_XVk6e6goW_2Ylv1tpChVwYPKv6YeB4n4T0HnRS1rjhoq89g/s1690/chimney%20fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1690" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSilgDsie-BlaImd4Es0ZbP0v6YOtCjyGy7AWRAoWDpmu_8RCNYFOVr2XKNS3-kGQjMb0sye1qEco3xsHofYisGKmJZvU2UCrAdv1rysHAyynEIf6V6oBYL7R_tQJPm11rl3yJgEAksEE_XVk6e6goW_2Ylv1tpChVwYPKv6YeB4n4T0HnRS1rjhoq89g/s320/chimney%20fire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">All wood creates creosote - even dry hardwoods- so it is imperative that flues
serving fireplaces or wood-burning stoves, or fireplace inserts are swept
regularly to remove this flammable substance. The NFPA recommends sweeping once
per year for fireplaces, and at least twice during the season for heating
appliances (wood stoves or inserts). A house fire can occur if the fire in
the chimney escapes the flue liner or if burning embers fly out of the top of
the chimney onto the roof. (Asphalt roofs can catch fire as well as wood
shingle roofs). <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFD; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Most chimney fires are of short duration and go unnoticed
by the homeowner - with damage usually found later during an inspection by a
chimney sweep. </span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFD; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Signs of a chimney fire</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">:</span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFD; color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> Loud whooshing or roaring
or freight train like sound<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFD; color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> Flames shooting out the top
of the chimney<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFD; color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> Red glowing stove pipe<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFD; color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> Backup of smoke into the
house <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFD; color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Sudden poor draft<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFD; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">It is a good idea to keep a chimney fire extinguisher near
your fireplace or wood stove and use it if you notice a chimney fire, then get
out of the house and call the fire department immediately. Fire can spread to
nearby combustibles and cause a house fire. Be sure to keep an eye out for
smoke smell or flames even after the fire department is gone because interior
wood framing could smolder for hours afterwards and ignite again if it gets
enough oxygen. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFD; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">After the fire: </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Call your local
professional chimney sweep to have a thorough inspection and any needed repairs
completed before using the appliance again. Most chimneys are severely
damaged on the interior during a chimney fire and should not be used until
inspected by a qualified professional. Any breaks or blown out sections in
flue tiles or warped or buckled seams in steel liners or chimneys can be a fire
and Carbon Monoxide hazard.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFD; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">For more information about Carbon Monoxide, visit </span><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/6/blog/post/edit/4107388463200554654/5263598755210938500" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: blue;">COHeadquarters.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFD; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">___________________________</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: #FEFEFD; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">The Chimney Lady, Marge Padgitt, is a veteran chimney
professional, trainer, and author. She is the co-owner of<a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/6/blog/post/edit/4107388463200554654/5263598755210938500"><span style="color: blue;"> HearthMasters</span></a> chimney and fireplace service in
Kansas City, Missouri. Contact her at office@chimkc.com. <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-64504418373348131262023-11-29T12:51:00.006-06:002023-11-29T12:51:52.722-06:00Biomass Tax Credit for Wood and Pellet Stoves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKniLqMUZl1isXKIWvrbIt52FNOp70cMMUT2ma9j13kh_YL36I6TUmCFd7gTNW_GdE-mqrPbCItxdOgV83ceqtA2HX_TYj7WZkchbPzNff4kmBLITNbpnQgOgdaZrRKODx_A-9l_vD-bw9y8sQUtkC7u0BgmWyb4zKfOSRqGDzgg8HaSKJ8uXoLqEZmI/s610/CI1250-A-610x340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="610" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKniLqMUZl1isXKIWvrbIt52FNOp70cMMUT2ma9j13kh_YL36I6TUmCFd7gTNW_GdE-mqrPbCItxdOgV83ceqtA2HX_TYj7WZkchbPzNff4kmBLITNbpnQgOgdaZrRKODx_A-9l_vD-bw9y8sQUtkC7u0BgmWyb4zKfOSRqGDzgg8HaSKJ8uXoLqEZmI/w602-h335/CI1250-A-610x340.jpg" width="602" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">By Marge Padgitt<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Homeowners planning to install an alternative heating appliance
should review the</span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/8/blog/post/edit/4107388463200554654/7444909980728797908"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> Biomass Tax Credit</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> that provides an incentive
for homeowners to install highly efficient wood and pellet stoves and fireplace
inserts. This tax credit, which runs from January 1st, 2023, to December 31st,
2032, allows eligible taxpayers to receive a credit of 30% of the purchase and
installation costs, up to $2,000 annually. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The Biomass Tax Credit, enacted as part of the Inflation Reduction
Act, was implemented to promote the adoption of more sustainable and efficient
heating options in residential properties. This tax credit is applicable to
wood and pellet stoves that meet specific criteria. To qualify for the credit,
the stoves must have a thermal efficiency of at least 75% per the higher
heating value (HHV) of the fuel and be listed as an approved appliance. The tax
credit is available for purchases and installations completed between January
1, 2023, and December 31, 2032. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">In recent years, wood-burning appliance manufacturers have
improved efficiency over their older models. Biomass fuel, which includes wood
and wood-derived pellets, offers several advantages over traditional heating
methods. One of the key benefits is its lower carbon footprint compared to
fossil fuels. Biomass fuel is considered renewable as it is derived from
organic materials, such as wood waste and agricultural crops. When burned in
high-efficiency stoves, biomass fuel emits minimal greenhouse gases, contributing
to reduced environmental impact. Additionally, biomass fuel is often sourced
locally, supporting local economies and reducing dependence on foreign energy
sources.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">It is important to choose a stove that meets the thermal
efficiency requirements to be eligible for the tax credit. Not all stoves meet
these standards. There are stoves available at large box stores that do not
meet the requirements, so choose a reputable hearth retailer or chimney service
company to get a quality appliance. To identify qualifying products,
individuals can refer to the </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.epa.gov/compliance/epa-certified-wood-heater-database"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Environmental Protection Agency's
certified wood heater database</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">, which lists stoves with efficiencies of at least 75%. Ask your
hearth retailer or chimney sweep about the stoves they carry that qualify for
the tax credit. </span><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">To claim the Biomass Tax Credit, homeowners must keep receipts for
the purchase and installation, and the manufacturer's tax credit certificate.
The manufacturer's certificate can typically be found on the manufacturer's
website and should include information such as the manufacturer's name and
address, the stove's make and model, proof of eligibility, and the
manufacturer's signature. When filing taxes, individuals should complete Form
5695, available from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and include the
necessary information, or give the information to your accountant. The credit
offsets tax you owe, and it is not a refund. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Several manufacturers sell wood and pellet stoves that qualify for
the Biomass Tax Credit. These include Regency, Quadra-Fire, Harman,
Hearthstone, and Vermont Castings. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Like any heating system, biomass stoves require regular
maintenance to ensure optimal performance and safety. Contact a professional
chimney sweep for this service. Stoves should be swept annually for standard
use, or bi-annually if used for continual heating purposes in order to remove
flammable creosote. Only burn cordwood in the appliance and never burn treated
wood, hedge, paper, or railroad ties. It is critical to follow the
manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning, inspection, and maintenance. </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">-----------------------------------------------------------------------<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Marge Padgitt is the president of </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/u/8/blog/post/edit/4107388463200554654/7444909980728797908"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">HearthMasters, Inc.</span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> in Independence, Missouri.
She is the author of <i>Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking</i> and <i>The Chimney
and Hearth Pro's Resource Book.</i> www.chimkc.com <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-2734541108023602132022-12-11T16:05:00.002-06:002022-12-11T16:05:18.247-06:00Holiday Decor Ideas for Fireplaces<p> During the holidays, people usually place decor on mantels and around the focal point of the house - the fireplace. Here are some inspiring ideas. Remember to keep stockings away from the front of the fireplace as they can be a fire hazard, and never burn a Christmas tree in the fireplace because they burn too hot and too fast and can cause a house fire. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhAOFGROrLmsEgxcc8ATh2JEYLr3bF6IE3-yweE0jFk5p1p3nM7pwYFMPRww-CEc3RaRbYTIsIyIMaxdn8AXE90SDVy6UB9bcotabi5oq0McmH6VzkcMub_IkLBcg_-bw-GHGYVfG1s4aWGMSg--tb7rspTEF012KHpJxccbPcU9hIzFAMJzAJnghlA/s3500/AdobeStock_128010617.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2337" data-original-width="3500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGhAOFGROrLmsEgxcc8ATh2JEYLr3bF6IE3-yweE0jFk5p1p3nM7pwYFMPRww-CEc3RaRbYTIsIyIMaxdn8AXE90SDVy6UB9bcotabi5oq0McmH6VzkcMub_IkLBcg_-bw-GHGYVfG1s4aWGMSg--tb7rspTEF012KHpJxccbPcU9hIzFAMJzAJnghlA/w448-h300/AdobeStock_128010617.jpeg" width="448" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Fireplace not working? No problem - use candles for a welcoming atmosphere. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUgrJAN5lOpyGUGXbtpCPNmtA7iLSU61NLKhwuVS0ofg7qNtt6Zr4XdLoyopkQRGioJsIPzfOzvjWZXxI-RbIAm3WRGayb_qj5W5wJvohE4Uts4DtbEBTVOFv3G6K-8T_K5RZRGzT00U0an-pIvTlwUzN5vrG04XDCPCxz0Mb2GeOBjbZHaaejCml3w/s5760/AdobeStock_237651671.jpeg" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="5760" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZUgrJAN5lOpyGUGXbtpCPNmtA7iLSU61NLKhwuVS0ofg7qNtt6Zr4XdLoyopkQRGioJsIPzfOzvjWZXxI-RbIAm3WRGayb_qj5W5wJvohE4Uts4DtbEBTVOFv3G6K-8T_K5RZRGzT00U0an-pIvTlwUzN5vrG04XDCPCxz0Mb2GeOBjbZHaaejCml3w/w547-h363/AdobeStock_237651671.jpeg" width="547" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tMCi1WgKBqjRWzUjN-ziE0-Uvsue9s1hgr9KIAAmQFOcguzpPFIVEEEzZnF5X0vZxXBFcghHZHpPZCI3JZevFuYWVjuQlbzD_Qv6IQA60k-XnA7eacRYP5IFWkr3IDFCvnwam-gWaaR2cflfYdDTnthtIH92vUOynK8UCbC41m13jhVbdPlsncHmfg/s5760/AdobeStock_237651779.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="5760" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tMCi1WgKBqjRWzUjN-ziE0-Uvsue9s1hgr9KIAAmQFOcguzpPFIVEEEzZnF5X0vZxXBFcghHZHpPZCI3JZevFuYWVjuQlbzD_Qv6IQA60k-XnA7eacRYP5IFWkr3IDFCvnwam-gWaaR2cflfYdDTnthtIH92vUOynK8UCbC41m13jhVbdPlsncHmfg/w464-h308/AdobeStock_237651779.jpeg" width="464" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Above and left: These faux fireplaces work great for focal points for your holiday decorations. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCu-JhakcCM0Ehdpgx-f5FFk0ZOPHpMzG5GIF6eBUdTh0UESGhGF5ReynwejveOdM_T8uoQ7pPHZr8R-ehO_Bk-0KmvI8nEqKFvMJ8N3uKid4no1eW6unHudP7DOBIpxNCCfEo8o3eXmMQXor-9Hfe5gUSrDItO5LxmCm90kGJLAp9mQWI_aNhdP6YQ/s2700/AdobeStock_543894693.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="2700" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCu-JhakcCM0Ehdpgx-f5FFk0ZOPHpMzG5GIF6eBUdTh0UESGhGF5ReynwejveOdM_T8uoQ7pPHZr8R-ehO_Bk-0KmvI8nEqKFvMJ8N3uKid4no1eW6unHudP7DOBIpxNCCfEo8o3eXmMQXor-9Hfe5gUSrDItO5LxmCm90kGJLAp9mQWI_aNhdP6YQ/w457-h304/AdobeStock_543894693.jpeg" width="457" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Real fireplace - real fire - and nice decor without any stockings hanging down in front of the fireplace. We give this one an A+!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC5MHIYCxbkRhuFbd0rvfDT3_7CjACYgMQ5VJnRP6KL79omwS39MN9BtzToGptDB7qgkmK3cvCuNtY_MMKWUvm7PAsMB8z4YEWXWbKhL3u_GZBxDfX41zRT9tm0zEazmBUEVjBBdi1q5RnuaqKmHiBgc4IqlURVlkedT14W_eRgEP8MFMwRUP2E3zoA/s704/gertrudda-Fotolia.com.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="682" height="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC5MHIYCxbkRhuFbd0rvfDT3_7CjACYgMQ5VJnRP6KL79omwS39MN9BtzToGptDB7qgkmK3cvCuNtY_MMKWUvm7PAsMB8z4YEWXWbKhL3u_GZBxDfX41zRT9tm0zEazmBUEVjBBdi1q5RnuaqKmHiBgc4IqlURVlkedT14W_eRgEP8MFMwRUP2E3zoA/w388-h401/gertrudda-Fotolia.com.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Whoops! Looks nice, but do you see the problem? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjid72PlIaIcqLPYc6NLSWnR5r7z6u1NdHDb3sSHU80u5HudNhvqXE1NUN5ZHEskHjAOWy1HJng5EKJsNsciXXfbO1NGPivVaZPbIEGZfuBklOFEMTbsVqAFC_UP1Pg7CA8DEWwzImV5ZmfFclibXZdHTuKREaOGCu5HdxNRJO4R1XwWvUq27JYpW16zw/s1620/Fotolia_45897921_L%20(Large).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjid72PlIaIcqLPYc6NLSWnR5r7z6u1NdHDb3sSHU80u5HudNhvqXE1NUN5ZHEskHjAOWy1HJng5EKJsNsciXXfbO1NGPivVaZPbIEGZfuBklOFEMTbsVqAFC_UP1Pg7CA8DEWwzImV5ZmfFclibXZdHTuKREaOGCu5HdxNRJO4R1XwWvUq27JYpW16zw/w661-h440/Fotolia_45897921_L%20(Large).jpg" width="661" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">A stunning historical fireplace that is nicely done</p><p>-----------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Marge Padgitt is the president of HearthMasters, Inc. and author of Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking. <a href="http://www.woodfiredpub.com">www.woodfiredpub.com</a> or <a href="http://www.chimkc.com">www.chimkc.com</a>. Sign up for blog notices so you don't miss an article!</p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-5870832408957980552022-06-07T12:40:00.001-05:002022-06-07T12:40:13.269-05:00Everyone Needs a Wood Stove for Emergency Heating! <p>With the economy in shambles and the cost of everything going up, including oil, gas, and electricity, the one piece of advice I can give to people is this: </p>
<div><br /></div>
<div><span style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">Everyone needs a wood-burning stove or fireplace insert in their home for emergency heating and NOW is the time to buy!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v8ui7JUL1urhCWkbA-55SSKIzH-pGdPuAwjt1EpMcwxMH4pE4OzsNFbFFxrQz2-yZZbqUiKDzzIeNaheyOTEPgs8Xami52-PhWpkfpnpzpAngTI5pH36Xegq9rPpsbYJKDoafHMmkY69_qghZ-mauoBmaYgPI5OiDCiu18mLZqoFwuHY1F9GGD1b/s610/CI1250-A-610x340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="610" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v8ui7JUL1urhCWkbA-55SSKIzH-pGdPuAwjt1EpMcwxMH4pE4OzsNFbFFxrQz2-yZZbqUiKDzzIeNaheyOTEPgs8Xami52-PhWpkfpnpzpAngTI5pH36Xegq9rPpsbYJKDoafHMmkY69_qghZ-mauoBmaYgPI5OiDCiu18mLZqoFwuHY1F9GGD1b/w534-h297/CI1250-A-610x340.jpg" width="534" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wood-burning stove insert by Regency</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div></div>
<ul><li> Wood-burning stoves work without the use of electricity or fans (unlike gas furnaces or pellet stoves).</li></ul>
<div></div>
<ul><li> Wood stoves and inserts produce TWICE the amount of heat (BTU's) than gas stoves or inserts!</li></ul>
<div></div>
<ul><li> Fuel is readily available either by using your own trees on site or purchasing through a firewood dealer. Tip: Buy NOW. </li></ul>
<div></div>
<ul><li> No electricity is needed for a wood stove or insert to work! In
case of emergency when the power is out you'll be able to stay in your
home instead of going to stay with friends or family or going to a
hotel.</li></ul>
<div></div>
<ul><li> With a freestanding stove you can cook on the top if needed.</li></ul>
<div><br /></div>
<div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jl3e9LYWr1tPXiwOT0DCFfTePdnURjr6oyakiI44QkZ1Y2NFAg82mjaT6cc__Rc9M9LaHzLlCK31jnp_C7Iv32S1C_Mg82ypOgDMxn54-EEiEjJNZZkASiime9y3pT95NdxpQBwBzM8phF_mTzY4g0UpOY0b74X8X8vSWaiOaw1xerLR1EmGcPT9jg/s284/Heritage8021LowRes.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="216" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jl3e9LYWr1tPXiwOT0DCFfTePdnURjr6oyakiI44QkZ1Y2NFAg82mjaT6cc__Rc9M9LaHzLlCK31jnp_C7Iv32S1C_Mg82ypOgDMxn54-EEiEjJNZZkASiime9y3pT95NdxpQBwBzM8phF_mTzY4g0UpOY0b74X8X8vSWaiOaw1xerLR1EmGcPT9jg/w270-h355/Heritage8021LowRes.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Freestanding wood-burning stove by Hearthstone</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Use a wood-burning stove during fall and winter as a supplemental
heating source to save money and provide a more comfortable, even heat.
Radiant heat from a wood stove or masonry heater has more health
benefits than a gas furnace or electric baseboard heaters.</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>Good quality wood stoves aren't inexpensive - but they are worth
the investment. A good stove will last many years. <i>Note: beware of box
store wood stoves that have no or limited warranty and may burn out after a few
seasons.</i> </div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>New EPA approved wood-burning stoves and inserts are <b>75%+ efficient </b>which means
that most of the heat is staying in your house rather than going up the
flue as with a standard open fireplace. </div>
<div><br /></div>
<div><span style="color: #eb4c39; font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div><span style="color: #eb4c39; font-weight: bold;">Bonus: Get a TAX CREDIT for an efficient wood stove or insert up to 26% in 2022 and that includes labor and all materials! </span></div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>Call us if you are in the greater Kansas City area or another
professional chimney sweep our hearth dealer to discuss upgrading your
inefficient open fireplace to a
high-efficiency wood-burning insert, or if no fireplace is available you
can have a freestanding wood stove along with a Class A chimney or
stainless steel chimney liner installed. <span style="font-style: italic;">Note: These appliances can ONLY be installed in MASONRY chimneys or with a CLASS A chimney. </span>
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>A word about <span style="font-weight: bold;">GAS</span>: If you
have a gas-burning insert or stove, it will likely work with no power
available. They just produce HALF the amount of heat as a wood-burning
appliance.</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>Note: Blowers on gas or wood-burning appliances will NOT work unless you have a generator. But they will still provide heat. </div><div> </div><div>Find a professional installer at <a href="http://www.nficertified.org">www.nficertified.org</a> or <a href="http://www.csia.org">www.csia.org</a>. </div><div></div>
<div><br />_____________________________</div><div><br /></div>Marge
Padgitt is a chimney industry veteran and author of Wood-Fired Heating
and Cooking and the Chimney Pro's Resource Book. She is a speaker, talk
show guest, and instructor. Visit <a href="http://www.chimkc.com">www.chimkc.com</a> or <a href="http://www.hearthmasters.net">www.hearthmasters.net</a> for more information. <div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-14132530734878400142021-08-02T17:13:00.014-05:002021-08-02T17:17:33.413-05:00Efficient Heating with Wood and a Tax Credit to Boot! <p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">Have your cake and eat it too, as they say. Homeowners who
purchase a high-efficiency wood-burning appliance in 2022 and 2023 can take
advantage of not only efficient and clean-burning heat but receive a nice tax
credit as well.</span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXru7gsEzc6H4hVXFvsXn9qA4kw6uWV_qMs6OTfPkMuYuSmlqn_rej2zY3wBRcvkG3Y4ty4s3bElaJROa8YdLw-3N7SDAI4L2sAHzm0j_ZSdB7d41niz-6DcnMr8A1_xHZtEfR5ApgTRo/s2048/109355021.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="2048" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXru7gsEzc6H4hVXFvsXn9qA4kw6uWV_qMs6OTfPkMuYuSmlqn_rej2zY3wBRcvkG3Y4ty4s3bElaJROa8YdLw-3N7SDAI4L2sAHzm0j_ZSdB7d41niz-6DcnMr8A1_xHZtEfR5ApgTRo/s320/109355021.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">People living off grid or who aspire to a self-sufficient
lifestyle love using wood-burning appliances for heating, and in some cases,
cooking. Anyone who heats with wood will attest to the fact that it is much
less expensive than forced air appliances or electric heating, especially if
they can fell trees off of their own land, but the benefits don’t end there.
The healing radiant energy produced is a welcome effect for arthritis and
fibromyalgia sufferers. Not to mention that sitting in front of a toasty fire
in the middle of winter just cannot be beat. </span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm-Z4CVJHzNvftC32JaMfAuZU188xsW2xWEoI2bLlXkB9A-2AoYku4v7HSrgHqpxHJHcW0fYpvSs7wUQY9FYQKOfszVaTLoQxEbme5mTnqUZEzzSgmktKmAU7N010HlNaV_0MwhZjz6o/s610/4c235154-32a0-4cea-9cc3-b3ee3a1db1b8.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="610" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm-Z4CVJHzNvftC32JaMfAuZU188xsW2xWEoI2bLlXkB9A-2AoYku4v7HSrgHqpxHJHcW0fYpvSs7wUQY9FYQKOfszVaTLoQxEbme5mTnqUZEzzSgmktKmAU7N010HlNaV_0MwhZjz6o/s320/4c235154-32a0-4cea-9cc3-b3ee3a1db1b8.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Freestanding stove </span><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">Wood-burning freestanding stoves can be installed in almost
any location in a home and use a Class A metal chimney or can be connected to a
masonry chimney with a stainless-steel flue liner. Wood-burning fireplace
inserts may be installed into a masonry fireplace with a masonry chimney with
the use of a smaller stainless steel flue liner. They cannot be installed in
prefabricated metal fireplaces or use a prefabricated metal chimney. This
applies to pellet stoves and inserts as well with a different type of vent. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">Anytime changes are made to a fireplace a Level 2 camera
inspection is required in most jurisdictions and recommended in any case. A
professional CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep should do this inspection. Find one
at <a href="http://www.csia.org">www.csia.org</a>. </span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVU294Y8Pp2bHnQPzfn_KLmoz0GXYn129LSitRnH9n3rRKMkv-INhpG9D-eRJXeFz7ITqQLA2MHaD6-Pi1bcn8a2bFZCNFc8eWmp4uOQsZpA7uzgGSnYndZKhGmYA7yX1r7Spcvaf8Mls/s2048/8x10.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVU294Y8Pp2bHnQPzfn_KLmoz0GXYn129LSitRnH9n3rRKMkv-INhpG9D-eRJXeFz7ITqQLA2MHaD6-Pi1bcn8a2bFZCNFc8eWmp4uOQsZpA7uzgGSnYndZKhGmYA7yX1r7Spcvaf8Mls/s320/8x10.jpg" width="256" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Site built masonry heater by <br />Gene Padgitt</span><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">Masonry heaters are site-built masonry appliances with
interior channels that trap heat. The<br /> masonry absorbs the heat, then releases
it into the room. Houses with open floor plans are best suited to this type of
heater since it does not use fans or ducts to distribute heat. Radiant heat is
emitted from all four sides of the appliance. There are kits manufactured which
may include only the heater core, or the entire finished product. Heater masons
also build masonry heaters without kits. <span> </span>Masonry heaters are the most efficient type of
wood-burning appliance, and they use 2/3 less wood than a high-efficient
wood-burning stove. For more information visit <a href="http://www.chimkc.com">www.chimkc.com</a>
or <a href="http://www.mha-net.org">www.mha-net.org</a>. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">In recent years, the wood-burning industry has modified and
improved their products to the point that they now produce extremely efficient
appliances that burn clean with little emissions. Some are better than others,
but appliances with an efficiency rating of 75% or higher and approved by the
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), will provide home heating and be
eligible for the credit. Older, less efficient appliances do not qualify for
the tax credit. </span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">Appliances that were made prior to 1989 likely do not meet
the earlier EPA standards and therefore, are not allowed to be installed in
homes. So, think twice before purchasing a used woodstove. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span><span style="font-size: small;">The U.S. Biomass Tax credit allows for a tax
credit of 26% of the purchase and installation costs for eligible products
purchased and installed between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2022.
Appliances must have an efficiency rating of 75% or more.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For eligible products purchased and installed between
January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023, the tax credit is reduced to 22% of the
purchase and installation costs. Any eligible product purchased in 2020 but
installed in 2021, can be claimed on a 2021 tax return. Products must be
claimed on the tax return year in which the product installation is complete.
Keep your receipts for your accountant and register your appliance on the
manufacturer website. </span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The nice thing about this government offer, which likely
will not be repeated, is that not only is the appliance itself covered in the
Tax Credit, but the chimney pipe or flue liner and labor for installation as
well. This can add up to a hefty amount. </span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now for the not-so-good news: Be
prepared for a long wait time for your new appliance since manufacturers are
having a hard time keeping up with the demand. And prices on everything have
gone up and will likely continue to climb. So, order that new appliance now
even if you have to wait a few months for the installation. </span></p>
</div><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><p><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Marge Padgitt is a chimney industry veteran and author of Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking. Reach her at hearthmasters.office@gmail.com. </span> </span></span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-66144038859597326202021-07-29T11:52:00.006-05:002021-07-29T12:01:54.530-05:00Be prepared for sticker shock - prices are going up on everything<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUKeH1rqJE97vktQYTTWLWgXk3P0aVcE4SVnwHfeigCxQceetA93PbU-wKvgQLbZ3csstIRvi-w0vVOpmNveSptAmisKMEMc6dTsgPHehhqSVB0NgRAU7RylbjkWYbfI5c4lR8jGL_tg/s800/surprised-nerd-man-looking-tablet-computer-23246162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUKeH1rqJE97vktQYTTWLWgXk3P0aVcE4SVnwHfeigCxQceetA93PbU-wKvgQLbZ3csstIRvi-w0vVOpmNveSptAmisKMEMc6dTsgPHehhqSVB0NgRAU7RylbjkWYbfI5c4lR8jGL_tg/s320/surprised-nerd-man-looking-tablet-computer-23246162.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Consumers should be prepared for sticker shock when it comes to chimney repair or hearth appliances, since everything has gone up in price. Not only that, but wait times can be weeks or months due to the increased demand. Manufacturers are having a difficult time keeping up with the demand for products. <p></p><p>This is frustrating for the homeowners and their providers as well. In some cases, standard freight costs no longer exist and the dealers must pay whatever the freight lines charge. This makes it impossible to tell a buyer what their final price will be for a hearth appliance. <br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Aluminum prices have increased by 20%</li><li>Cold Rolled steel has increased by 160%</li><li>Stainless steel price increase is 10%</li><li>Lumber price increase is 130%</li></ul><p>Domestic Freight has increased by 5% a<span>nd is expected to rise due to gas price increases. </span></p><p><span>Expect to pay more for gas hearth appliances, wood-burning stoves and inserts, aluminum flue liners for gas, and stainless steel flue liners and chimneys for wood-burning appliances, plus additional freight cost. <br /></span></p><p><span>There is some good news, however. The 26% tax credit is in effect, so could offset costs for a hearth appliance and it's chimney, plus installation costs. For this reason,<b> now</b> is the time to purchase a hearth appliance. Read more about the tax credit at the <a href="https://www.hpba.org/Advocacy/Biomass-Stove-Tax-Credit">Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue website. </a></span></p><p><span>_____________________________________</span></p><p><span>Marge Padgitt is the CEO of <a href="https://www.chimkc.com">HearthMasters, Inc</a>. chimney & fireplace restoration company in Kansas City, Missouri. </span><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-33544252877646627332021-02-17T13:50:00.051-06:002021-02-20T11:52:37.174-06:00DANGER: Do NOT Use a Standard Open Fireplace to Heat Your House!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluQENqnFizWsVWri50H5zSLLNAKoh0buF5SaVK_lUf6P3weMqX-NgRroCjFNb4LQmgKdFPzKJEhchYnm9tqxDEO36TpdyNwEDzusqt3QNsCNHYr9orXLUr1s4R_7DIbealLFKGFcqSiA/s1024/529e4a5beadbf.preview-300+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluQENqnFizWsVWri50H5zSLLNAKoh0buF5SaVK_lUf6P3weMqX-NgRroCjFNb4LQmgKdFPzKJEhchYnm9tqxDEO36TpdyNwEDzusqt3QNsCNHYr9orXLUr1s4R_7DIbealLFKGFcqSiA/w270-h360/529e4a5beadbf.preview-300+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><p>As fire investigators we see many house fires each year when homeowners attempt to heat their home with a fireplace that is not designed for such a task. During extremely cold weather or an electrical outage such as those being experienced around the country right now some people are using their fireplace for heating purposes. The problem is that most open gas or wood-burning fireplaces are not designed for extended use, and by operating an appliance for more than a few hours at a time is a recipe for disaster. </p><p>Note: There are some exceptions to this - there are some heat circulating fireplaces available that are designed for heating. Some of these types of fireplaces have tubes that vent out the top of the fireplace, or into ducts. And Rumford style fireplaces are also designed for heating. <br /></p><p>What most people are unaware of is that with a manufactured fireplace the framing is wood, which can ignite if it is exposed to heat over a long period of time, or if the fireplace is used for large fires. And even masonry chimneys often have wood framing hidden next to the structure or behind the face wall and can ignite and cause a house fire, especially if it is exposed to heat over a long period of time. <br /></p><p>Most house fires we see that are related to chimneys and heating appliances are caused by improper construction and lack of proper clearance to combustible framing. <br /></p><p><b>Especially problematic: </b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Non-Venting gas logs which burn very hot. These should only be used for four hours at a time and with an <i>open window. </i>Read the manufacturer manual and follow the instructions. Non-venting gas logs should NEVER be installed into a manufactured fireplace. <i><br /></i></li><li>Manufactured wood or gas fireplaces are U.L. listed as decorative appliances and should only be used for a few house at a time. Read the operation manual and follow the instructions. <br /></li><li>Wood-burning or gas logs in a standard open masonry fireplace should only be used for a few hours at a time. These are also listed as decorative appliances, and are designed for ambience only. Standard fireplaces actually take more heat from a house than they put into it. A person will feel warm near the fireplace, but the rest of the house cools off. <br /></li></ul></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXiXLOPASQ4NrhICMjaTzfIO7_zAjEbcWW_FVxbfN3MZjKPaMsH37bKM4qBJItx_FTLnRW8jfywnNgPEnebACJuRPcXGT2hAHeidkrY2X710x8nOdFw1S3XutQg1Neskg4wIXeO2B6g0/s1147/DSC_0009+%2528Medium%2529.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="768" height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXiXLOPASQ4NrhICMjaTzfIO7_zAjEbcWW_FVxbfN3MZjKPaMsH37bKM4qBJItx_FTLnRW8jfywnNgPEnebACJuRPcXGT2hAHeidkrY2X710x8nOdFw1S3XutQg1Neskg4wIXeO2B6g0/w327-h489/DSC_0009+%2528Medium%2529.JPG" title="Freestanding wood-burning stove" width="327" /></a></div>Homeowners should have a chimney fire extinguisher on hand at all times and working smoke detectors on each floor. If a fire occurs, get out of the house and call the fire department. <p></p><p><b>In order to properly provide heating the following are recommended: </b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A freestanding wood or gas-burning stove or a fireplace insert. Together with their flue liners, these types of appliances are designed for heating purposes.</li><li>A circulating type fireplace such as New Aire or Heatilator brands. These are enclosed in masonry and should be installed by a qualified professional.<br /></li><li>A Rumford fireplace built by a qualified <a href="https://www.rumford.com">Rumford mason</a>. Even though this is an open fireplace, it is designed for heating purposes. <br /></li><li>A Masonry heater built by a qualified <a href="https://www.mha-net.org">masonry heater builder</a>.<br /></li></ul><p><i>Note: in 2021 consumers may take a 26% tax credit on approved appliances, including labor and materials.Ask your hearth dealer or chimney sweep about this incentive program. </i><br /></p><p><b>Tips: </b></p><p>Have all appliances inspected annually or more often if used for heating purposes by a <a href="https://www.csia.org">qualified professional chimney sweep</a>. </p><p>Read the instruction manual with any set of gas logs or a manufactured fireplace for safe operation. If none exists, look it up on the internet. Most manuals are posted. </p><p>Use the appliance per the manufacturer or builder recommendations and do not burn large fires, install a larger grate, or burn anything other than seasoned cordwood. <br /></p><p>__________________________</p><p>Marge Padgitt is the co-owner and President of Padgitt Forensic Investigations, and HearthMasters, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. She is the author of Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking, and The Chimney and Hearth Pro's Resource Book. Reach her at hearthmastersboss@gmail.com, or 816-461-3365. Her website is <a href="http://www.chimkc.com">www.chimkc.com</a>. <br /></p><br /><div><p> <br /></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-82882079055668269962021-02-12T12:24:00.003-06:002021-02-12T12:24:30.627-06:00Firewood Allergies? Yes, it’s a Thing. <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">By Audrey Elder</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The massive chunk of walnut
sat nearly a year next to the woodpile before we gave up on the idea of turning
it into a new kitchen floor. Our woodpile consists of whatever fallen trees
come our way. This particular behemoth was once part of a massive tree that
fell on a friend’s farm property with no where to go but my yard. It was
finally time for gloves, glasses and a chainsaw. The freshly cut chunks were
quickly split into perfectly sized pieces for the woodstove. They smelled
wonderful as I stacked them onto the pile, although my nose burned a bit with
each whiff I took. Once alit in the living room, my sinuses reacted with
vengeance. As it turns out, different kinds of firewood can create allergic
reactions for different people. One might notice a sensitivity to oak while I
sit on the other side of the room when burning walnut. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpt4TfUVR1A3g-ow8K1di-Il-rj3lMhIuVjTqLFWAgrZ-Kc6LpfvSzA5tqjt6NwBHNChX1Z3oQKqsV2khJYAJn4_jvIwyAe071J5Ro2IAF7UmFBRs7TnC2jFkWOOgJFrrdKEncyZaz3o/s800/19389437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpt4TfUVR1A3g-ow8K1di-Il-rj3lMhIuVjTqLFWAgrZ-Kc6LpfvSzA5tqjt6NwBHNChX1Z3oQKqsV2khJYAJn4_jvIwyAe071J5Ro2IAF7UmFBRs7TnC2jFkWOOgJFrrdKEncyZaz3o/w415-h276/19389437.jpg" width="415" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">There are a large range of
allergic reactions or sensitivities that can be brought on by wood including a
sinus reaction or rash from touching wood. Nearly all woods have the potential
to cause a reaction in some people. Unfortunately, there has been little
research done on how different woods can cause a reaction when burned. It is
unknown if having a known allergy to a specific wood based on a physician
performed allergy test also means you will have a reaction to burning that
wood. If you have a known allergy to mold however, make sure you are not
burning firewood with mold present. If you have experienced sensitivity to your
fireplace or woodstove keep a journal of what type of wood you are burning and
if that particular wood is bothering you. If a type or types are confirmed this
way try to avoid sitting close to the fireplace or stove or discontinue using
that type all together. </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">It is also important to note
that smoke never has a place in the home, it should only be going up the
chimney. We often tend to think of keeping our chimney clean for the sole
purpose of preventing a chimney fire. Where avoiding chimney fires is an
obvious top priority, a dirty chimney won’t allow for a good draft to take
place. It makes it harder to start a fire and keep all that smoke where it
belongs. If you are still having trouble getting your fire to draft, it could
be an issue of negative air pressure or just super cold air. Consider having an
outside air supply, draft inducer, or whole house ventilator installed to fix
this issue.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">So far, walnut has been the
only wood I have to avoid burning. I was overjoyed last summer when my husband
announced a friend offered him a fallen….oak! An entire winter back in my
favorite spot in the house, next to the woodstove was happily in my future. May
your home be warm and your sinuses happy!</span></p>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-49924312101029058932021-02-01T09:29:00.002-06:002021-02-01T09:29:50.480-06:0026% Tax Credit for Wood-Burning Stoves is a Big Deal<p>With the new Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit Consumers
can take 26% of the cost for a new wood-burning stove or fireplace
insert, including the appliance, venting, and installation in
2021-2022. </p><p>That is a big deal. Anyone who has considered
purchasing a high-efficiency wood stove but held off due to the cost,
now is the time to take advantage of the government program. </p><p>Wood-burning
appliances can be used for supplemental or primary heating, and in
power outages. Anyone who has gone through a power outage without heat
will understand the importance of having a backup heating system.</p><p>Freestanding
stoves can be placed in almost any room. They are vented with a Class A
stainless steel chimney, or a masonry chimney with a stainless steel
flue liner. Fireplace inserts are installed in a masonry fireplace with
a stainless steel flue liner. Wood-burning fireplace inserts cannot be
installed into a manufactured firebox. <br /></p><ul><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqgcwK7jh7VQISWiyHPkT7JAgt30PffaGs9fVcigSu-yJ_VDEXwAsZB5vRV2GRyOF1G35R3Ss_lUGEi0_n4i9kNTbAgA7saN4C1wnnT1Dl_qwUeue9y9fM7lw8eo6qZX5AavavZl785uJ/s660/BariPlus8172_Charcoal_375x700-354x660.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="354" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqgcwK7jh7VQISWiyHPkT7JAgt30PffaGs9fVcigSu-yJ_VDEXwAsZB5vRV2GRyOF1G35R3Ss_lUGEi0_n4i9kNTbAgA7saN4C1wnnT1Dl_qwUeue9y9fM7lw8eo6qZX5AavavZl785uJ/s320/BariPlus8172_Charcoal_375x700-354x660.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hearthstone <br />freestanding stove</span> <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><li>Consumers buying highly efficient wood stoves will be able to
claim a 26% tax credit that is uncapped and based on the full cost of
the wood stove (including purchase AND installation)<br /><br /></li><li>The 26% tax
credit is valid from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2022. In
2023, the tax credit will remain in effect for the entire year, but the
percentage steps down to a 22% tax credit.<br /><br /></li><li>Qualifying wood stoves must meet at least a 75% HHV efficiency value. Not all wood stoves qualify. <br /><br /></li><li>You
will claim your tax credit when you file your taxes on IRS form 5695
under “Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit “. You will need
your purchase receipt (showing cost of product and installation). You
will also need a manufacturer certificate stating that the
stove qualifies for the credit and is at least 75 percent efficient HHV. These are available on the manufacturer website. </li></ul><p>An
inspection of the current chimney must be done prior to the
installation of a wood-burning insert or stove using the chimney for
venting purposes. It must also be cleaned to remove any creosote. The
best time to have this done is in the spring or summer. <br /></p><p></p><p>For more information visit <a href="http://www.chimkc.com">www.chimkc.com</a>. </p><p>__________________________________________________________</p>Marge Padgitt is a chimney industry veteran. She is a <a href="http://www.csia.org">CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep</a> and <a href="http://www.nficertified.org">NFI Woodburning Specialist</a>. Marge is the President of HearthMasters, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. Reach her at <a href="mailto:hearthmastersboss@gmail.com">hearthmastersboss@gmail.com</a>. <div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-22441058698442894882021-01-20T15:33:00.006-06:002021-01-20T15:41:26.074-06:00What Mark Twain Said About Masonry Heaters<p>Mark Twain (Samuel L. Clemens) discovered masonry heaters while traveling
through Europe and realized that America was far behind the times. In 1891,<b> </b>Twain devoted several pages of his book, "Europe and Elsewhere" to the<b> </b>masonry heater and pleaded for its introduction to America: </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_ZbUbCy5nHkDMa2LA6vjddNlYLjk0Xky_REgOZiZjuVhKWQQOvXCSuNZme6wv0hdNPd3xPR26lDU5n0FLAS4X9Q4TCFFTIDWXMAqaSb_ePFEV1b661hLqAndRYy5ADDV1Rs2N6E27pU/s565/Mark-Twain.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="400" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_ZbUbCy5nHkDMa2LA6vjddNlYLjk0Xky_REgOZiZjuVhKWQQOvXCSuNZme6wv0hdNPd3xPR26lDU5n0FLAS4X9Q4TCFFTIDWXMAqaSb_ePFEV1b661hLqAndRYy5ADDV1Rs2N6E27pU/w280-h395/Mark-Twain.png" width="280" /></a></div>“Take the German stove, for instance – where can you find it outside
of German countries? I am sure I have never seen it where German was
not the language of the region. Yet it is by long odds the best stove
and the most convenient and economical that has yet been invented.
<p></p><p>To the uninstructed stranger it promises nothing; but he will soon
find that it is a masterly performer, for all that. It has a little bit
of a door which you couldn’t get your head in – a door which seems
foolishly out of proportion to the rest of the edifice; yet the door is
right, for it is not necessary that bulky fuel shall enter it.
Small-sized fuel is used, and marvelously little of that. The door
opens into a tiny cavern which would not hold more fuel than a baby
could fetch in its arms. The process of firing is quick and simple. At
half past seven on a cold morning the servant brings a small basketful
of slender pine sticks – say a modified armful – and puts half of these
in, lights them with a match, and closes the door. They burn out in ten
or twelve minutes. He then puts in the rest and locks the door, and
carries off the key. The work is done. He will not come again until
next morning.</p>
<p>All day long and until past midnight all parts of the room will be
delightfully warm and comfortable, and there will be no headaches and
no sense of closeness or oppression. In an American room, whether
heated by steam, hot water, or open fires, the neighborhood of the
register or the fireplace is warmest – the heat is not equally diffused
throughout the room; but in a German room one is comfortable in one
part of it as in another. Nothing is gained or lost by being near the
stove. Its surface is not hot; you can put your hand on it anywhere and
not get burnt.</p>
<p>Consider these things. One firing is enough for the day; the cost is
next to nothing; the heat produced is the same all day, instead of too
hot and too cold by turns; one may absorb himself in his business in
peace; he does not need to feel any anxieties of solicitudes about the
fire; his whole day is a realized dream of bodily comfort.</p>
<p>America could adopt this stove, but does America do it? The American
wood stove, of whatsoever breed, it is a terror. There can be no
tranquility of mind where it is. It requires more attention than a
baby. It has to be fed every little while, it has to be watched all the
time; and for all reward you are roasted half your time and frozen the
other half. It warms no part of the room but its own part; it breeds
headaches and suffocation, and makes one’s skin feel dry and feverish;
and when your wood bill comes in you think you have been supporting a
volcano.</p>
<p>We have in America many and many a breed of coal stoves, also –
fiendish things, everyone of them. The base burners are heady and
require but little attention; but none of them, of whatsoever kind,
distributes its heat uniformly through the room, or keeps it at an
unvarying temperature, or fails to take the life out of the atmosphere
and leave it stuffy and smothery and stupefying….”</p><p></p><p>Masonry heaters are site-built wood-fired masonry appliances that produce heat - and lots of it. They are much more efficient that any high-efficiency wood-burning stove and last for many years. Here it is more than 100 years after this article was written and few Americans have grasped the concept. <br /></p><p>Visit <a href="http://www.chimkc.com">www.chimkc.com</a> for more information about masonry heaters. Visit the <a href="https://www.mha-net.org">Masonry Heater Association</a> of America site for a list of heater masons. <br /></p><p>_______________________</p><p> Marge Padgitt is the author of Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking, and the president and CEO of HearthMasters, Inc. dba Padgitt Chimney & Fireplace in Kansas City, Missouri. <br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-26606357384531200832021-01-20T11:05:00.019-06:002021-01-20T15:24:45.642-06:00Masonry Heaters are the Best Option for Heating with Wood<p class="MsoNormal">By Marge Padgitt<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Look no further than a masonry heater to heat your home
during a long cold winter. Use this appliance as a primary or supplemental
source of heat, and feel good about it, too, since masonry heaters are GREEN. Masonry
heaters have been around for hundreds of years in Europe and are finally
catching on in North America and other parts of the world. People needed to
heat their homes in an efficient manner in olden times just as today in order to
save their forests. Inefficient open fireplaces took too much of their valuable
resources, so another method had to be developed. No one knows who the first
mason was who came up with the idea of something that would retain heat for
long periods of time, then radiate it into the home while using much less wood,
but whoever he was he was a genius.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Masonry heaters have been redesigned and altered over the
years by different masons in Finland, Russia, Germany, Austria, and the United
States. But heaters all have the same characteristics with complex channels to
slow down and trap heat from flue gasses, and a mass of masonry to retain that
heat, then radiate it to the living space over a period of up to 20 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time the products of combustion get to
the exit of the flue, the smoke is white or clear, and the particulate emissions are
very low. One load of wood can usually provide heating for the average size
home for 8-12 hours. Masonry heaters use approximately 1/3 the amount of wood as a high-efficiency wood stove to produce the same amount of heat. Compared to even the best high-efficiency wood–burning
stoves on the market today, gas and oil-fired furnaces, and certainly
inefficient open fireplaces, masonry heaters cannot be beat. Homeowners may wish to use
a masonry heater as their sole source of heat, or in conjunction with another
system. </p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4u7vRYnOtybv83tOlLO7Mlj28sI9YFQGdz_t-14Vdf8L4tEuq_Ylse4lsSq8c9lhhKhyMm9wCbxGkNJjn5Seb1rsXC1dwpfl2-8cwh-lvQkmwRY35htWfgssZUwPgTl3d3WZKf1mTqO8/s2048/8x10.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4u7vRYnOtybv83tOlLO7Mlj28sI9YFQGdz_t-14Vdf8L4tEuq_Ylse4lsSq8c9lhhKhyMm9wCbxGkNJjn5Seb1rsXC1dwpfl2-8cwh-lvQkmwRY35htWfgssZUwPgTl3d3WZKf1mTqO8/s320/8x10.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Natural stone masonry heater<br />by Gene Padgitt</i></span></p></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">Another benefit masonry
heaters offer is that they do not require electricity, gas, or ductwork to
distribute the heat. In a properly designed home with an open floor plan and
the heater in the center of the home, the heat will radiate evenly throughout.
Ideally, heaters are built in new home construction, but they can be added to
existing homes as well. If planned in a passive solar home, the masonry mass of
the heater will also absorb and radiate heat from the sun. Heaters require a
suitable foundation to support the massive masonry, which weighs three to six
tons by the time all of the firebrick, block, cast iron doors, dampers, and
exterior masonry facing is installed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br />Heaters can be enhanced with heated benches to sit on,
mantels, wood storage bins, and even bake ovens. Pizza and bread from a
wood-fired bake oven has an incredible and unique taste that is not to be
missed, and entire meals can be cooked in the oven if desired. An experienced
heater mason can not only design and build the right size and type of heater
for a home but make it beautiful to look at as well. An exterior finish of
soapstone, tile, natural stone, stucco, or brick can make a dramatic
statement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heater masons will work with
the homeowner to come up with a custom design that suits the home or use one of
many masonry heater kits that are available from several manufacturers (usually
incorporating soapstone) in a variety of designs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Use of natural non-toxic materials and the renewable
resource of wood make masonry heaters the perfect solution for a green
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The trade is very specialized, with only a few professional heater
masons scattered across the world. Fortunately, most of these masons will
travel to do installations. Often several heater masons will help each other
out since these are big projects. In days of old, the heater masons kept their
trade secret, even to the point of not leaving the room until the heater was finished
so no one else could see how the interior was built. At that time, the
livelihood of the masons was dependent on this secrecy. The trade is so skilled
that the only way to learn is to do hands-on assistance with an experienced
heater mason, and that is part of the reason the Masonry Heater Association was
formed. The older masons do not want this to become a lost art, so they help
train others. The Certified Heater Mason program was developed by the experienced
MHA members in order to assure that the knowledge is not lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the U.S. most people are not yet aware of masonry
heaters, so it is a challenge for a heater mason to make a living out of just
building heaters. Most heater masons also build other types of projects such as
fireplaces, chimneys and outdoor bake ovens. Some are timber frame or log home
builders or own brickyards. Most are very aware of the green building trend and
are interested in sustainable living. Many heater masons will travel to build a
heater because they love doing it, and because they love the satisfaction they
get out of building something that is very specialized. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Pricing for heaters is what most would consider being on the
high end, and a long-term investment. The average cost a homeowner may expect
to pay is from $25,000 to $60,000, with price depending on the complexity of
the heater, material costs, and labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The expected time to get a return on your money is approximately 10
years. The time to build a completed heater may be more than four weeks,
depending on how many skilled craftspeople are working. Many homeowners will
elect to be an assistant on the job in order to lower their costs. In some cases,
if a heater mason is traveling the homeowner will put him and his assistants up
at their house or a local hotel. When traveling the masons usually work long
hours in order to get the project done as quickly as possible. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Find out more about masonry heaters, including technical
specifications and testing results, photos of heaters, manufacturers, and a
list of heater masons, contact the Masonry Heater Association of North America
through their website at <a href="http://www.mha-net.org/">www.mha-net.org</a>
or call the executive director, Richard Smith at <span class="yshortcuts">520-883-0191</span>.
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> ________________________________<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Marge
Padgitt served on the board of directors for the MHA and the National Chimney
Sweep Guild. She is the author of “Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking.” Marge is
president and CEO of HearthMasters, Inc. dba Padgitt Chimney & Fireplace in
Kansas City, Missouri. Her husband, Gene Padgitt, is a Certified Heater Mason. Contact
her at <a href="http://www.chimkc.com">www.chimkc.com</a>, <a href="mailto:hearthmastersboss@gmail.com">hearthmastersboss@gmail.com</a>, or
816-461-3665. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-77002466377251420782021-01-08T12:22:00.033-06:002021-01-08T12:39:28.028-06:00What is a Flue Liner and Why do You Need One? <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Flue liners
are an important part of any furnace, water heater, boiler, or fireplace
system. Liners have been required by code since 1927, but have been in use
since the 1870’s. In a nutshell, the purpose of a flue liner is to keep toxic
flue gasses such as Carbon Monoxide, other aldehydes, and tar vapors inside
the flue and allow them to exit the house. It was found early on that with
masonry chimneys, the mortar joints tend to deteriorate over time and develop
cracks and gaps that allow gasses to leak through them. So, liners were
invented. Vitreous clay tile flue liners were created to line the interior
chimney so that flue gasses could not escape the flue. This is extremely
important for the health and safety of the occupants of a home. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">However,
over time, rainwater, moisture, and acidic flue gasses eat away at mortar
joints between the liner sections. Clay tile flue liners are made in two-foot
sections and installed ahead of the exterior masonry chase. They have a bed of
mortar between each section. When these mortar joints erode, they create gaps
between the liner sections – and we are back to square one with toxic gasses
leaking into the house. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38l8j514jxYojE69nxhPznvQJOuPnbtAMHHskqwOQt_ftmv4hhJ9XfJYUPBLiqk6blCiVLjG3RgClFuqmt9ykSZpVdt4evLtlaYkpYJn2qMOraML6PUOtzpGOuejomeiGTyPo7QMvyLQ/s1280/DSC03707.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38l8j514jxYojE69nxhPznvQJOuPnbtAMHHskqwOQt_ftmv4hhJ9XfJYUPBLiqk6blCiVLjG3RgClFuqmt9ykSZpVdt4evLtlaYkpYJn2qMOraML6PUOtzpGOuejomeiGTyPo7QMvyLQ/s320/DSC03707.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A liner has been removed and one remains</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">When
rehabbing a house, a contractor may find that there is no liner installed in a
masonry chimney. This is more common in older homes with utility flues serving
heating appliances and water heaters, but occasionally is found with fireplaces
as well. It is extremely common, however, to find a flue liner with missing
mortar joints. This can be remedied in most cases with a method using a ceramic
joint filler, which is applied using a heavy-duty vibrating bell sponge while
pouring the mix from above the flue liner. It involves special equipment and
trained professionals to do the job. In cases with large gaps between liners
this method cannot be used, and relining is necessary. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A second
common issue with flue liners is incorrect sizing. If a liner is not correctly
sized to the appliance, smoking or backup of toxic gasses can result. This
often occurs when a high efficiency furnace is installed, leaving a water
heater to vent on its own, which it cannot do in an oversized flue. A liner for
the water heater will be necessary unless a replacement water heater that vents
out the side is used instead. An incorrectly sized flue liner serving a
fireplace will cause backup of smoke and toxic gasses into the home. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSxo-4hubG5j1ax8g7A7epxDmTcgmHPlTl7BybrORkJa4wJKFfPqEL3-1EnsDMuGKX4uXQqKGBwyAVIKrvNCLIATcwXEcYrDflpGeXso71NGK8krza59Vt-zzMYviKLr7hxjvJGhUMos/s1280/DSC03719.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSxo-4hubG5j1ax8g7A7epxDmTcgmHPlTl7BybrORkJa4wJKFfPqEL3-1EnsDMuGKX4uXQqKGBwyAVIKrvNCLIATcwXEcYrDflpGeXso71NGK8krza59Vt-zzMYviKLr7hxjvJGhUMos/s320/DSC03719.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Stainless steel liner with a single flue tile on top</span> <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The third
common issue with clay tile flue liners is damage from a chimney fire. As
fireplace inspectors we see this on a daily basis, and in most instances, the
homeowner had no idea that they had a chimney fire unless they caught it at the
time, or a neighbor knocked on their door after they saw flames shooting out of
the chimney. Most chimney fires are of short duration because as flammable
creosote burns it expands to ten times its size and snuffs out the fire. But even
a short duration chimney fire can cause a lot of damage to flue liners, usually
leaving vertical and sometimes horizontal breaks behind. These breaks open to
as much as ¾” when the appliance is used, once again allowing gasses to escape.
The only solution is to reline the flue. Fortunately, homeowner’s insurance
covers chimney fire damage since it is considered a “hostile” fire. If a home was
purchased within 12 months prior to finding the damage the new owner may have
recourse with the seller, who can file a claim on their insurance. Chimney
repair can be expensive, and the last thing a new homeowner wants is a huge
un-budgeted-for expense after a home is purchased. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>This is why an inspection of all flues in a
home is so important prior to purchase. 99% of Home inspectors do not inspect
chimneys, only a chimney sweep with the proper equipment can, and should, do a
chimney inspection using a chimney camera system. If timing does not allow for
an inspection, figure in extra cost in your rehab estimate based on the size of
the chimney. </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YKSfjER_PINU96qQ85bo4lT3hmxhb1hMBcu0HZYtHwW1n06yt04kTJCXlsTMUNGikOLXWDSgIy6gJJ2eH32ECEAs5YPAkcyGgBXvdxy-pPkJfcRGVZM6biPtR7zcv5g7X-FBgTxmFCI/s2048/Turnerduring+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YKSfjER_PINU96qQ85bo4lT3hmxhb1hMBcu0HZYtHwW1n06yt04kTJCXlsTMUNGikOLXWDSgIy6gJJ2eH32ECEAs5YPAkcyGgBXvdxy-pPkJfcRGVZM6biPtR7zcv5g7X-FBgTxmFCI/s320/Turnerduring+034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Clay tile flue liners being installed as masonry is built up</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Relining
involves removal of the cement cap and extraction of the clay tile flue liner,
installation of a replacement stainless steel liner with insulation, and
rebuilding the cement cap. Other demolition such as removal of a damper casing,
firebrick, or a wall may be necessary. Smoke chambers are often in poor
condition and need to be parge coated with insulating mortar. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is important to use a liner with the same
I.D. dimensions as the previous liner, or in some cases, larger, and the only
way to do that is to take the old liner out first. In rare cases, the flue is
oversized so installation of a new liner may be possible without extracting the
old liner. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Codes must
be followed with flue liners – Chapters 10 and 18 in the International
Residential Code cover most of this information, and the National Fire
Protection 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel Appliances
also applies since it is the industry standard. We also follow the NFPA 54
National Fuel Gas Code. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB1Figpto-ljt04Fmydd0DnQbEW6Qt4Q3OLAGqwDv1qt88t6nr-j5jm_Of5ZiLo0_2GHOxzkGCeu63AqFPTf__I7USvw_buV9WHq4xyeX1wKL-0CFVLPpR6Z8kuXsummYOmcZm3rCiwo/s640/DSC00770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB1Figpto-ljt04Fmydd0DnQbEW6Qt4Q3OLAGqwDv1qt88t6nr-j5jm_Of5ZiLo0_2GHOxzkGCeu63AqFPTf__I7USvw_buV9WHq4xyeX1wKL-0CFVLPpR6Z8kuXsummYOmcZm3rCiwo/s320/DSC00770.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A stainless steel flue liner being prepped</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>A
professional chimney contractor should do this type of work since they are
familiar with the codes and standards and have the equipment and expertise to
do the job. In the greater Kansas City area and other jurisdictions across the U.S., a Class DM Master
Mechanical (HVAC) Contractor License is needed in order to reline flues, and a
permit is required for the work, with an inspection by the building codes
inspector. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The cost to
reline a flue can very greatly and is determined by the type, size, and length
of liner needed and difficulty level of the job. </span></p>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border: medium none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">______________________________________________________</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Marge
Padgitt is a 35-year chimney industry veteran. She trains professional chimney
technicians across the U.S. and is the author of The Chimney and Hearth Pro’s
Resource Book, and Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking, along with many training DVDS and presentations. Contact her at </span><a href="mailto:hearthmastersboss@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">hearthmastersboss@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">, 816-461-3665, or </span><a href="http://www.chimkc.com"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">www.chimkc.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">. </span></p></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-88176340881764968172020-10-05T11:05:00.003-05:002020-10-05T11:06:33.395-05:00Chopping Therapy<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">By Audrey Elder</span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbYForVhy6AMJcbicESO1tasRE3jMFDMRg5aYxpR8FryYRV-cyyZMPHLRQaFzDWTsFg5EiPnqLyInO36VQmwz_4CGZDi_4RRuJh1M937wqrttAA_zlU19u3lKIe8q9cQP2h_GmLVIIgM/s2048/AdobeStock_258169925.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbYForVhy6AMJcbicESO1tasRE3jMFDMRg5aYxpR8FryYRV-cyyZMPHLRQaFzDWTsFg5EiPnqLyInO36VQmwz_4CGZDi_4RRuJh1M937wqrttAA_zlU19u3lKIe8q9cQP2h_GmLVIIgM/w424-h282/AdobeStock_258169925.jpeg" width="424" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>T</b></span><span style="font-size: small;">hat’s right, chopping
therapy. Me, a nice warm red and black flannel, my<br /> hiking boots, my axe and wedge.
Out to the woodpile I go, find a nice wide chunk of walnut, lift the axe up
over my right shoulder…. and whack! I remember why I brought the wedge. Either
way, after a full wheelbarrow load of fresh split logs for the fire… I feel
better. </span><p></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Full disclosure here, I own a
gas-powered log splitter. That’s not the point. There are just those moments in
life that require a break from everything, a little exercise induced endorphins
and a zoned in focus on a simple task. For me, there is no better way to
achieve this than chopping firewood. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> Imagine this scenario. It’s a
beautiful chilly Saturday in October. A crisp cool north wind pours across the
yard carrying hundreds of gold and red leaves from summers fading trees with
each gust. Inside, a full house filled with the sounds of individual activity. <i>Kerplunk,
boink, swoosh, boink</i>, ahh someone is playing a game on their tablet.
Someone else is having a lively conversation on their phone. Another is
cranking up the volume on the television, this is their favorite part of the
movie! You clutch the book in your hand, your eyes roll slightly, the plot has
just begun to reveal itself. You count to ten. The words blur as if they refuse
to be legible amongst ALL THE NOISE. See? This, this my friends, is when the
woodpile calls to save your sanity. <span> </span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> It could be a needed break
from a frustrating event like trying to put a dresser together that came in a flat
box. It could be when your computer decides to update everything the moment
you’re about to send the email that was due an hour ago.<span> </span>Or, in 2020, it could just be because it’s
2020. Whatever it is that brings you to the brink of allowing your inner five-year-old
who didn’t get a puppy to show up around any other human, nothing works better
than chopping therapy. Not to mention the added bonus of never having to leave
your home, spending NOTHING, and actually getting something accomplished. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> The first log that splits all
the way through creates an inner celebration. A joy of nearly primal
accomplishment. There I stand above my TWO pieces of firewood holding my axe to
the sky, steam pouring from each breath into the frigid air as I think about
how this act may please my flannel wearing ancestors who chopped wood or froze.
Depending on what level of angst brought me to this place, I may keep chopping!
I might look down at those two pieces of firewood and think, <i>those are a bit
large.</i> I might decide to split each of them as well. I of course negate the
wedge with at least the first whack. Even this will provide a place to pound
the wedge in. The first piece splits! Ah Yes! I am still dominating this wood
pile! The second piece….whack…wedge….whack….wedge stuck…whack….wedge stuck
further….wood turned sideways….attempt to push wedge out with axe…axe is
stuck….lift axe with log attached and beat log on another log… At this point,
whatever has brought me to this place is gone and forgotten. It’s just me and
the impossible piece of wood. It’s war and I’m determined to win. So, whether I
actually do win and leave pushing my wheelbarrow full of firewood pridefully to
the front porch or I end up having the emotional outbreak I likely needed to in
the first place, its over. I’m ready to return to the task inside that awaits
me. Refreshed, clear headed and completely physically exhausted.*</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNT1PlSdCxl8y_JShxuTwe1NiZAqjZ8DcMOpxUbpJYOLM0snmYYoSWRReMrIaZlpienxJhwFAsMho8iIsC_2t6gIRyoX0GH7vIcRRJ8iy68efJiVAp8wMSJgqf82JsOrPaw8LRvwsfqZc/s800/39202237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNT1PlSdCxl8y_JShxuTwe1NiZAqjZ8DcMOpxUbpJYOLM0snmYYoSWRReMrIaZlpienxJhwFAsMho8iIsC_2t6gIRyoX0GH7vIcRRJ8iy68efJiVAp8wMSJgqf82JsOrPaw8LRvwsfqZc/s320/39202237.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> These kinds of days end the
same way all days do, the sun goes down. We all gather in the living room after
dinner to watch a show, cozy and warm as the fire flickers through the glass
door of the woodstove. My husband lovingly reaches over and taps my shoulder,
“You look like you feel much better now.” I smile with tranquility, “I do feel
better dear, much better.” </span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Chop safely, chop often, and
always chop for inner peace. In some odd way, I’m sure this helps make the
world a better place. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> <br /></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>*For the same results in the
summertime, spend half an hour trying to start a gas-powered lawnmower. <br />----------------------------------------------------------------------<br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Audrey Elder is a free-lance writer and owner of Past to Present Research in Independence, Missouri. She lives on a 14-acre homestead with her husband and a few million honeybees. <br /></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span> </span></span></span></p>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-66002553241282105892020-09-26T11:21:00.008-05:002020-09-26T11:21:44.944-05:00The CSIA Shares Fire Safety Tips In Honor Of National Chimney Safety Week<p><a href="https://www.pdclarion.com/news/state/the-csia-shares-fire-safety-tips-in-honor-of-national-chimney-safety-week/article_8462fa3a-d158-57e4-b81e-238aabfe1338.html"> https://www.pdclarion.com/news/state/the-csia-shares-fire-safety-tips-in-honor-of-national-chimney-safety-week/article_8462fa3a-d158-57e4-b81e-238aabfe1338.html</a></p><p> </p><p><span class="xn-location">PLAINFIELD, Ind.</span>, <span class="xn-chron">Sept. 24, 2020</span>
/PRNewswire/ -- Each year, the Chimney Safety Institute of America
(CSIA) and thousands of industry professionals spend the last week in
September sharing chimney safety tips and educating homeowners on how to
best maintain and use their chimneys and fireplaces.</p><p>Designated
National Chimney Safety Week by the CSIA back in 1978, this annual
observance serves as a reminder to homeowners to take fire safety into
their own hands and to schedule annual maintenance services prior to
using their fireplaces each year.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDm-Ru2E5ma2Wi_cwvHRdzJ6gdFmGLbvcNXMB-ILmse1wYPzTBLgDsaeGTq_5c7Wgiwq2j4t4MqBI_xn-cwJMRNJK6l2TU2zB6dCIwJN2gK8eT72YuTkvcFbPnVeC0is74BFj_QIPle8/s400/5f6d1136dc276.image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="400" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDm-Ru2E5ma2Wi_cwvHRdzJ6gdFmGLbvcNXMB-ILmse1wYPzTBLgDsaeGTq_5c7Wgiwq2j4t4MqBI_xn-cwJMRNJK6l2TU2zB6dCIwJN2gK8eT72YuTkvcFbPnVeC0is74BFj_QIPle8/w219-h218/5f6d1136dc276.image.jpg" width="219" /></a>According to the latest numbers from the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2928361-1&h=2121332843&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cpsc.gov%2Fs3fs-public%2F2012-2014_Residential_Fire_Loss_Estimates-Final_with_stamp.pdf%3FucbLB1iSk_R4WSikVw6AT.MfuJD2riIK&a=U.S.+Consumer+Product+Safety+Commission" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission</a></span>,
an average of 22,300 U.S. residential structure fires were caused by
chimneys, fireplaces, or chimney connectors between 2012-2014, resulting
in an average of 60 injuries, 20 deaths, and <span class="xn-money">$116.4 million</span> in property loss each year.</p><p>The
mission of the CSIA and the goal of National Chimney Safety Week is to
lower these numbers dramatically by training industry professionals and
educating homeowners on the importance of proper chimney maintenance.</p><p>Annual maintenance should include:</p><ul type="disc"><li>A yearly chimney inspection by a CSIA-certified chimney technician</li><li>A yearly chimney cleaning, if needed</li></ul><p>It
only takes a matter of minutes for a chimney fire to spread to other
areas of the home, but a few minutes of proactive care can reduce that
risk, so homeowners can safely enjoy their fireplaces this fall and
winter.</p><p><span class="xn-person">Chuck Roydhouse</span>, President of CSIA shares,</p><p><em>"It's
not just wood-burning chimneys that can be hazardous. Gas fireplaces,
gas or oil heating furnaces and water heaters, and other fuel-burning
appliances can create unsafe chimneys, too. External factors other than
fire source can cause dangerous situations, including: weather, animals
residing in the flue, aging structure, and foreign obstructions. So,
inspect chimneys every year."</em></p><p>To find a CSIA-certified sweep in your area, head to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2928361-1&h=2194743482&u=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.csia.org%2Fsearch&a=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.csia.org%2Fsearch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://web.csia.org/search</a></span>.</p><p><strong>About CSIA<br /></strong>The
Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) is a nonprofit organization
governed by a volunteer board of directors dedicated to the education,
training, and certification of chimney and industry related
professionals. Additionally, we strive to advance public awareness about
the dangers of chimney fires and other problems related to the
maintenance and performance of chimney and venting systems.</p><p>CSIA
is the only non-profit national training academy for chimney
technicians, and the CSIA-Certified Chimney Sweep® credential is
acknowledged by industry organizations, insurance underwriters, local,
state, and federal agencies as the measure of a chimney and venting
technician's knowledge about the evaluation and maintenance of chimney
and venting systems. CSIA is the standard of excellence in the chimney
and venting industry.<br /></p><p> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-47325250602795389642020-09-19T13:15:00.002-05:002020-09-19T13:15:57.117-05:00Don't Fire Up that Fireplace Too Soon!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPGobvUpyUpUX6e7IHJW4UDeQvxbJMqNNrUswpWuN2n2sZ_0PhYebUm5ro7VT-ifASc5Bb5DJHQSEu8efCmhxqXZS9mipJ0RvhsSb795fT-aRx7EW0v79eawbJVNasaZsqVVohxb30S0/s1152/63293167+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="768" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPGobvUpyUpUX6e7IHJW4UDeQvxbJMqNNrUswpWuN2n2sZ_0PhYebUm5ro7VT-ifASc5Bb5DJHQSEu8efCmhxqXZS9mipJ0RvhsSb795fT-aRx7EW0v79eawbJVNasaZsqVVohxb30S0/w247-h372/63293167+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>Just because the calendar says it is Fall, doesn't mean that homeowners should light up their wood stove or fireplace. Each year, many people light a fire without considering the consequences of doing so.<p></p><p>And this year due to the pandemic many people are staying at home and look for some form of entertainment. A nice crackling fire would set the mood just right - but don't do so until a few things have been addressed. </p><p><b>- Did you open the damper? </b> This is the first thing people forget to do when lighting a fire. The house will fill up with smoke quickly. Open the damper fully before starting a fire in a fireplace, and if you forget, open it and do NOT turn on the attic fan or the problem will get much worse. Open a door instead. <br /></p><p><b>- Did you have the chimney inspected and swept after the last wood burning season?</b> If not, don't start a fire yet. Call a professional chimney sweep to service the chimney first. And next year, do this in the spring. </p><p><b>- Do you have a cover on the flue to keep birds and animals out? </b>If not, birds and squirrels may have built flammable nests in the chimney. A chimney sweeping will usually take care of it, then have a proper stainless steel cover installed. Don't buy a cheap cover that will rust - get stainless steel.</p><p><b>- Are you prepared with dry seasoned cordwood?</b> This should be purchased or cut and split at least six months in advance of the season so it is properly dried out to 20% or less moisture content. Buy a moisture meter online or from your chimney sweep. Wet wood takes longer to burn and creates more creosote and Carbon Monoxide so don't use it. </p><p><b>- Do you have the right type of wood?</b> Use almost any type of hardwood (Oak is a favorite) or softwood, but don't ever use soft pine which burns too hot and too fast and is a fire hazard. Also, keep the use of Hedge down to one piece of wood to two pieces of another type. Hedge also sparks and burns very hot and can be a chimney fire hazard. <br /></p><p><b> - Don't start a fire unless it is 40 degrees F or less.</b> Yes, you read that correctly. There needs to be enough of a temperature differential between the outdoors and indoors for the chimney to function correctly and draft smoke and flue gasses out of the house. If you simply must have a fire in warmer weather put some candles in the fireplace. </p><p><b>- Warm the flue up with a very tiny fire before lighting a big fire. </b>This gets draft going. For wood-burning stoves and inserts a Draw Collar can prevent smoking backup at start up and cool down. Ask your chimney sweep about this product. </p><p><b>- Constant annoying smoking or smoke smell? </b>This could be a sign that the house is under negative pressure, which is extremely common. There are several possible solutions based on your particular house layout. This should be discussed with a professional chimney sweep or venting specialist. One solution which often works well is a Whole House Ventilator. </p><p>-------------------------------------------------------</p><p>Marge Padgitt is the owner and President of HearthMasters, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. She is an author, publisher, and educator. <a href="http://www.chimkc.com " target="_blank">www.chimkc.com </a><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-53418926602257988732020-07-08T12:24:00.004-05:002020-07-08T13:39:42.532-05:00Get Your Chimney Ready for Fall and Winter:<div>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><b><span style="color: black;"></span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7frFcn6t7VsCCo1UG5pJmwsAOdPuBES0VAhah-rp050w8JLqmgjzEHDM30-oXBpZ2KZNYFJ5wB66xONYymdJ7RBxZ-5f8skx_SBg4ZhNhGIUYCIvdXnmmIB69XFI-sBODo8I1Xjz3dcU/s818/1796458_10152202122379367_477615047_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7frFcn6t7VsCCo1UG5pJmwsAOdPuBES0VAhah-rp050w8JLqmgjzEHDM30-oXBpZ2KZNYFJ5wB66xONYymdJ7RBxZ-5f8skx_SBg4ZhNhGIUYCIvdXnmmIB69XFI-sBODo8I1Xjz3dcU/s320/1796458_10152202122379367_477615047_n.jpg" /></a></p><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font size="3"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif;">By Marge Padgitt,
President of HearthMasters, Inc.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif;"></span></font></p><font size="3">
</font><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><font size="3">The following are tips for keeping your chimney and fireplace in good order for the </font></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><font size="3">season: </font> <br /></span></p>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 7pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have
all chimneys inspected annually by a professional chimney sweep to be sure
they are in good working order. The sweep will inspect the interior with a
chimney camera and the entire exterior wood or masonry structure
visually. He/she will look for cracks, gaps, or missing mortar joints in
the flue, check for proper flue size, check the smoke chamber and
fireplace condition, flashing, crown, and chimney cover. The best time to have this completed is in the spring or summer when chimney sweeps are not as busy. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li></ul>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have
flues serving wood-burning appliances swept annually or bi-annu</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ally to
remo</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ve flammable creosote and reduce the risk of chimney fire. All wood
creates creosote - even dry hardwoods. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li></ul>
<ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have
the furnace or water heater flue inspected annually by a professional chimney sweep to
be sure it is not a Carbon Monoxide risk. Blockages or flues in poor
condition can be a CO risk. Even a CO detector does not register all
levels of toxic CO gas so it is important that these flues are maintained and are functioning properly. </span></li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmDmFnFU7_KtHB8xJll7lnYMlI-HIuU9Jxi5TRjbK17y25MoBKPxJky-5_MxayKUsQF31ZGEZjNrrzEvF5VlwMgrcbuOLxnKv6nvWGzdsItQgicD_D3vACNLqjlBLn1lT6jO5vy6nT7g/s533/B36X_1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmDmFnFU7_KtHB8xJll7lnYMlI-HIuU9Jxi5TRjbK17y25MoBKPxJky-5_MxayKUsQF31ZGEZjNrrzEvF5VlwMgrcbuOLxnKv6nvWGzdsItQgicD_D3vACNLqjlBLn1lT6jO5vy6nT7g/s320/B36X_1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have
gas dir</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ect vent fireplaces or stoves tuned up and serviced annually to
assure<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmDmFnFU7_KtHB8xJll7lnYMlI-HIuU9Jxi5TRjbK17y25MoBKPxJky-5_MxayKUsQF31ZGEZjNrrzEvF5VlwMgrcbuOLxnKv6nvWGzdsItQgicD_D3vACNLqjlBLn1lT6jO5vy6nT7g/s533/B36X_1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gas direct vent fireplace<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> proper performance. Dirt, dust, and spiders clog orifices and can
make the unit inoperable. Annual service is required by the manufacturer
for warranty coverage on all brands. This is often overlooked by homeowners and these appliances will malfunction if not </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">maintained properly. Change batteries in the sending unit and in the remote control every 3 - 6 months. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li></ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 13.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Make sure that a chimney cover is installed on top of each flue to keep damaging rain and animals out of the
flue. A cover should be installed on each flue or a custom-cover can be
made to cover all flues and the cement crown. Use a heavy duty stainless steel chimney cover because black steel rusts and will need to be replaced. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Masonry
problems such as cracked mortar or bricks, deteriorating mortar or
spalling bricks should be repaired in the spring and summer months to
allow for proper cur</span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ing, so plan accordingly.</span></li></ul>
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZBTUEpC9UJCsxd0mCaMd1YS1yViGlXPc_g7YvDoMjdDIP7eh6iYNAlMNKVrtcon6Y_zn1Oj0Pnv0mh7n7apJQn5nRloWfYDWLQFukc-WRJwttZ0hGUmXIeDOFZpYPYWoS9t8BTO5cis/s365/chimneycrown.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="365" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZBTUEpC9UJCsxd0mCaMd1YS1yViGlXPc_g7YvDoMjdDIP7eh6iYNAlMNKVrtcon6Y_zn1Oj0Pnv0mh7n7apJQn5nRloWfYDWLQFukc-WRJwttZ0hGUmXIeDOFZpYPYWoS9t8BTO5cis/w320-h233/chimneycrown.jpg" title="A cement cap/crown with a drip edge" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cement cap with a drip edge prevents<br />damages to the bricks belowAdd caption<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have
an elastomeric sealant applied to </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the cement crown to protect it from
weather damage. Cement crowns/caps keep damaging rain water out of the chimney chase. If the crown is in poor shape, it may need to be rebuilt. </span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">_____________________________________<br /></span><div><div>Marge Padgitt is a writer and industry veteran. See more information at www.chimkc.com<br /></div>
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Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
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<![endif]--></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-61266955707090660302020-06-17T15:11:00.010-05:002020-07-09T10:46:13.759-05:00How an Outdoor Oven can Complement the Rest of Your Backyard Space<p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-d0389518-7fff-01ae-0900-cc4c017feb19" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><font size="3"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">By Matt Lee</span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-g2X196CzPdLhys5cWXBcBh6gYfcKJzjtJ2PNizTY8Ya39bcrgelKN0JdDzZLsGtrNRNI5O0MpVAiex6zqYyUsDjFYReXh2QfsDExRPcyCjbetUvHw6JYO0U1rZoP5edo2PqeRWPnV8c/s1600/First+Photo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-g2X196CzPdLhys5cWXBcBh6gYfcKJzjtJ2PNizTY8Ya39bcrgelKN0JdDzZLsGtrNRNI5O0MpVAiex6zqYyUsDjFYReXh2QfsDExRPcyCjbetUvHw6JYO0U1rZoP5edo2PqeRWPnV8c/w400-h266/First+Photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><font size="3"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial", sans-serif;">An outdoor oven can
truly complement the rest of the backyard space, as it brings another social
element to the backyard and creates a memorable experience. Outdoor kitchens
and ovens drastically add to a home’s value, as it makes the space great for
entertaining. Below, we’ll chat about how an outdoor oven will exactly enhance
the rest of your yard. </span></font><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><b><font size="3"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial", sans-serif;">Add Aesthetic
Value </span></font></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When you integrate an
outdoor oven to an entire outdoor kitchen space, your home’s value increases
dramatically. You can match the texture and finish to your existing home to
ensure that it provides a continuous experience as you’re entertaining. This
may mean choosing </span><a href="Matt Lee 1:43 PM (25 minutes ago) to me Hello, Here are the links, let me know when the article is updated with them. https://www.hanstonequartz.com/blogs/blog/quartz-countertop-colors "><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">quartz countertop colors</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> that complement the oven and painting cabinets to match the </span><a href="https://allurausa.com/blog/roof-and-house-color-combinations "><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">roof and house color
combinations</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. When it comes to the
countertops, they truly must serve a dual purpose in functionality and
aesthetic value, as they’ll be exposed to the changing seasons and
elements. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><font size="3"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial", sans-serif;">Set Your Home Apart</span></b></font><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now, while more and more
homeowners are impressed by an outdoor kitchen space, that doesn’t mean that
many homes already have them. Having an outdoor oven will set your home apart
and give it a unique touch that your neighbors </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">are unlikely to have.
Furthermore, who doesn’t love pizza?! Wood-fired outdoor pizza ovens are
quickly becoming more and more popular, as they’re easy to install and can fit
into the design of any existing outdoor backyard. You can take the oven a
number of ways, whether you prefer a stainless steel, stucco, or brick look
(which pairs well with </span><a href="https://innovativebuildingmaterials.com/ "><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">vinyl cedar shake siding</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">). Homeowners love cooking in wood-fired ovens, as they invite a
number of cuisine possibilities and can also help you get outdoors during
wintertime. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><font size="3"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial", sans-serif;">Increase Practicality</span></font></b></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhs63KzbeEtVRccb4YFcE0hDrALQGq7XNhocJBr1eGLxI3lOJMhbrvggEbT2Y6zdv_2fPWGjtag7IQ2XwCLXpemIwPlV8wgpTUaSbpzu8j42wyGy8wSg3MVL880vglSgKyAkoLDTv-pk/s1600/Second+Photo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhs63KzbeEtVRccb4YFcE0hDrALQGq7XNhocJBr1eGLxI3lOJMhbrvggEbT2Y6zdv_2fPWGjtag7IQ2XwCLXpemIwPlV8wgpTUaSbpzu8j42wyGy8wSg3MVL880vglSgKyAkoLDTv-pk/w400-h300/Second+Photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aesthetics outside,
having an oven and/or kitchen space outdoors makes mealtimes more efficient and
facilitates seamless entertaining. While many designers are opting for sliding
glass panels between the kitchen and outdoor living spaces, constructing an
outdoor kitchen instead brings your home to the next level. <br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">An outdoor oven can add
tremendous value to your home. With more and more focus on cohesive living
spaces, the outdoor oven will invite your guests outside and add a value room
to your home. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> ______________________________________________</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matt Lee is the owner of
the </span></i><a href="https://innovativebuildingmaterials.com/ "><i><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "arial", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Innovative Building Materials</span></i></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> blog and a content writer for the building
materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors,
and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money,
improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 24pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><font size="1"><b><span style="color: black;"></span></b></font></span></p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-49769135081482466822020-06-02T14:39:00.004-05:002020-06-02T14:53:40.042-05:00Spring and Summer Bring Pesky Animals into Chimneys<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><font size="2">Birds nest inside chimneys where they can cause problems Birds look for dark and safe places to nest and lay eggs in the spring and an open chimney can be an irresistible location for expecting bird parents.<o:p></o:p></font></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><font size="2"><br /></font></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><font size="2">Unfortunately for homeowners, nesting birds inside chimneys can mean big problems. Besides the obvious fire hazard from flammable nests, there may be the constant annoying chirping of baby birds. And perhaps not so obvious, the health hazard from bird droppings which can contain the disease histoplasmosis.<o:p></o:p></font></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><font size="2"><br /></font></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><font size="2">Squirrels and raccoons also like to keep house inside chimneys and these creatures can cause even more havoc for homeowners. Squirrels are noisy and build large nests that block flues, and raccoons carry roundworm and rabies. If either escapes into the house through a damper, , they may damage the interior of the house.<o:p></o:p></font></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/9187074308682989505/4048565954894084938#" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font size="2"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNzPjb6fb82tYlBwGObGIcyoI86HJmOkzYHumXS8gKin8Z_DokFzaWTuQl1w7ngiU8B-67zrIKouM7Z6CKpwWBjNd7RK_hUDIpk6vsa7bLFxzMLNXIvkdF7zbKFztUH87o0v2wcHFpwDJ/s320/IMG_0053_1.JPG" width="320" /></font></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><font size="2">Therefore, it is best to stop birds, squirrels, and raccoons from entering masonry or prefabricated chimneys in the first place. This can be accomplished by having a heavy duty stainless steel chimney cover with bird screen installed on top of the flue liner of a masonry chimney, or a proper cover installed on a prefabricated chimney pipe. Some older prefabricated chimney pipe covers were not adequately designed to keep birds out of the inner and outer chimney walls, making this type of pipe an even more serious fire hazard. The addition of a screen in this area will stop the birds from entering but any nesting materials should be removed if found between the chimney walls.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></font></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><font size="2"><br /></font></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><font size="2">According to the National Chimney Sweep Guild and Midwest Chimney Safety Council, all chimneys should be inspected annually and swept as necessary by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep. During the inspection, the sweep will look for nesting materials, dead birds, flammable creosote, and other issues and remove them. Chimney sweeps can install chimney covers that will keep birds and other animals out of flues. Covers come in different sizes and shapes such as individual covers to fit on a single flue or multi-flue covers that cover two or more flues.<o:p></o:p></font></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/9187074308682989505/4048565954894084938#" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><font size="2"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnpS3dmc3pC_fCLPflwtgaiK-KaCGl4QlkxooGSEp_3YwqqJ0iH0aoWXoy5vvP9oT0oQFGOFziqsIXF9yWqLhkTCg_L1jUxVdWOT4vBBaNixRn8wPzZAhQ7aIZOJjt3mAI_HVKpvBagw-/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></font></a><font size="2"><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">It is important to get a chimney cover installed in early spring before birds and squirrels start to nest. According to the Migratory Bird Act, no nesting birds may be removed from chimneys, and to do so can result in a hefty fine for the homeowner and chimney sweep. If birds do get in a chimney flue before a cap is installed homeowners need to wait until the birds leave in order to have the flue cleaned out and a chimney cover installed. The MCSC advises against using inexpensive black steel chimney covers found at box stores because they rust and stain the chimney. Stainless steel chimney covers are long-lasting, are a deterrent to animals such as squirrels and raccoons, and will never rust. For these reasons it is worth the extra expense to purchase stainless steel chimney covers rather than black steel covers. </span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">______________________________________________</span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><i>Marge Padgitt is the CEO of HearthMasters, Inc. in Kansas City Missouri. The company designs and builds and maintains masonry heater, brick ovens, chimneys, and fireplaces.</i> <i>Marge is the author of the Chimney and Hearth Pro's Resource Book and others. </i></span></font></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17446228586431639863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-79819378637565226162020-03-21T15:46:00.000-05:002020-03-21T15:46:07.322-05:00Plan now for Emergency Heating and Cooking<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As we all contend with the Coronavirus worldwide, emergency preparedness is on everyone's mind. I'm sure by now that most people have become painfully aware of how unprepared they have been, and are considering how to get ready for the next emergency. And there will be one, no doubt.<br />
<br />
Emergency heating and cooking should be something that everyone plans for. We've all experienced temporary electrical outages, and there may be a time when gas is not available, either. As someone familiar with wood-fired appliances, I recommend that everyone has a backup plan using the appliances of your choice.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRWCDGzbTAFPDbtCgN3yLwWqgYoM8k9lXuIdRvIMYhAkUjW7_bg52vDCJXMSet9cKdbi2QzD-BiwtnAtSrDI_JWJ3osKzXOYDl2aNY6wVCaVfp6OQMb1JP_WB4LtBBPixRow5jh6T2Vut/s1600/h300-shlv-425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="425" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRWCDGzbTAFPDbtCgN3yLwWqgYoM8k9lXuIdRvIMYhAkUjW7_bg52vDCJXMSet9cKdbi2QzD-BiwtnAtSrDI_JWJ3osKzXOYDl2aNY6wVCaVfp6OQMb1JP_WB4LtBBPixRow5jh6T2Vut/s320/h300-shlv-425.jpg" width="320" /></a>There are several options available. The first thing most people think about is getting a wood stove or wood-burning fireplace insert. These are good options for supplemental or primary heating if the appliance is located in the center of the home. Keep in mind that the bedrooms will be much cooler than the common spaces. An open floor plan is best so that heat can reach further.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 19.2px; text-align: center;">Cookstove by Hearthstone</td></tr>
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For cooking, using the top of a wood-burning freestanding stove is an option, but it can be frustrating to use the small space over a long period of time. A better option would be a wood-burning cookstove with a stovetop and oven. As a bonus, the stove produces heat as well.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHfGraLyrNYo4S6QL9h0DPh2hLHAKEISV40VJCQbfjfEBjDOFSQEGiCfPeM91CuL-cebLJXdkwBVmvtxtTUpgFoagXidKn0IHV9zYmXCXkRzSxu5NaViyEMiCnAGKZXBMpWT8AznFAm1K/s1600/Freilich+oven+2014+%252826%2529+%2528Medium%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHfGraLyrNYo4S6QL9h0DPh2hLHAKEISV40VJCQbfjfEBjDOFSQEGiCfPeM91CuL-cebLJXdkwBVmvtxtTUpgFoagXidKn0IHV9zYmXCXkRzSxu5NaViyEMiCnAGKZXBMpWT8AznFAm1K/s400/Freilich+oven+2014+%252826%2529+%2528Medium%2529.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 19.2px; text-align: center;">Outdoor brick oven by<br />
Gene Padgitt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In Italy and France, it is very common for each household to have an outdoor brick oven and the idea is becoming very popular in the U.S. With an outdoor wood-fired oven it gives a person the option of using a different fuel which may be more available than gas or propane, and it keeps heat out of the kitchen in the summer months. Food tastes better when cooked in a brick oven, too. Wood-fired ovens can be heated to over 700 degrees, which is excellent for cooking pizza.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXRb6lX6AuRAVJtIkL5GOPv57iI6FRg5vVSPgqPTjEfdYMAdKR2M9diHD0bVTHTiOeaGwfnOOc3dZpf99g7s8r9ACNXMFYGvsxMm7JrFdqw9rirpx094qhnd5JtF2YSE7VDo4HfiIGtqp/s1600/8x10back+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="864" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXRb6lX6AuRAVJtIkL5GOPv57iI6FRg5vVSPgqPTjEfdYMAdKR2M9diHD0bVTHTiOeaGwfnOOc3dZpf99g7s8r9ACNXMFYGvsxMm7JrFdqw9rirpx094qhnd5JtF2YSE7VDo4HfiIGtqp/s400/8x10back+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 19.2px; text-align: center;">Masonry heater with bake oven<br />
by Gene Padgitt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The best option, in my opinion, is a masonry heater. Masonry heaters are large site-built or pre-cast kits that are assembled on site. They have a large mass of masonry and interior channels that trap heat. By far, they are the most efficient and clean-burning appliances and use 1/3 the amount of wood that a high-efficiency wood-burning stove or insert uses to produce the same amount of heat. Masonry heaters work differently as they retain and release heat over a longer period of time. A great option to add is a bake oven over the masonry heater firebox on either side. Most people prefer to have the oven on the kitchen side of the heater, and the firebox on the living room side. This option is the most expensive.<br />
<br />
Plan now for the installation of an appliance this summer, before the busy fall season.<br />
___________________________________________<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Marge Padgitt is a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and NFI Certified Woodburning Specialist. She is the author of The Chimney and Hearth Pro's Resource Book, and The Homeowner's Guide to Heating and Cooking with Wood. Reach her at <a href="mailto:hearthmastersboss@gmail.com">hearthmastersboss@gmail.com</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-18810292276468067812020-02-09T15:13:00.000-06:002020-02-09T15:13:02.210-06:00Masonry repairs should be done in the spring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
By Marge Padgitt<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrPxWUr-iHHvaGgBiWBF4M488zodKW5CLTrPo6-DFDLs1-uFFxZf5PlZXr3jOqw1titzHG82zCYAwzmwsYporGNFCy2G8cZW8ziKokzKcp6rXwsIJKqkOE1skQqN-EREAi_Xx4d6kyYw/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrPxWUr-iHHvaGgBiWBF4M488zodKW5CLTrPo6-DFDLs1-uFFxZf5PlZXr3jOqw1titzHG82zCYAwzmwsYporGNFCy2G8cZW8ziKokzKcp6rXwsIJKqkOE1skQqN-EREAi_Xx4d6kyYw/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Badly spalling bricks on a chimney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If there are pieces of bricks or stones lying around the
yard or driveway, it could be a sign that masonry repair is needed. The first
place to look for damages by cold, freezing rain, and wind is the chimney since
it is the area most exposed to the elements. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Signs that repairs or rebuilding is needed are missing or
deteriorating mortar joints, cracked bricks or stones, or faces of masonry
popped off. This is due to the penetration of water into the masonry- and when
water freezes it expands, which usually results in the face of a brick or stone
breaking off. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgu8XkKKmTvzkXtFZju0hshcC0nDuaBx7DKGwWI3qxOKE4Sw8v8jdp2PaBug_PLC8bce1yEy-p9Ny1egu6BjtUvvqcBmikEXyevP5tWlr_8UE8osUdzTEUV8skKrYOLw2HGz5O83Vuafk/s1600/101208+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgu8XkKKmTvzkXtFZju0hshcC0nDuaBx7DKGwWI3qxOKE4Sw8v8jdp2PaBug_PLC8bce1yEy-p9Ny1egu6BjtUvvqcBmikEXyevP5tWlr_8UE8osUdzTEUV8skKrYOLw2HGz5O83Vuafk/s320/101208+020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Badly spalling bricks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately, many chimneys are built with soft type bricks
rather than hard type bricks due to the cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Soft bricks absorb moisture more easily than hard bricks. After a few
years, the soft bricks will begin to show damage, but after 30 years any type
of brick or stone chimney will likely show damages of some type, if only to the
mortar joints. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some cases, masons have
found completely deteriorated bricks with hard mortar left behind. In other
cases, the bricks are good but the mortar is severely deteriorated or missing
altogether. When this occurs it is a sign that the wrong type of mortar was
used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this reason, the Midwest
Chimney Safety Council recommends that chimneys should be built or
reconstructed using hard bricks and the right type of mortar which will last
many years longer than those built with soft masonry units.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtmHbKsaWUKaLxuP705Pc3lgc-Z58tQT3luNf8MXETPp42rv67OBwkoiZ3blnqw_669DpakrMDxuzFFlUAGjaREg7WdWr2GyyWI0FlYTHxQND4hHnUIyZ8C8_4sVCMTtsDuw8GqcQXvw/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtmHbKsaWUKaLxuP705Pc3lgc-Z58tQT3luNf8MXETPp42rv67OBwkoiZ3blnqw_669DpakrMDxuzFFlUAGjaREg7WdWr2GyyWI0FlYTHxQND4hHnUIyZ8C8_4sVCMTtsDuw8GqcQXvw/s400/077.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mortar deteriorated so badly that<br />the chimney is falling apart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mortar sets up better when the work is done in the spring
when temperatures are moderate so the curing process can complete without
issue. If the temperature is too cold, the mortar can crack and take a long
time to cure. If the temperature is too hot the water in the mortar may migrate
to surrounding masonry and shrink. Professional masons can control some of this
by adding an accelerant in cold weather or soaking bricks in water before
using them in hot weather, but they much prefer working with masonry in ideal
weather conditions. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVB3nqwRPBn-UI8bwkA_aQrdJaBDkvlyh627shYaOaRCoQCHXtGAgGLM-2LtAyCjBAsA6IGtbelAMbV2offLdB08EBnJwjBAkY7lB2hwRBpigzlzlqqo4qzFktRoIH5PsbMoS_WCGlQPI/s1600/poured+crown1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVB3nqwRPBn-UI8bwkA_aQrdJaBDkvlyh627shYaOaRCoQCHXtGAgGLM-2LtAyCjBAsA6IGtbelAMbV2offLdB08EBnJwjBAkY7lB2hwRBpigzlzlqqo4qzFktRoIH5PsbMoS_WCGlQPI/s400/poured+crown1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cement cap with drip edge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cement cap (crown) should be inspected in the spring to
assure that it is in good condition with no cracks, deterioration, or lifting.
The cap serves as a roof for the chimney and keeps the elements out of the
interior chimney chase where rain can cause damage to the interior flue, smoke
chamber, damper, and firebox. Any small cracks or gaps should be filled with
high temp silicone, but if large cracks, severe deterioration, or missing
sections of the cap exist a new cap should be constructed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As of 2012, the International Residential Code
required a poured formed crown with a drip edge to better protect the chimney
from damaging rainwater. The old-style crowns with a slope but without a drip edge
actually contribute to the fast deterioration of masonry at the top part of the
chimney, so this newer style is a big improvement. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
________________________________________</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Marge Padgitt is the CEO of <a href="http://www.chimkc.com/">HearthMasters, Inc.</a> and HearthMasters Education in Kansas City, Missouri. Contact her at <a href="mailto:hearthmastersboss@gmail.com">hearthmastersboss@gmail.com</a>. </div>
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-67327337860951791702020-01-20T15:59:00.001-06:002020-01-20T15:59:36.031-06:00Older Inefficient Wood Stoves Should be Replaced<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
From Burn Wise by the EPA:<br />
<br />
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates there are more than 17.5 million fireplaces, 241,000 hydronic heaters, and 10.1 million wood stoves nationwide. The EPA estimates that 65 percent (6.5 million) of the nation’s wood stoves are older, inefficient devices.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxuyleVG0vZHjxAVzwaJzfX_vOsI6-7eaIDKMLY9Od7eJJcxXC7kf1Pq4M6PuafcCNuAnMQhADCsnzZlceWeHFO9L23HiqjCPu5Drj4ls11-aaz26DVZ5pgxnW8HwqjkC_Pd5o5EMj54/s1600/sick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxuyleVG0vZHjxAVzwaJzfX_vOsI6-7eaIDKMLY9Od7eJJcxXC7kf1Pq4M6PuafcCNuAnMQhADCsnzZlceWeHFO9L23HiqjCPu5Drj4ls11-aaz26DVZ5pgxnW8HwqjkC_Pd5o5EMj54/s320/sick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Smoke from wood-burning stoves and fireplaces contain a mixture of harmful gases and small particles. Breathing these small particles can cause asthma attacks and severe bronchitis,<br />
aggravate heart and lung disease, and may increase the likelihood of respiratory illnesses. Particle pollution exposure can lead to a variety of health effects. For example, numerous studies link<br />
particle levels to increased hospital admissions and emergency room visits—and even to early death. Research indicates that obesity or diabetes may increase risk. New or expectant mothers<br />
may also want to take precautions to protect the health of their babies because some studies indicate they may be at increased risk.<br />
Some studies also suggest that long-term PM 2.5 exposures may be linked to cancer and to harmful developmental and reproductive effects, such as infant mortality and low birth weight.<br />
<br />
Changing out one old dirty, inefficient wood stove is equivalent to the PM2.5 pollution reduction of taking five old diesel trucks off the road.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_siU9vFsNC_s-D8qnA6_HK2nEBezMq3v-BGkFiTedhA2tMEZRllpX_bls986WggLAOAKZSsMJoXIFCQAHFmS6AkGQzxaWI1ecjax6oj7z8U7y-CilAcx_p8Ur7mpvcSQONZHDlaaLoSA/s1600/HI300-A-610x340+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1366" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_siU9vFsNC_s-D8qnA6_HK2nEBezMq3v-BGkFiTedhA2tMEZRllpX_bls986WggLAOAKZSsMJoXIFCQAHFmS6AkGQzxaWI1ecjax6oj7z8U7y-CilAcx_p8Ur7mpvcSQONZHDlaaLoSA/s400/HI300-A-610x340+%2528Medium%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New 75% efficient insert by Regency</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Benefits of replacing an old wood stove with an EPA-certified stove:</b><br />
saves money, fuel, time, and resources.<br />
up to 50 percent more energy efficient.<br />
uses 1/3 less wood for the same heat.<br />
cuts creosote build-up in chimneys that helps reduce the risk of fire.<br /><br />
After start-up, a properly installed, correctly used EPA-certified wood stove should be smoke-free. If you see or smell smoke that means you may have a problem.<br /><br />
To help reduce smoke, make sure to burn dry wood that has been split, stacked, covered, and stored for at least 6 months. Never burn garbage, plastics, or pressure-treated wood.<br /><br />
Research estimates 70 percent of smoke from chimneys can actually reenter your home and your neighbor’s home. (Pierson et al 1989)<br /><br />
Consider using a HEPA filter in the same room as your stove or fireplace. A study from the University of British Columbia indicates that HEPA filters can reduce indoor particle pollution by 60 percent.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9072928385980973222.post-89048129315999726242020-01-20T15:51:00.001-06:002020-01-22T15:38:04.654-06:00Avoidable Chimney Fires Account for Loss of Life and Property<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSwagiMFA5WZPVpYHdSZxwrB9_UiJMCqLouRxL6id6GSJrhut4LcKed_rq0kRPMujhm_A5NIBC2B_IhWawgQaSfq16HXyKGtUGcKzcUHB5kFN42VIdJ0P5wjZZLvYbDY0usB8CR_Upb4/s1600/CScottDorrett+Fotolia.com+%2528Small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="722" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSwagiMFA5WZPVpYHdSZxwrB9_UiJMCqLouRxL6id6GSJrhut4LcKed_rq0kRPMujhm_A5NIBC2B_IhWawgQaSfq16HXyKGtUGcKzcUHB5kFN42VIdJ0P5wjZZLvYbDY0usB8CR_Upb4/s400/CScottDorrett+Fotolia.com+%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a>Chimney fires account for over 50,000 home structure fires annually.<br />
<br />
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that in 2011, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 53,600 reported U.S. home structure fires, with associated losses of 400 civilian deaths, 1,520 civilian injuries, and $893 million in direct property damage. These fires accounted for 14 percent of all reported home fires.<br />
<br />
In 2013, one home structure fire was reported every 85 seconds. (NFPA)<br />
<br />
Note that these statistics are for structural fires only, and do not include chimney fires that are contained to the chimney. The cost for damages to chimneys is unknown but estimated to be high.<br />
<br />
The leading factor contributing to home heating fires was a failure to clean creosote from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys. (NFPA) All chimney fires can be prevented by having regular sweeping and maintenance performed by a professional chimney sweep, who will remove flammable creosote and inspect the chimney. The <a href="http://www.nfpa.org/">NFPA </a>suggests annual inspection and sweeping as necessary for open wood-burning fireplaces, and bi-annual sweeping for wood stoves and wood-burning fireplace inserts.<br />
<br />
The United States Fire Administration estimates that wood stoves cause over 4,000 residential fires every year.<br />
<br />
Confined fires, those fires confined to chimneys, flues or flue burners, accounted for 87 percent of residential building heating fires. (USFA)<br />
<br />
Thirty percent of the non-confined residential building heating fires occurred because the heat source was too close to combustibles. (USFA)<br />
<br />
According to the <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/">U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission</a>, more than 150 people die on average per year from carbon monoxide poisoning, related to the use of combustion appliances, including wood stoves, in the home.<br />
<br />
_________________________<br />
Marge Padgitt is a veteran chimney technician and owner of <a href="http://www.chimkc.com/">HearthMasters, Inc</a>. in Kansas City, Missouri. Contact her at www.chimkc.com.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">See the entire blog at www.wood-firedheatingandcooking.blogspot.com </div>Marge Padgitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17647210965207710968noreply@blogger.com0