FPollution is
measured in "grams per hour" which represents the particles in the smoke that
are released up the chimney. One gram is approximately the amount of smoke released from
the entire burn of a cigarette. Whereas older uncertified wood stoves release from 40 to
80 grams per hour of smoke, the new EPA certified stoves produce only 2 to 5 grams of
smoke per hour.
FSome of the major
wood smoke pollutants are carbon monoxide, particulate matter, formaldehyde, nitrogen
dioxide, polycyclic organic matter and hydrocarbons. Many of these harmful pollutants can
be reduced simply by practicing the following basic rules when using a wood stove:
üensuring the stove
is the proper size for its location and use;
üensuring the wood
stove is properly installed and professionally inspected;
üavoid smouldering
fires by using proper burning techniques;
üusing only
seasoned firewood, and making homes more energy-efficient.
FHarmful emissions
can also be avoided by not burning any of the following materials: wet wood, green wood,
pressure-treated wood, painted wood, particle board, plywood, salt water driftwood,
household rubbish, plastic, coloured or glossy paper, cardboard and coal.
FIf you see smoke
coming from your chimney, it means air pollution. The darker the smoke, the more
pollutants it contains. A proper wood stove fire should only give off a small amount of
white steam. Wood smoke is fuel from an incomplete burn that becomes air pollution. As
wood burns and decomposes it vaporizes into smoke - a cloud of combustible gases and tar
droplets. Smoke is energy going to waste and pollution being emitted into the air.
FWood smoke not only
pollutes the outdoor air quality, it also pollutes the indoor air quality of our homes and
our neighbors’ homes. The pollution particles are small enough that they easily enter
homes without notice, even if windows are closed.
F EPA certified wood
stoves burn cleaner with less pollution. Particulate matter (smoke or soot) is reduced by
up to 90% and carbon monoxide by up to 60%.
FPellet stoves are
one of the best ways to heat your home and reduce wood smoke emissions. They burn with
particulates as low as .02 grams per hour.
FThe pellets for the
pellet stove are compressed from dried wood by-products such as sawdust. You simply add
them to the stove hopper and set the burn rate to a chosen comfort level. The
electronically powered pellet stove auger will continually feed the fire for you.
