LEARN ABOUT THE MANY EXCITING ADVANCES IN THE SAFETY & EFFICIENCY OF EPA CERTIFIED WOOD HEATERS THAT BURN SMOKE FOR FUEL

Every day, consumers enter fireplace and stove shops across the nation completely unaware that the EPA has been regulating airtight wood burners since July 1988. Huge changes have happened in the 24 years since EPA regulations went into effect. An EPA Certified wood burner now not only burns wood, but it also burns the smoke for fuel. Heating with wood is now cleaner, safer, much more efficient and far less work than you might imagine!

Smoke is actually homemade gas that is half the fuel in any wood! Homeowners can make this fuel for free anytime they choke down the air after the new batch of wood is fully caught! And… this is a fuel that does not have to cut, stacked, carried in, or even loaded. Best yet, when smoke burns, it leaves no ash behind! The wood now lasts far longer since it just “bakes” while the smoke does the work heating your home, and no smoke is visible coming from the chimney. Smoke burning appliances easily double the heat output and can look like a stove, fireplace insert or a fireplace.

There are 3 main methods for making the smoke burn. The “catalytic” method uses a catalytic converter (like what zaps pollution in cars, but without the disadvantages). The catalyst lowers the normal ignition temperature of 1100º by about half, making it easier to ignite the smoke.

There are also two “non-catalytic” methods which utilize the intense heat in the glowing red bed of coals to catch the smoke on fire. The “air injection” system superheats the incoming air through a series of tunnels to over 1100 degrees, which blasts out in “jets” at the top of the firebox and ignites the smoke. The “down-draft” system uses the draft in the chimney to suck the flame and smoke down through a large opening right above the red hot coals in the back wall of the stove, which ignites the smoke. Each method has unique advantages.

The original EPA regulations that took effect in 1988 purposely made a loophole that exempted all non-air-tight stoves, as well as wood cook stoves and furnaces, (both indoor and outdoor types). However, using a non-air-tight stove is not recommended since it burns like a volcano and is like driving a car with no brakes, seat belts or airbags.

For those who have already written off having a wood stove inside your home due to remembering the mess and smell from a previous older wood stove, it pays to reconsider by investigating all the wonderful advances in today’s clean burning EPA Certified wood stoves.

Benefits of an EPA Certified Wood Burner

• More heat from a lot less wood equals huge savings, especially for those who buy firewood. Much less time, effort and work.
• Much longer “burn times” from each smaller load, so you can sleep soundly through the night and still wake up to a warm house.
• No smoky smell in your home & much less ash to remove, with the better models.
• Much safer – when installed and used properly – an EPA certified wood burner will reduce creosote (the prime cause of chimney fires) by 90% or more. Also saves money since there is less need to hire a chimney sweep.
• The better EPA certified wood burners have a very effective self-cleaning glass system, so you can enjoy a crystal clear view of the fire and enjoy seeing the smoke actually burning.

For “The rest of the story,” or for answers to any questions about installing, operating or maintaining any wood burner, please email Custom Fireplaces & More at fran@customfireplaceandmore.com or call 931-526-8181 or 800-264-8181. We have a background in education, are committed to wood heat and wood heat safety, and we welcome all your questions. We offer local references for people using these smoke burners.