What to Look For in Wood burner clearance sale
If you are searching for a clearance sale on wood burners, take into consideration the efficiency of the appliance. The overall effectiveness of a wood stove determines the amount of heat that is absorbed by your home, instead of going up the chimney. This directly relates to how much you spend on wood and how often you use your wood burner. EPA certified stoves are required to show combustion and overall heating efficiencies. Find a wood stove with an EPA listed overall efficiency of 70% or more to ensure that you're getting the most for your buck. Higher efficiencies mean less waste and a greater savings on fuel. They also mean less time spent chopping and stacking wood, as well as fewer trips to the wood pile during winter snowstorms. This means you'll be able to spend more time with your loved ones around a warm fire.
Safety
Most wood stoves available today have been tested for safety. Stoves that aren't tested include used stoves or antique stoves as well as stoves built in small, informal welding shops. Most insurance companies will refuse to issue policies covering homes with stoves that aren't certified.
A stove that has been certified will be marked with an indicator that indicates the minimum distance between the stove and combustibles, such as walls and furniture. This information is also contained in the manufacturer's installation instructions. The test conducted by the manufacturer will indicate if the stove meets the requirements for fire resistance.
Even with proper clearances, a wood burning tool can still be dangerous. Do not leave children alone in a room that has the presence of a wood stove. They can be surprisingly hot and can cause burns to skin and clothing in seconds. Also, be sure to disconnect the device when you're not using it.
Safety from fire doesn't only concern construction materials. It also includes anything that is kept near a stove such as rags and cleaning products. It is essential to keep blankets, curtains, throws, rugs, and other fabrics out of the stove's clean space, too.
With the use of shielding, you can reduce the clearances mentioned above. However, it is important to review the manufacturer's recommended clearances and always err on the safer side. If you are unsure about the safety of a certain shielding material, talk to your local building control officer or inspector to make sure it is in compliance with current fire safety regulations. Installing smoke and carbon dioxide detectors around the stove is also an option.