Tempo:
SUSTAINABLE HOUSING INSIGHT Wood-burning appliances can provide effective and affordable home heating with a renewable energy resource. It is important to select appropriate appliances, fittings and accessories that function safely, cleanly and efficiently.
Healthy Indoor Environment
Only use chimneys or flues that have been certified for use with the appliance. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and have the completed installation inspected by the local building inspector prior to closing it in. Wood burning results in the generation of gases that are harmful to health. Backdrafting is prevented by not using spillage-susceptible, fuel-fired appliances (those that do not have sealed combustion) or by providing active make-up air to balance exhaust air flows. Burning wood releases particulates to the outdoor environment, which may be a health concern to people in the vicinity.
For wood-burning fireplaces, use wood from sustainably operated wood lots. Wood pellets are a fuel source made from waste wood and are a good environmental choice. Some pellet stoves have feed systems that control the feed rate and heat.
Environmental Responsibility
Store firewood outside to prevent moisture release inside the house.
Locate the appliance in an area of the house where its immediate heating output is needed. Rooms where occupants spend a great deal of time, such as family rooms or living rooms, will benefit most from a wood stove or fireplace. Appliances with glass doors provide a view of the fire and improve heating efficiency.
Use high-efficiency condensing-type space- and water-heating appliances, which may be side-wall vented or vented through the roof. High-efficiency heating equipment does not lose as much heat up the flue as lower efficiency equipment.
Resource Efficiency
Burn dry wood to avoid creosote build-up that can cause chimney fires.
Energy Efficiency
Distribute the heat to other parts of the home using a forced-air heating system or a ventilation system with a recirculating mode of operation.
When selecting a wood-burning appliance, make sure that the one you have selected has an Underwriters’ Laboratory certification and is EPA- or CSA-B415.1-certified to ensure it is clean-burning, safe and efficient.
Affordability
For people willing to do the extra work involved in storing and moving wood fuel, wood heating can be economical compared with other heating fuels. A backup system is recommended to maintain minimum temperatures for times when the house is not occupied.
Healthy Indoor Environment
Only use chimneys or flues that have been certified for use with the appliance. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and have the completed installation inspected by the local building inspector prior to closing it in. Wood burning results in the generation of gases that are harmful to health. Backdrafting is prevented by not using spillage-susceptible, fuel-fired appliances (those that do not have sealed combustion) or by providing active make-up air to balance exhaust air flows. Burning wood releases particulates to the outdoor environment, which may be a health concern to people in the vicinity.
For wood-burning fireplaces, use wood from sustainably operated wood lots. Wood pellets are a fuel source made from waste wood and are a good environmental choice. Some pellet stoves have feed systems that control the feed rate and heat.
Environmental Responsibility
Store firewood outside to prevent moisture release inside the house.
Locate the appliance in an area of the house where its immediate heating output is needed. Rooms where occupants spend a great deal of time, such as family rooms or living rooms, will benefit most from a wood stove or fireplace. Appliances with glass doors provide a view of the fire and improve heating efficiency.
Use high-efficiency condensing-type space- and water-heating appliances, which may be side-wall vented or vented through the roof. High-efficiency heating equipment does not lose as much heat up the flue as lower efficiency equipment.
Resource Efficiency
Burn dry wood to avoid creosote build-up that can cause chimney fires.
Energy Efficiency
Distribute the heat to other parts of the home using a forced-air heating system or a ventilation system with a recirculating mode of operation.
When selecting a wood-burning appliance, make sure that the one you have selected has an Underwriters’ Laboratory certification and is EPA- or CSA-B415.1-certified to ensure it is clean-burning, safe and efficient.
Affordability
For people willing to do the extra work involved in storing and moving wood fuel, wood heating can be economical compared with other heating fuels. A backup system is recommended to maintain minimum temperatures for times when the house is not occupied.
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