Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless, and odourless gas that can be very dangerous when inhaled, usually in high concentrations. There are various places where carbon monoxide can exist, one of which is in the operation of the wood stove. When using a wood stove for heating, if the furnace is not maintained correctly, carbon monoxide is continuously emitted, and knowing how to prevent carbon monoxide from wood stoves is critical in protecting your family and your home from the dangerous gas.
What you need to know about the risks of carbon monoxide in wood stove heating.
Whenever wood is incompletely burned due to poor airflow, clogged flues, or outdated equipment, CO levels can increase in a wood stove.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that hundreds of people die annually from CO exposure, and they are even hospitalized.
Sometimes, homes that rely on wood-burning appliances are at risk of CO poisoning because they don’t rely on regular maintenance for those appliances. Some homeowners are unaware that their wood stove can even cause CO poisoning. Early signs of CO poisoning include headache, nausea, and dizziness.
How to prevent Carbon monoxide from the wood stove
Use a competent installer for the certified equipment installation.
Not all persons can be competent in installing a wood stove; ensure that you engage a qualified person’s services and use certified equipment. Modern EPA-certified stoves are designed to burn wood more efficiently, producing less creosote and carbon monoxide. The engineering of the wood stoves allows the wood to burn completely. The certified professional will be able to know the building code and other proper venting practices. Some of the professional practices include understanding the correct clearance from the walls. Knowing the adequate chimney height and with air-tight stove pipe connections.
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Create a routine cleaning of the chimney.
Chimneys are the proper channel for combustible gases to escape from the wood stove to the atmosphere. If there is a blockage in the chimney, dangerous gases will find their way into the home and cause harm. It is advisable to create a schedule for a professional chimney cleaning at least once a year, before the heating season, and also make an inspection schedule for the wood stove to ensure that any potential faults are correctly handled.
Install a chimney cap.
With this arrangement, leaves or other combustible solids will not find their way into the chimney, preventing obstruction. However, these particles can most often interfere with the draft efficiency, increasing the risk of CO.
Ensure there is an adequate supply of air.
Clean combustion needs air support. Wood stoves require oxygen to maintain a clean combustion. Sufficient oxygen is needed for complete combustion; otherwise, there will be CO buildup. The best practice is usually to install an external air intake vent or open a window slightly when burning wood.
Install and maintain CO detectors.
Carbon monoxide detectors will help pick up CO when it builds up. Install the battery-powered or hard-wired CO alarms in strategic locations of your house to help detect CO buildup at any time. Mostly, near the bedrooms, and do not place it near the wood stove area. There are things you need to check from time to time for the smoke detectors, test them monthly, and replace the batteries and detectors every 5 to 7 years according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Use the right fuel.
Not all wood is acceptable for the wood stove. Using the right fuel will guarantee that CO is prevented. Avoid using wet woods or treated woods, as they contain moisture, which tends to increase smoke and CO production and can even release toxic fuel. Hard woods like oak, ash, and maple will be used and seasoned for at least six months. Ensure that they are dried and placed in a ventilated location.
Create a routine for inspection of the wood stove.
Regular inspection of the wood stove, such as weekly, monthly, and annual inspections, should be encouraged. During the annual inspection, you can hire the services of a qualified technician. Check the various parts, such as the empty ash buildup and the stove glass, for cracks. During the monthly inspection, you can check the seals, door gaskets, and flue joints.
Educate everyone on the work of the wood stove and what they need to know.
Information is key. Everyone living in the house should understand the basic risks associated with carbon monoxide and what is expected of them during emergencies. Create a family safety plan that entails the emergency numbers, evacuation procedures, and how to respond to emergencies.
Conclusion
Wood stoves are important home equipment and must be maintained effectively to prevent CO from harming occupants. Following the proper precautions above will help prevent the buildup of CO. These precautions range from adequate installation to chimney maintenance, ventilation, fuel choices, and alarm system installation.
Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
