What to Look For in a Wood Burner Clearance Sale
Efficiency
When looking for a sale on wood burners, take into consideration the efficiency of the appliance. The overall efficiency of a wood burner measures the amount of heat that is transferred to your home rather than up the chimney. This directly relates to how much you spend on wood for fire and how often you use your wood burner. EPA certified stoves must demonstrate the ability to burn and heat efficiently. Choose a wood burner with an EPA listed overall efficiency of 70% or greater to ensure that you're getting the most bang for your money. More efficient means less waste, and you'll save money on fuel. This means less time cutting and stacking wood, and fewer trips to the wood pile in winter snow storms. This means more time to enjoy cozy nights by the fire.
Safety
The majority of wood stoves that are sold today have been safety tested. Stoves that have not been tested include those purchased used or antique stoves, as well as stoves built in informal welding workshops. The majority of insurance companies will not to issue policies covering homes that have stoves that are not certified.
A stove that is certified will bear an indication of the minimum distance between the stove and combustible objects such as furniture and walls. The instructions provided by the manufacturer for installation will include this information. The test performed by the manufacturer will indicate if the stove meets the standards for fire resistance.
Even with the correct clearances the wood-burning tools could be hazardous. Children must be kept away from the tools and never left alone in a room where a wood burner is being used. They can be surprisingly hot and could burn skin and clothing in just a few seconds. Be sure to unplug the tool when you aren't making use of it.
Safety in the kitchen isn't just about construction materials. wood burning fireplace includes cleaning products and rags stored near a stove. It's important to keep blankets, curtains rug, throws, throws and other materials out of the stove's clean space, too.
By using shielding, you can lower the clearances mentioned above. However, you should always check the recommended clearances of the manufacturer and always err on the safer side. Speak to your local building inspector or police officer if you're unsure if a shielding material is appropriate. They'll be able to confirm that it is in compliance with current standards for fire safety. It's also a good idea to install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors around your stove.