THE HEALTHY WOOD STOVE
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"HOW TO......."
Fact Sheet

FHow To Properly Season Wood: Properly seasoned wood will not only reduce wood smoke emissions, it will also reduce your wood consumption by 25%. The following are a few tips on how to properly season wood and how to get a more efficient burn.

1. Choosing your wood: The best types of wood to burn are hardwoods - maple, beech, ash and yellow birch. Proper seasoning of wood is essential for an efficient burn.

2. Seasoning your wood: Your wood should be split and placed in a crisscross formation on a raised platform. This pattern will ensure an even flow of air for the drying process of the wood. Cover the wood loosely and be sure to wait at least six months before use.

FHow To Start A Fire: Using a proper method to start your fire will also reduce wood stove emissions. Follow the four basic steps below:

1. The ashes from the previous fire should be cleaned out to allow air flow through the grate for the next fire. Put crumpled newspaper in the stove and do not use coloured or glossy paper. Add 5-10 small pieces of dry kindling wood on top and behind the paper. Open the air supply vent wide.

2. Light the paper in several places near the air inlet. Be sure not to leave the stove unattended during this time (15-20 min.).

3. When the flames from the kindling start to subside, add your firewood (about 3 small pieces) in a crisscross fashion, but do not smother the existing fire.

4. You can now adjust the vent and gradually increase the size of your fire as the coals build up.

FHow To Properly Maintain A Fire: The key to maintaining a proper wood fire is controlling the air supply. The first 10-15 minutes requires the most air to complete the combustion phase. Be sure to add at least three pieces of wood at a time to form a shelter to sustain the fire, and pack the wood loosely to ensure burning evenly throughout. The addition of the larger pieces of wood in combination with sufficient air will burn slowly without smoke and ensure proper burning.

FDo’s and Don’ts Of Wood Burning:

DO

üburn only dry seasoned wood in your stove

ükeep your fire burning brightly

ücheck that there are no visible smoke emissions

DON’T

ûburn wet, green or pressure-treated wood

ûburn household garbage

ûburn plastic, cardboard, coal or wet wood