Burn Wisely the Fireplace Inserts Wood
Have you heard about the Burn Wise program of the EPA? This program for the Environmenal Protection Agency is designed to help you find out how to burn wood in a safe, efficient way that helps reduce the amount of pollution we put into our atmosphere. For centuries, of course, people burned fires without a concern about what it might be doing to the air around them, but as cities grew more populated and chimneys more abundant, and buildings became increasingly sooty and the air fouled with smoke, the need for some form of control became apparent. Before the Internet, in the early 80s, I remember cities limiting the number of homes that could have a fire in a fire place. Today, we also have suggestions via the Burn Wise program to keep our fireplaces but also to help the environment.
There’s a number of suggestions available: To season your fire wood, which means cutting it, covering it, and storing it for at least six months, so that it’ll burn hotter and dryer. To start the fire with newspaper or kindling, but not other fuels, such as gasoline or propane. Make sure to keep the chimney and the vents of any wood burning appliance clean. To follow the state and local codes regarding fire places and to make sure you’re following the instructions of any of the appliances. Note that on EPA-Certified fireplace inserts wood burns much more efficiently than the older models. Make sure you upgrade!
In addition to helpful suggestions like these, you’ll also find posters and videos and information on agencies and partnerships, designed both for the consumer and for state and local agencies. The state can examine ways in which to make air quality better using education and changeout programs. Sections on partnerships talks to manufacturers about developing cleaner burning appliances. All in all, if you have a fire place or inserts, it’s a site well worth exploring.
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