What to Look For in a Wood Burner Clearance Sale
Efficiency
If you are searching for a clearance sale on wood burners, you should be aware of the efficiency of the appliance. A wood burner's overall efficiency is the amount of heat that is absorbed into your home instead of going up the chimney. This directly affects how much firewood you buy and how often you burn it. EPA certified stoves are required to show combustion and overall heating efficiencies. Look for a wood burner with an EPA listed overall efficiency of 70% or more to make sure you're getting the best bang for your money. Higher efficiency means less waste, and you'll save money on fuel. This means less time cutting and stacking wood as well fewer trips to the wood pile in winter snowstorms. This means more time to enjoy cozy evenings by the fire.
Safety
The majority of wood stoves that are sold today have undergone safety tests. Stoves that haven't been tested include stoves purchased secondhand or antique stoves, as well as stoves built in informal welding shops. The majority of insurance companies do not protect homes with appliances that are not certified.
A stove that has been certified will have an indicator that indicates the minimum distance between the stove and combustibles, such as walls and furniture. The instructions provided by the manufacturer for installation will also contain this information. The manufacturer's test will also indicate if the stove meets the standard for fire resistance.
Even with proper clearances wood burning tools is still a risk. Never leave children alone in a room with wood burning equipment. They can be very hot and may cause burning to your skin and clothing within minutes. Be sure to unplug the tool when you aren't making use of it.
Fire safety isn't just about construction materials. cast iron wood burner covers cleaning products and rags that are stored near a stove. Make sure to keep curtains, blankets, and other items away from the open space of the stove.
The clearances specified above can be reduced by the use of shielding that is appropriate. Always consult the manufacturer to determine the recommended clearances. Speak to your local building inspector or officer in case you're not sure if the material you use for shielding is suitable. They can verify that it is in compliance with current fire safety standards. It's also an excellent idea to install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors around your stove.