Trending
When snowflakes begin to float down from the cold winter sky, tendrils of woodsmoke lazily unfurl upward from crackling wood stoves. For many in Michigan, heating with wood is a way of life.
If you're lighting a wood stove for the winter season, take 15 minutes to do an annual checkup using tips provided by the DNR and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. While you're at it, also test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Placement
Check to see that there is adequate space between the stove and nearby furniture and walls. The stove should not touch or overheat anything around it. A protective, fireproof hearth pad should be installed underneath the stove to protect the floor and catch hot embers that could spill out.
Glass
If your stove has a glass window, it can tell you a lot about the stove's condition. Glass that dirties quickly is a sign of poor combustion. The two main causes are a stove that is not getting enough air or wood that is too wet. Water content in wood, which can be measured with a moisture meter, should be under 20% before burning.
Also check for cracked glass and have it replaced to avoid leaking smoke into the home.
Firebox
Most stoves are lined with firebrick. A cracked firebrick lining is okay, but if some is missing or crumbling, it should be replaced. Besides assessing the lining, look at gaskets around the door of the stove to ensure a tight fit.
Regularly clean ashes from the stove using metal tools and a metal bucket that won't melt, and keep ashes away from combustible materials until cold enough for disposal.
Stovepipe and chimney
Black drips or buildup on the stovepipe leading out of the home are a red flag. They can indicate dangerous creosote buildup or that the pipe was installed upside-down.
After reviewing the stovepipe, go outside and look at the chimney. It should be covered from the elements and be free of creosote buildup. Creosote on the exterior can indicate flue problems.
Certification
A metal label located on the back of the stove shows whether it complies with current EPA standards - view the EPA Certified Wood Heater database to see if it's time for an upgrade. Newer stoves can be more efficient than older models, saving fuel and burning cleaner.