Fireplace and Wood Stove Etiquette Guide
Build a small, HOT fire first to preheat the firebox and chimney...
Burn Only Seasoned Firewood
“Seasoned” firewood contains little moisture and creates less polluting “smoke” when burned. It should be dried for 6 to 12 months minimum. When buying “seasoned” wood look for the following:
Burn a Mixture of Hardwoods and Softwoods
Start your fire with softwood kindling like pine or fir. It ignites easily, burns fast and hot and will heat the firebox and flue quickly. Then burn hardwoods (eucalyptus, almond. apple cherry etc.). Hardwoods are denser and take longer to ignite, but burn slower and more evenly, producing less smoke. They also provide more heat energy than softwood logs the same size.
Light and Refuel your Fire Quickly and Carefully
Smoldering fires cause as much as six times more pollution than hot, clean fires.
Maintain your Fire Properly
Look for a thin stream of white smoke coming from your chimney. IF YOU SEE BILLOWS OF DARK SMOKE, YOU ARE CAUSING UNNECESSARY POLLUTION! Adjust your fire to burn cleaner. Follow stove manufacturer's instructions carefully.
The EPA's Burn Wise program has recently developed three new videos to promote cleaner wood-burning. The videos highlight the health effects related to PM exposure from residential wood smoke.
Wood Smoke and Asthma: Breathe Easier
Wood Smoke and Asthma: Reduce Smoke
Wood Smoke and Asthma: Dry Firewood
Additional Tips:
Burn Safely and Legally
It is illegal and dangerous to burn garbage, plastics, rubber, glossy paper, oil, painted or treated wood, particleboard and plywood. Smoke and fumes from these items can be toxic and dangerous to your health and the health of your neighbors.
The Environmental Protection Agency began certifying all new fireplace inserts and freestanding woodstoves in l 988. These stoves have from 70 to 90% less particulate matter (smoke) than conventional stoves. Look for the EPA Certification when you buy a new fireplace or woodstove.
If you have an old (pre 1987) woodstove or fireplace you need to be especially conscientious about burning clean fires and may even want to consider investing in less polluting ways of heating your home. Some alternatives include:
Burn Less Wood
Weatherizing your house can reduce your heating needs. Install ceiling insulation, caulk around windows, doors, pipes, and other openings in the house. Weatherstrip all door and window openings and consider installing double-paned glass, and/or insulated draperies.
Keep Warm Air in the House
Close the damper tightly when stoves and fireplaces are not in use to keep warm air from escaping. Also, close doors to unused rooms.
Keep your Woodstove or Fireplace Properly Maintained
Regular maintenance of your stove or fireplace will protect you from fire hazards and ensure a clean burning, efficient operation.
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