In some neighborhoods, the smell of wood smoke accompanies the arrival of cool weather. Whether it is considered romantic or a nuisance depends upon one’s point of view, but seeing or smelling smoke means that there is a problem.
A properly installed, correctly used wood-burning appliance should be smoke free, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Following EPA’s Burn Wise tips will reduce smoke inside and outside the home and also reduce the chance of a house fire.
• Season wood for at least six month before burning. Wood burns best when the moisture content is less than 20 percent. Meters are available to test moisture in wood before burning it.
• Start fires with newspaper and dry kindling. Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter or a propane torch.
• Burn hot fires, rather than slow smoldering ones, which are neither safe nor efficient.
• To maintain proper airflow, regularly remove ashes into a metal container with a cover and store outdoors.
• Never burn garbage, cardboard, plastics, foam, the colored ink on magazines, boxes and wrappers, wood that is coated, painted or pressure treated, plywood, particle board or any wood with glue on it. They all release toxic chemicals when burned.
• Do not use logs made from wax and sawdust in the wood stove or fireplace insert. They are made for open hearth fireplaces. If you use manufactured logs, choose those made from 100 percent compressed sawdust.
Nearly 7 percent of home fires are caused by creosote buildup in the chimney, the EPA estimates, recommending professional cleaning every year.
The agency also recommends smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, even if wood is burned only occasionally. When wood does not burn completely, the resulting smoke contains a number of chemicals, one of which is carbon monoxide, a potentially deadly colorless and odorless gas. A digital detector displays the concentration of CO parts per million (ppm) and makes a warning sound that gets louder as the concentration increases.
Newer wood burning appliances burn less wood and burn cleaner, producing less smoke. A federal tax credit of 30 percent (up to $1,500) is available for the purchase of any wood- or pellet-burning stove that meets the 75 percent efficiency rating. Professional installation costs may also be included.
The EPA recommends professional installation, with particular attention to the chimney or venting system, including:
• Proper sizing, especially avoiding oversized flues
• Proper height (often taller than minimum code requirements)
• Proper location (interior of the house when possible) or protection from extreme cold
• Proper configuration (avoiding excessive horizontal runs and system turns in direction).
Pratt, Kan. —
