What to Look For in a Wood Burner Clearance Sale
Efficiency
When looking for a clearance sale on wood burners, you should be aware of the effectiveness of the appliance. The efficiency of a wood burner is the amount of heat that is absorbed into your home instead of going up the chimney. This directly relates to the amount you pay on wood for fire and how often you use your wood burner. EPA certified stoves are required to display combustion and overall heating efficiencies. To get the most bang for your buck, look for a stove made of wood that has an EPA-listed overall efficiency of at least 70%. Higher efficiencies mean less waste and a greater savings on fuel. This means less time cutting and stacking wood as well as fewer trips to the wood pile in winter snowstorms. This means you can spend more time with your loved ones around a warm fire.
Safety
The majority of wood stoves available today have been safety tested. Stoves that have not been tested include stoves bought secondhand, stoves manufactured in small welding workshops, and antique stoves. Most insurance companies will refuse to offer policies for homes that have stoves that are not certified.
A stove that is certified is marked with an indication of the minimum distance between the stove and combustibles such as furniture and walls. The manufacturer's instructions for installation will include this information. In addition, the manufacturer's test results will show whether the stove is in compliance with the standard for fire resistance.
Even with proper clearances a wood burning tool can still be dangerous. Don't leave children unattended in a space with wood burning equipment. They can be surprisingly hot and could burn clothing and skin in a matter of seconds. Also, make sure to disconnect the device when you're not using it.
Fire safety doesn't just involve construction materials. It also includes everything that is kept near the stove, such as cleaning products and rags. It is essential to keep curtains, blankets, throws, rugs and other fabric away from the stove's clear space as well.
The clearances listed above can be reduced by the use of shielding that is appropriate. However, go here must check the recommended clearances of the manufacturer and be on the side of caution. Talk to your local building inspector or police officer in case you're not sure if a shielding material is appropriate. They can verify that it is in compliance with current standards for fire safety. It's also an excellent idea to install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors around your stove.