D
      id you know that by changing
the way you burn wood you can
save money, reduce air pollution
and protect your health?


Here are a few simple tips to make
your fire burn hotter, keep your
wallet fatter and keep your local
air cleaner and healthier.


 '  Season all firewood. All firewood should be
taf split, securely covered or stored, and aged
for at least six months. Seasoned wood burns
hotter, cuts fuel consumption and reduces the
amount of smoke your appliance produces.

 /  Choose the right firewood. Hardwoods are
tof the best.  Never burn trash or treated wood
which can emit toxic air pollutants.

 '  Start it right.  Use only clean newspaper
for or dry kindling to start a fire. Never use
gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter, or a
propane torch.
 /  Clean ashes from your wood-burning
t«,x appliance.  Excess ashes can clog the air
intake vents reducing efficiency. Be sure to
dispose of ashes in a metal container away
from the house or any flammable material to
reduce the risk of fire.

 /  Keep your chimney clean to provide good
fa* draft for your wood-burning appliance
and to reduce risk of a chimney fire. Have a
certified chimney sweep inspect your chimney
once a year.

 /  Be a good neighbor. Follow best practices
k~t for burning wood and always remember to
comply with state and local codes.
                                               Follow instructions.  Operate your wood-
                                               burning appliance according to the
                                             manufacturer's instructions and follow all
                                             maintenance procedures specified by the
                                             manufacturer.

                                             / Upgrade to cleaner equipment.  EPA-
                                             faf certified and qualified wood stoves,
                                             fireplaces, and wood boilers burn cleaner and
                                             burn wood more efficiently emitting less particle
                                             pollution than older epuipment.
 '  Don't let the fire smolder. Many people think
O they should let a fire smolder overnight. But
reducing the air supply does little for heating
and can increase air pollution.
                                               Size matters.  Choose the right sized
                                               applicance for your needs. If your wood-
                                             burning appliance is too big for your room or
                                             house, the fuel will smolder at low loads and
                                             create more air pollution.
   **"**
          For more information about burning cleaner, go to www.epa.gov/burnwise

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