Older Inefficient Wood Stoves Should be Replaced

From Burn Wise by the EPA:

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.

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,
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
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
may also want to take precautions to protect the health of their babies because some studies indicate they may be at increased risk.
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.

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.

New 75% efficient insert by Regency

Benefits of replacing an old wood stove with an EPA-certified stove:
 saves money, fuel, time, and resources.
 up to 50 percent more energy efficient.
 uses 1/3 less wood for the same heat.
 cuts creosote build-up in chimneys that helps reduce the risk of fire.

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.

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.

Research estimates 70 percent of smoke from chimneys can actually reenter your home and your neighbor’s home. (Pierson et al 1989)

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.

Avoidable Chimney Fires Account for Loss of Life and Property

Chimney fires account for over 50,000 home structure fires annually.

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.

In 2013, one home structure fire was reported every 85 seconds. (NFPA)

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.

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 NFPA suggests annual inspection and sweeping as necessary for open wood-burning fireplaces, and bi-annual sweeping for wood stoves and wood-burning fireplace inserts.

The United States Fire Administration estimates that wood stoves cause over 4,000 residential fires every year.

Confined fires, those fires confined to chimneys, flues or flue burners, accounted for 87 percent of residential building heating fires. (USFA)

Thirty percent of the non-confined residential building heating fires occurred because the heat source was too close to combustibles. (USFA)

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 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.

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Marge Padgitt is a veteran chimney technician and owner of HearthMasters, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. Contact her at www.chimkc.com.

Beware of Contractor Referral Services2

There are a number of contractor referral services available now via the internet, but they may not be all they are cracked up to be. From a contractor's point of view, we see things differently than the consumer and may be able to offer some helpful advice.

When a homeowner is looking for a service contractor through a service such as HomeAdvisor, Yelp, Angie's List, or even Amazon (yes, Amazon has a contractor network now), they assume that the company has been vetted and is someone that will do a job right. While these services do require certain information and go as far as doing a background check in some cases, there is one critical element that they ignore.

Contractor Licensing is not always a state-wide license. In some states like Missouri and Kansas, this is handled at the city or county level. So while many consumers may 

Cut utility bills by using wood-heating appliances

A good way to cut utility bills during cold weather is to use a wood-fired heating appliance such as a masonry heater, wood-burning stove, or wood-burning fireplace insert. 

Today’s modern wood-burning heating appliances are very efficient and clean-burning, unlike their older predecessors. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates wood stove emissions and has strict requirements that stove manufacturers must follow. This is why replacing an older, dirty-burning wood stove is good not only for the environment but good for the pocketbook because less wood is needed to produce the same amount of heat as older stoves.

Fuel costs can be significantly less than oil, gas, or electric heating appliances, especially if there is a nearby supply of inexpensive cordwood. For homeowners with their own land and trees, the concept of no cost for fuel other than physical exertion is very attractive. For those wanting to live off-grid, have an emergency heating alternative, or just lower fuel costs, the addition of a wood-burning appliance is a good solution.

A soapstone heater by Tulikivi

Masonry heaters are arguably the best type of wood-burning  

appliance. They use old-world technology consisting of a large mass of masonry and a series of channels installed inside the appliance that trap heat, then transfer the heat slowly through the masonry. Masonry heaters are large and need to be centrally located for maximum benefit. The Masonry Heater Association of North America recommends that a Certified Heater Mason construct a masonry heater since he/she has taken specialized training on this unique appliance.  There are also pre-made kits available through such companies as Tulikivi, but these need to be built by trained experts. The MHA has more information on these efficient site-built appliances on their website at www.mha-net.org.

Fireplace insert by Regency

Fireplace inserts are appliances that are installed inside an existing masonry fireplace. They use a small stainless steel flue liner and can be used either with or without a blower. By installing a new EPA approved efficient wood-burning fireplace insert the fireplace efficiency will be increased by approximately 75%.

Freestanding wood-burning stoves are also very efficient and clean–burning. They work by emitting radiant and convective heat and are best situated in a central location in the home. A stove can be installed in any room with the proper floor and wall protection. A wood stove installed in a basement can provide needed warmth in a cold area, and since heat rises - the floors above will be heated as well.

Freestanding stove by Hearthstone

As far as chimneys go, a Class A stainless steel chimney can be used to vent gasses, or an existing masonry chimney may be used with a stainless steel liner installed.  A professional installer will know which type of flue liner or chimney to use with a particular appliance.

The Midwest Chimney Safety Council suggests hiring a professional to do any type of wood-fueled appliance installation. In some areas, it is a code requirement to have a licensed professional install a wood-burning appliance.  The National Fireplace Institute has a list of NFI Certified wood-burning specialists on their website, and the Chimney Safety Institute of America has a searchable database of CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps.                                                                                                                     

For more information on fuel cost calculators visit http://www.epa.gov/burnwise/woodstoves.html     

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Marge Padgitt is a chimney industry veteran, author, and publisher living in Kansas City, Missouri. Visit her website at www.chimkc.com or contact her at hearthmastersboss@gmail.com

Keep wood stoves in good working order for the winter season

Wood-burning insert by Regency
(available at www.chimkc.com)

Wood stoves and inserts can be a great way to heat a home during winter months but problems can develop if they are not properly maintained on a regular basis. Unlike gas, electric, or oil heating appliances, wood stoves need attention more often than once per year in order to function properly.

Wood burning stoves and fireplace inserts are designed to keep most of the heat inside the home, rather than allowing heat to escape up the flue as a regular open fireplace does. However, not all wood-burning appliances are the same. Older models are much less efficient and produce more emissions that pollute the environment. The basic difference between newer and older models is the baffle system and secondary burn chamber, which in new models burn more of the flammable gasses. According to the Hearth, Patio, and Barbeque Association, pre-EPA approved stoves should be changed out to newer EPA approved and U.L. listed stoves for better efficiency and cleaner burning, which is better for the environment.

Woodstove owners should first learn how to properly operate the appliance by reading the manual or asking their chimney sweep. By loading the proper amount of cordwood and adjusting the combustion air inlet to achieve a hot-burning fire, the stove will operate according to expectations. Hot fires are more efficient. Next, the chimney flue and pipe connector need to be clear of debris which may include bird nests, leaves, twigs, or creosote in order for the stove to draft properly. The stove connector and flue should be cleaned out at least twice during the burning season because accumulated creosote on the flue walls reduces draft.

Flue liner with burnt creosote that has
been on fire

Expanded or burnt creosote which occurs during a chimney fire can completely block off a flue and cause smoke to back up into the home. If this occurs suddenly the stove operator should shut down the air intake and get out of the house, then call the fire department even if flames are not visible on the exterior chimney.  Regular maintenance by a professional chimney sweep will reduce the risk of a chimney fire. According to the Midwest Chimney Safety Council, all types of wood create creosote, so there is no way to avoid it, however, creosote reduction is possible by the use of a chemical such as Ant-Creo-Soot before each burn cycle, and proper operation of the stove.

For more information visit www.chimkc.com.

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Marge Padgitt is a chimney industry veteran and writer living in Kansas City, Missouri. Contact her at hearthmastersboss@gmail.com or through www.chimkc.com.