Wood Heating Tips

How can you help to reduce wood smoke pollution?

Do's

• Burn only small pieces of, clean dry wood.
• Use a mix of different hardwoods and softwoods where possible.
• Cut, split and stack your wood in the spring, cover it and let it dry over the summer for at least six months.
• Make a small fire of crisscross pieces of wood in your firebox allowing maximum contact with the combustion air.
• Burn the fire hot and refuel more often with smaller loads. Keep the flame lively and bright.
• Keep your chimney clean. Frequently remove the ashes from your appliance. Dispose of them in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
• Stay informed about winter air quality forecast in your area.
• Keep your home well insulated to prevent heat loss and to increase energy efficiency.
• Consider replacing old inefficient wood burning appliances that don't comply with pollution standards. Buy heating appliances for your home that are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

Don'ts

• Don't burn garbage, plastics or glossy magazines.
• Don't burn painted, treated, green or wet wood.
• Don't store your wood where there is water or moisture.
• Don't fill a stove to more than half of its capacity.
• Don't let a fire smoulder overnight and don't dampen down your fire.
• If possible, avoid using wood combustion as your main source of home heating.
• Don't allow creosote to build up in your chimney.
• Don't use a classic fireplace to heat your home.
• Don't use your burning appliance when a Smog Warning is in effect in your area.