The Do's & The Don'ts of Heating Safety...
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Many homeowners are now reverting or have already reverted back to the days when a roaring fire was the mainstay of a night at home. Remember when you were a child, sitting in front of the fire on mom or dad's knee, while he/she read you a bedtime story? Well, now is the time to take up this old legacy with your own children and introduce them to the beauty and warmth a fire can give.
With the high cost of other heating alternatives doesn't it make sense to be using wood as a source of your home heating needs. As a main source or a supplementary source when wood heat is used properly and safely it can provide an inexpensive heat source on it's own. Whether you have a woodstove, fireplace, insert or a combination furnace; a family heirloom or a new EPA unit, the proper installation and regular care and maintenance is essential to a safe and happy relationship with your equipment and chimney.
The following is a brief list of DO'S and DON'TS of wood heat;
Do's
1/ Do only buy units that are tested and certified for wood burning. Look for the CSA, Warnock Hersey or ULC stamps on the units PERMANENT rating plate. Usually located on the rear of the unit.
2/ Do hire only an experienced installer, not only for your heating unit but also for your flue pipe and chimney construction and installation. Look for a W.E.T.T. Certified Chimney Technician*
3/ If you are a do it yourselfer, do make sure that the manufacturers instructions are followed to the letter, with no deviations. Follow ALL recommended clearances and the installation code CSA-B365 for Solid Fuel Burning Appliances.
4/ Do make sure to inform your insurance company that you are planning the installation of a wood heating unit. Your policy will have to be updated to include this unit in case of fire or chimney fire.
5/ Do only burn well seasoned, dry wood or prepared logs that are 100% wood with no binders or wax fillers or chemical additives. Unseasoned wood will cause more soot and creosote to form in your flue due to the high moisture content.
6/ Do have your unit serviced regularly. Normally you should sweep the chimney flue every spring, at the end of the burning season. If you are a frequent burner, your unit should be swept after EVERY BUSH CORD of wood. Many professional sweeping companies will discount your charge for frequent sweeps.
Don'ts
1/ Don't keep any flammable materials in the vicinity of your woodburner or use your equipment as a garbage incinerator. This includes matches, firestarters, fuel, etc.
2/ Don't take chances with your children's safety. They should be schooled early about fire safety and woodburning. Teach them also how to play safely in the room with the woodburning unit.
Teach them what to do if an ember comes out of the fireplace or stove.
3/ Don't take chances with your safety, regular maintenance is a must with ALL woodburning units. Dangerous build-ups of creosote in the flue pipes and chimney are the leading cause of chimney fire.
4/ Don't forget to check the batteries in your smoke alarm and/or Carbon Monoxide detector when the times changes twice a year. They are your second line of defense after regular chimney and unit maintenance.
5/ Don't be afraid to ask your Chimney Sweeping professional for his/her credentials and qualifications. Make sure you have the unit, any piping and the chimney checked every sweeping. Ask questions while the sweep is there. A quality sweep will investigate your entire system and note any problems that you have and suggest a solution.
Above all PLAY IT SAFE when dealing with your burning system, no matter WHAT fuel you burn. It should be treated with respect and, like your car, requires regular maintenance to operate safely and properly. Whether you are using oil, gas, propane, wood or pellets; all fuels and appliances can be hazardous if misused or wrongly installed.
In closing we, at AIM Chimney Sweep and Hearth, trust that you will enjoy many safe and happy fires in your homes in the future.
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A public service announcement provided by the concerned chimney
professionals at.......
AIM Chimney Sweep & Stove Shop --- 1-800-760-7668 or 705-526-0051
8979 Highway 93, Midland, Ontatio L4R 4K4
Text & Page created by Y. Aube
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Last revision May 2008
