Clean and Efficient Heating Checklist
Burning dry firewood can save money and protect
you and your family's health. A properly installed
and operated wood-burning stove should produce
little smoke.

D Start a small fire with dry kindling then add a
  few pieces of wood.

D Give the fire plenty of air - fully open the air
  controls until the fire is roaring.

D Burn the fire to heat the chimney or flue before
  adding more wood.

D Keep space between the firewood as you add
  more to the fire.

D Checkfor local burn bans and avoid fireplace
  and wood stove use while in effect.

D Avoid burning garbage, treated lumber, or
  saltwater driftwood. Burning these items can
  damage your stove and cause serious health
  issues.

D Have your stove and chimney professionally
  inspected and serviced yearly if possible.

D If available, refer to your owner's manual for
  start-up guidelines.

D A smoldering fire,"dirty"glass doors, or smoke
  from the chimney are all signs
  that the fire needs more air or
  your wood is too moist.
   Properly dried wood
  is lighter, has cracks in
   the grain on the end,
and sounds hollow when
knocked against another
       piece of wood.
   WET
    WOOD   ISA
    WASTE
     Four Easy Steps to
       Dry Firewood
      STEP 1         STEP 2
    SPLIT     STACK
      STEP 3         STEP 4
    COVER    STORE
Burn * Wise
                                                                                               EPA 456/F-10-003

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Wood Smoke
and Your Health

Small particles and pollutants in wood smoke
can trigger asthma attacks. Wood smoke has also
been linked to heart attacks in people with heart
disease.

Even occasional exposure to wood smoke
can cause watery eyes, stuffy noses and chest
tightness. Everyone may experience symptoms,
but children and elders are especially vulnerable.
                                               FOUR EASY SI EPS TO DRY WOOD
                                                i
      STEP1
      SPLIT
                                                 Start with the right sized wood

                                                 Split wood dries much faster

                                                 Split the wood in a range of sizes to fit
                                                 your stove, but no larger than 6 inches in
                                                 diameter

                                                 Split small pieces for kindling
         STEP 2

         STACK

Stack wood to allow air to circulate

Build the stack away from buildings

Keep wood off the ground. Stack it on rails

Stack wood in a single row with the split side
down
                                                          STEPS
                                                        I  COVER
Cover the top of the stack to protect it from
rain or snow

Make sure there is space between the cover
and the stacked wood - don't let the cover
rest directly on top

Keep the sides open so air can circulate
through the stack
                                               STEP 4
                                               STORE
Allow enough time to dry

Softwoods take about 6 months

Hardwoods take about 12 months

Cracked ends on the wood typically means it
is dry enough to burn
             Is your wood dry? Take the moisture meter test.
             Wet wood can create excessive smoke which is wasted fuel. Moisture meters
             that allow you to test the moisture level in wood are available in all sizes and
             can cost as little as $20. Properly dried wood should have a reading of 20% or
             less. Dry wood creates a hotter fire. Hotter fires save wood - ultimately saving
             you time and money.
WET WOOD IS A WASTE
                                                   www.epa.gov/burnwise

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