As a source of warmth or as a decorative way to celebrate the winter weather, wood burning stoves are often a cost-effective way to lower electricity bills. However, these beautiful sources of heat do require proper use and awareness of potential safety problems. A plume of thick smoke from a clogged stove or a wayward spark can create an out-of-control fire in minutes if a homeowner isn’t careful.
Minimize Creosote Buildup
Sales of wood-burning stoves have been skyrocketing, according to retailers, but many families have been using their stoves for heat for many years. Over time, contaminants can build up impeding proper operation of the stove. Maintaining the wood-burning stove may require a professional’s tools, but keeping the stove area clean on a regular basis should minimize buildup of contaminants during the winter season.
Additionally, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends that safe operation may be enhanced through the use of a thermometer that can measure the temperature in the stovepipe to make sure that residue from burned wood isn’t causing dangerous fluctuations in temperature. Ensuring that a wood-burning stove always has enough oxygen should reduce the speed of creosote buildup.
Create a Safe Environment
Knowing how to operate the wood-burning stove safely isn’t the only responsibility of a homeowner. It’s also important to create a clear, safe space for the stove to operate. Today’s homes may be outfitted with fire-resistant carpet.
In addition, the stove should be operated well away from flammable items like curtains and furniture. It may be tempting to set a couch right next to the wood-burning stove to enjoy the heat, but a wayward spark could cause problems with fire.
Remember Proper Disposal
Homeowners using a wood-burning stove should also practice safe disposal of ashes to avoid possible fire danger. Recently spent ashes can ignite even if they don’t seem hot, so ashes should never be dumped in a trashcan.
Always place ashes from the stove in a non-combustible container. These containers are usually made of metal and require a tightly fitting cover. The ashes should always be stored outside and should never be dumped before they are cold. Sometimes total cooling may take several days.
Ensure Protection with Smoke Detectors
It is even more important to have properly functioning smoke detectors in homes using wood burning stoves. Safe Kids Worldwide suggests that the batteries in smoke detectors be checked at least twice a year whenever daylight savings time rolls around. However, checking the entire home security system on a monthly basis is preferable. Even advanced security systems sometimes have a glitch that isn’t obvious until the smoke detector fails to engage.
The piercing sound of a smoke detector isn’t something anyone wants to hear, but when this device works it can be a lifesaver. Security companies can install detectors on all floors of a home as well as connect them to the home security system to alert local fire departments about a fire.
Tip: Don’t hang the smoke detector right over the stove. If the stove isn’t yet installed, let your security provider know where the machine will sit before they install a smoke detector that is too close.
No one wants to experience smoke inhalation, property damage, or loss of life during the winter season. Make sure that wood-burning stoves are only operated by adults who understand how these potentially volatile machines work.
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