What to Look For in a Wood Burner Clearance Sale
Efficiency
When you're looking for the best wood burner clearance sales be sure to consider the efficiency of the appliance. The overall efficiency of a wood stove is the amount of heat that is transferred into your home, rather than up the chimney. This relates directly to the amount you pay on wood for fire and how often you use your wood burner. EPA certified stoves must demonstrate combustion and heating efficiency. To get the most value for your buck, look for a stove made of wood that has an EPA-listed overall efficiency of at least 70%. More efficient means less waste and you'll save money on fuel. They also mean less time spent chopping and stacking wood, as well as less trips to the pile during winter storms. This means you'll be able to spend more time with your family by a warm fire.
Safety
The majority of wood stoves that are sold today have been tested for safety. Stoves not tested include stoves bought secondhand, stoves manufactured in small welding workshops, and antique stoves. Most insurance companies are reluctant to offer policies for homes that have stoves that are not certified.
A stove that has been certified is marked with an indication of the minimum distance between the stove and combustibles, such as furniture and walls. This information is also provided in the installation instructions of the manufacturer. The manufacturer's test will also determine if the stove is in compliance with the standard for fire resistance.
Even with proper clearances a wood burning tool is still a risk. Children must be kept away from the tools and should not be left alone in a room where a wood burner is in use. They can be extremely hot, and can burn clothing and skin in a matter of seconds. Be sure to unplug your tool when not in use.
Safety from fire doesn't only concern building materials, it also includes anything that is kept near the stove, including rags and cleaning products. It's important to keep curtains, blankets, throws, rugs and other fabric away from the stove's clear space, too.
The clearances mentioned above can be reduced by the use of appropriate shielding. You should always consult with the manufacturer to determine the recommended clearances. If wood burning fires are unsure about the appropriateness of a particular shielding material, speak with your local inspector or building control officer to make sure it is in compliance with the current fire safety regulations. Installing freestanding wood burner and smoke detectors around the stove is a good choice.