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Wood and Pellet Storage: Tips for Keeping Your Fuel Safe, Dry, and Ready to Burn

by webmaster | Oct 15, 2024 | Heating Your Home, HPBAC Blog

As the temperatures drop and you start relying more on your wood or pellet stove to keep your home warm, ensuring you have a reliable fuel supply is crucial. However, storing wood and pellets properly is just as important as having them in the first place. Proper storage not only preserves the quality of your fuel but also ensures it burns efficiently and safely. Here’s what you need to know about storing wood and pellets to get the most out of your woodstove or fireplace this heating season.

The Importance of Proper Storage

Moisture Control: The biggest threat to both wood and pellets is moisture. Proper storage keeps your fuel dry, ensuring it burns efficiently and produces maximum heat.

Wet wood is difficult to burn, produces more smoke, and generates less heat. Check the moisture content of your wood before burning – firewood should have a moisture content of 15% to 20%¹

Pellets, being compacted sawdust, can easily disintegrate if exposed to moisture, rendering them useless. Pellets should have a moisture content of 5% to 10%².

Pest Prevention: Storing wood improperly can attract pests such as insects and rodents. These pests can damage the wood or create infestations in and around your home. Pellets can also attract pests if not stored in a secure, dry place.

Convenience: Proper storage makes it easier to access your fuel when you need it, saving you time and hassle during the cold months.

Storing Firewood

Choose the Right Location: Store your firewood in a location that is off the ground and at least 4 feet away from your home. Keeping wood directly on the ground can cause it to absorb moisture, while storing it too close to your home can invite pests inside. A well-ventilated woodshed or a stack of wood on a raised platform or pallet is ideal.

Stacking Firewood: Stack your firewood neatly to promote air circulation. Proper airflow helps the wood dry out faster and stay dry. The best way to stack wood is in a crisscross pattern, which allows air to circulate through the pile. Be sure to stack wood bark-side up to help shed rain.

Covering Firewood: While you want to protect your wood from rain and snow, it’s important not to cover the entire stack with a tarp or plastic sheet, as this can trap moisture. Instead, cover just the top of the stack, leaving the sides open to allow air circulation. If you’re storing wood in a shed, make sure the shed is ventilated.

Seasoning Your Wood: Freshly cut wood, or “green” wood, needs to be seasoned, which means it must be dried out for at least 6-12 months before it’s burned. Seasoned wood has a moisture content of less than 20% and burns more efficiently. If you’re buying wood, ask whether it’s seasoned or green, and plan accordingly for storage. You can test the moisture content using a moisture meter available from most specialty hearth retailers and hardware stores.

Properly stored firewood should be good for use for about 3 to 4 years³, but it is important to check the moisture content

Storing Wood Pellets

Keep Pellets Dry: Unlike firewood, pellets are highly susceptible to moisture, which can cause them to break down and become unusable. If possible, store pellets in a dry, indoor location. If you must store them outside, keep them in a waterproof container or tightly sealed bag.

Use Proper Containers: Store pellets in sturdy, airtight containers, such as plastic bins with lids. This will protect them from moisture, pests, and other contaminants. Avoid storing pellets directly on the ground; keep them elevated on pallets or shelves.

Temperature Considerations: While pellets don’t require the same airflow as firewood, storing them in a cool, dry place is still important. Extreme heat can cause pellets to break down over time, while cold, damp environments can lead to moisture absorption.

Order in Bulk: If you use pellets as your primary heating source, ordering in bulk can save you money and ensure you have enough fuel for the season. Just ensure you have adequate storage space that meets the abovementioned conditions.

Additional Tips

Inspect Regularly: Whether you’re storing wood or pellets, it’s a good idea to check your fuel regularly for signs of moisture, pests, or damage. If you find any issues, address them immediately to prevent further loss.

Rotate Stock: Use the oldest fuel first to ensure you’re always burning the driest and most seasoned wood or pellets. This also helps prevent waste.

Keep It Accessible: Store your wood and pellets in a location that’s easy to access during winter. You don’t want to be trudging through snow to retrieve your fuel but remember to keep it at least 4 feet away from your home.

Proper storage of wood and pellets is essential to maintaining a warm, safe, and efficient home during the heating season. By keeping your fuel dry, protected, and easily accessible, you’ll ensure it burns efficiently and provides the heat you need when you need it. Take the time to store your wood and pellets correctly, and you’ll enjoy a cozy and trouble-free winter.

¹ US Environmental Protection Agency

² US Department of Energy / energy.gov

³ Chimney Safety Institute of America

The Importance of Regular Chimney Cleaning: Protecting Your Home and Health

by webmaster | Sep 10, 2024 | Heating Your Home, HPBAC Blog

As the colder months approach and the warmth of a crackling fire becomes more appealing, it’s easy to overlook one essential task: chimney cleaning. Whether you use your woodstove or fireplace regularly or just occasionally, maintaining a clean and safe chimney is crucial for the safety and comfort of your home. Here’s why regular chimney cleaning should be at the top of your home maintenance list.

1. Prevent Chimney Fires

One of the most critical reasons for regular chimney cleaning is to prevent chimney fires. Over time as you use your appliance, creosote – a highly flammable substance – builds up on the inside the walls of your chimney. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood, and even a thin layer of creosote can ignite and cause a dangerous chimney fire. A professional chimney cleaning removes this creosote buildup, significantly reducing the risk of fire.

2. Improve Air Quality

A blocked or dirty chimney can lead to poor indoor air quality. Soot, debris, and animal nests can obstruct the airflow, causing smoke and dangerous gases like carbon monoxide to back up into your home. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly in high concentrations. Regular chimney cleaning ensures proper ventilation, allowing harmful gases to escape and keeping your indoor air safe to breathe.

3. Enhance Fireplace Efficiency

A clean chimney helps your fireplace operate more efficiently. When the chimney is free from blockages and creosote, it allows for better draft, which means your fire will burn hotter and cleaner. This not only improves the heat output but also reduces the amount of wood you need to burn, saving you money on fuel and reducing your environmental impact.

4. Prolong Chimney Life

Routine chimney cleaning can help extend the life of your chimney. Creosote, moisture, and other debris can cause corrosion and damage to the chimney liner and masonry over time. By keeping your chimney clean and well-maintained, you can prevent costly repairs and ensure your chimney serves your home for years to come.

5. Avoid Unpleasant Odors

A dirty chimney can produce unpleasant odours, especially during the warmer months when it’s not in use. Creosote, soot, and moisture can create a strong, musty smell that permeates your home. Regular cleaning eliminates these odour-causing agents, keeping your home smelling fresh.

6. Identify Potential Issues Early

During your annual chimney cleaning, the WETT-certified chimney sweep will inspect your chimney for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks, loose bricks, or deteriorating mortar. Early detection of these issues can prevent them from becoming more serious and expensive to fix. Regular cleaning ensures your chimney is always in good condition and safe to use.

When to Schedule Chimney Cleaning

Experts recommend having your chimney swept and inspected by a WETT-certified technician at least once a year, either in the spring or before the start of the heating season. However, if you use your fireplace or stove frequently, you may need more frequent cleanings. Additionally, if you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to call a WETT-certified professional chimney sweep:

Soot buildup: Visible soot or creosote on the chimney walls, rain cap or around the appliance.
Smoke issues: Smoke entering your home when you light a fire.
Strange smells: Unpleasant odours coming from the fireplace.
Poor draft: Difficulty getting a fire to start or stay lit.

Regular chimney cleaning is a simple yet vital step in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your chimney and fireplace. By preventing chimney fires, improving air quality, and maintaining your chimney’s structural integrity, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of your fireplace with peace of mind.

Find a local specialty hearth retailer near you at hpbac.org/find-a-member.

Find a WETT-certified chimney sweep near you at www.wettinc.ca/search-wett.

In Quebec, contact APC for a certified technician near you at www.poelesfoyers.ca/trouver-un-professionnel.

Photo credit: Good Fellas Stoves and Chimneys

Why It’s Important to “Smash that Like Button” on Social Media

by John Vukanovich | Aug 15, 2024 | HPBAC Blog

The phrase “Smash that like button” is a common call to action used by content creators on social media platforms, typically in videos. This call to action serves several purposes:

Increased Engagement: Encouraging viewers to “smash that like button” is a way to increase engagement with the content. Likes are a form of positive interaction, and a higher number of likes can contribute to increased visibility within the platform’s algorithm. Likes can act as a catalyst for further engagement. When people see that others have liked a post, they may be likelier to click, comment, or share it. This snowball effect can boost overall engagement with your content.
Increased Reach: On many social media platforms, engagement metrics, including likes, are factored into the algorithm that determines position in search results and recommendations. More likes indicate popularity and engagement, signalling to the platform that the content is valuable and should be shown to more users. Posts with higher engagement, such as a significant number of likes, are more likely to appear in your followers’ feeds and reach a wider audience.
Community Building: Liking a post or video is a simple way for viewers to express approval or appreciation for the content. Likes contribute to a sense of community. This interaction fosters a sense of connection between you and your audience, helping to build a loyal and engaged community.
Feedback and Support: For content creators, likes often serve as a form of feedback and encouragement. It’s a way for viewers to show support for the creator’s work and content. This positive reinforcement can motivate creators to continue producing content. For individuals, it can be gratifying to see that others appreciate your content. For businesses, positive feedback in the form of likes can boost morale and motivate continued content creation.

It’s important to note that while encouraging likes can be beneficial, the emphasis should always be on creating high-quality, valuable content that resonates with your audience. Likes are a byproduct of engaging and valuable content, and creators should prioritize authenticity and substance over simply chasing likes.

Should you “Like” your own posts?

When you post content on most social media platforms, your account is automatically associated with that content, so liking it yourself may be redundant.

Liking your own posts has traditionally been discouraged. In the realm of social media, it’s a common practice for others to express their appreciation or approval of your content through likes and comments. Liking your own post may be perceived as an attempt to boost your own popularity or self-esteem. Social media is about building connections and engaging with others. Liking your own posts doesn’t contribute to the community aspect of these platforms. Engaging with others’ content and building relationships through mutual interactions is more meaningful. That being said… the world changes quickly! Social media etiquette can vary day by day. It’s essential to be perceived as confident by your audience and to expose your content to as many people – as often as you can.

In summary, social media aims to expose your content to your personal or professional network. Encourage others to “Like” your posts and remember, there is no replacement for creating high-quality, engaging content and interacting authentically with others.

A Comprehensive Guide to Gas Fireplace Maintenance

by webmaster | Oct 13, 2023 | Consumer News, Heating Your Home, HPBAC Blog

Gas fireplaces provide warmth, comfort, and ambiance to homes, making them a popular choice among homeowners. To ensure your gas fireplace continues to operate efficiently and safely, regular maintenance is essential. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps required to keep your gas fireplace in top-notch condition.

1. Safety First

Before you begin any maintenance, ensure your gas fireplace is turned off and cool, and the gas supply is shut off at the main valve. Safety should always be your top priority.

2. Cleaning the Exterior

Start by cleaning the exterior of your gas fireplace. Dust and debris can accumulate on the surface, affecting its appearance. Use a soft cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dirt and dust. For stubborn stains, use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner.

3. Inspect the Glass Front

The glass front of your gas fireplace can become cloudy or develop deposits over time. To clean it, follow these steps:

Ensure the fireplace is cool.
Remove the glass front according to your manufacturer’s instructions.
Clean the glass with a gas fireplace glass cleaner, ceramic cooktop cleaner, or a mixture of vinegar and water.
Dry the glass thoroughly before reinstalling it.

4. Check the Burner and Ignition System

The burner and ignition system are crucial components of your gas fireplace. Here’s how to inspect and maintain them:

Remove the logs or artificial embers to access the burner.
Clean the burner and pilot assembly using a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust and debris.
Inspect the ignition system for signs of wear or damage. Contact a professional technician to have worn-out components replaced.

5. Examine the Venting System

A well-maintained venting system is essential for the safe operation of your gas fireplace. Check for obstructions or debris in the vent pipe, and make sure it’s properly sealed. If fireplace is direct vented through the wall, inspect the outside sidewall terminal and ensure it’s clear of debris or overgrown shrubbery.

6. Clean the Firebox and Logs

The interior of your gas fireplace can accumulate soot and debris over time. Here’s how to clean it:

Turn off the gas supply and allow the fireplace to cool completely.
Remove the logs or artificial embers.
Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove soot and debris from the firebox.
Clean the logs or embers with a soft brush or a damp cloth.

7. Inspect the Gas Lines and Connections

Visually inspect the gas lines and connections for any signs of damage or leaks. If you suspect a leak or find damaged components, contact a professional technician immediately.

8. Replace Batteries

If your gas fireplace has a battery-operated remote control or ignition system, replace the batteries with quality alkaline batteries annually. This ensures that your fireplace functions smoothly.

9. Annual Professional Inspection

While regular maintenance is crucial, it’s also essential to have a professional technician inspect your gas fireplace annually. They can identify and address potential issues that may not be visible during routine maintenance.

By following the steps outlined in this guide and scheduling an annual professional inspection, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of your gas fireplace for years to come. Remember that safety should always be your top priority, and if you’re ever unsure about any aspect of maintenance, consult a qualified technician. Find a service company specializing in fireplaces near you at www.members.hpbacanada.org/find-a-member.

The Crucial Role of Chimney Cleaning: Ensuring Safety and Efficiency

by webmaster | Sep 13, 2023 | Heating Your Home, HPBAC Blog, Uncategorized

The cozy warmth of a crackling fire in the fireplace is the ultimate comfort during colder months. However, there is a critical aspect of maintaining a safe and efficient wood burning fireplace or stove – chimney cleaning. Often overlooked, chimney cleaning plays a pivotal role in ensuring not only the safety of your household but also the efficiency and longevity of your hearth appliance. In this blog post, you’ll learn why regular chimney cleaning should be a top priority for every homeowner.

1. Preventing Fire Hazards

One of the most compelling reasons to prioritize chimney cleaning is the prevention of fire hazards. As you enjoy your wood burning fireplace, stove (or pellet stove) creosote – a highly flammable substance – accumulates on the interior walls of your chimney. Creosote is a byproduct of burning solid fuel like wood or pellets, and over time, it can build up and create a thick layer that increases the risk of chimney fires. These fires can be extremely dangerous, potentially leading to the spread of fire throughout your home. Regular chimney cleaning removes this hazardous buildup, significantly reducing the likelihood of a damaging chimney fire.

2. Ensuring Proper Ventilation

A clean chimney ensures proper ventilation for your hearth appliances. When a chimney becomes clogged with creosote, debris or animal nests, it can obstruct the flow of exhaust gases. This obstruction can cause harmful gases, like carbon monoxide, to be forced back into your living space rather than being safely vented outdoors. Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and highly toxic, making it a silent but deadly threat. Regular chimney cleaning ensures these gases are properly vented and maintains your home’s indoor air quality.

3. Maximizing Heating Efficiency

A clean chimney also contributes to an efficiently burning fireplace. When a chimney is obstructed, the draft necessary for proper combustion and heat transfer is compromised. This can lead to inefficient burning, decreased heat output, and an overall wastage of energy. By keeping your chimney clean, your hearth appliance can work at its optimal efficiency, saving you money on energy bills and the environment from unnecessary resource consumption.

4. Extending Appliance Lifespan

Chimney cleaning goes beyond immediate safety concerns; it also impacts the lifespan of your heating appliances. A buildup of creosote and other debris can accelerate the deterioration of your chimney’s lining, as well as the interior components of your fireplace. Over time, this can lead to premature wear-and-tear and costly repairs. Regular maintenance, including chimney cleaning, helps keep your fireplace in good working order for many years to come.

5. Professional Expertise

Look for a WETT-certified expert who will have the knowledge, tools, and experience to thoroughly clean and inspect your chimney, identifying any potential issues that require attention. A professional chimney sweep can provide you with peace of mind, knowing your chimney is in capable hands and your home’s safety is a top priority.

Do not overlook the importance of chimney cleaning! The safety, efficiency, and longevity benefits it provides are undeniable. By investing in professional chimney cleaning, you are not only safeguarding your home, but also contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient living environment.

Find a service company specializing in hearth appliances near you at www.members.hpbacanada.org/find-a-member or visit wettinc.ca.

How to Properly Clean Your Barbecue

by Max Lavoie | Aug 18, 2023 | Consumer News, Grilling & Outdoor Living, HPBAC Blog

Generally, people clean their barbecue every season. Cleaning your grill is critical because you cook your food on it and, more importantly, it can catch fire if it’s not properly cared for. A fire can start at the bottom of the unit, where the grease collects, and the resulting intense heat can be problematic. Additionally, marinades, spices, salt and/or grease can slowly start to eat away at the stainless steel or metal of the unit. Maintenance is therefore necessary, especially if you are unsure of the quality of the stainless steel.

The first thing you should do when you’re about to clean your barbecue is to move your appliance onto grass or rocks. You don’t want to damage your patio, your flagstone or your favorite slab of concrete, because grill cleaning products are quite powerful. Set yourself up somewhere with no direct sunlight, especially if your BBQ has a baked coating or stainless steel parts, because some products can stain; if it’s sunny where you set up, make sure to leave the product on for less time.

If your barbecue has a propane tank, remove it. Completely “close” the tank, pull it out and unscrew the regulator. Then, to make sure you are working safely, burn off the remaining gas in your barbecue. If you see a flame emerge, let it “burn” until it goes out completely. Watch the flame carefully because if it’s uneven or of a different color (blue on one side and yellow on the other, for example), you may need to unclog or replace the burners.

Next, remove the grates, heat deflectors and grease pan (after quickly cleaning them) from your barbecue to access the bottom of your unit. Fill half a large bucket with hot water and soak your grates, deflectors and pan. When the water starts to turn brown, empty out the bucket and fill it with clean hot water. Pour about half a bottle of grill degreaser into the water and let the product do its job for about 4 to 5 minutes. If necessary, scrub the parts in the water to help the product work even better. When the time is up, be sure to rinse everything thoroughly.

Grill degreasers are very effective. Grease stains on your barbecue’s surfaces will disappear and your unit will look brand new. Be careful not to inhale the product or get it on your skin; it’s important to use gloves when handling it.

While the grates, heat deflectors and grease pan are soaking, use a grate scraper to thoroughly scrape off all the chunks and grease stuck to your barbecue’s fire box and burners, scraping your grates and heat deflectors first. Dirt on the surface should dissolve in a matter of seconds. When it comes to cleaning the fire box, Max recommends working with plastic or composite tools.

To really get your burners clean, use an angled grid cleaning brush to remove any small bits (whether fat or carbon) which have built up and clogged the holes. This type of brush also does a great job of cleaning the sides of the burners and the channels, which carry gas from one burner to another. If you’d like to unclog each hole in your burners, use a port hole cleaner, which is designed for this purpose.

If your burners are still clogged at this point, remove them from your barbecue and clean them with a venturi brush, which reaches deep inside your tube burners (or venturi tubes), either if your burners are staggered or set in a straight line.

Once your barbecue is clean, spray it with a grill cleaner or degreaser. Brown/orange liquid may drip from the barbecue, which is normal as it is removing grease from the unit’s surface. If your barbecue changes color a little after applying degreaser, don’t worry. That’s normal too.

Max recommends using degreaser on all parts of the barbecue – the burners, heat deflectors, grates, shelves, tank, handles, knobs, the cart and on the inside of the lid – but feels you can spare your regulator. Allow the product to work slowly for 4 to 5 minutes, then rinse everything well afterwards – you can even use a pressure hose, or scrub with a brush while rinsing – until you no longer see any little bubbles in the water.

Once everything is well rinsed, put on your sunglasses and use a barbecue polish or shine restorer to wipe down all the parts/surfaces of your unit. Blemishes, fingerprints and anything unattractive will disappear, and your barbecue will look like it came straight from the store!

After cleaning your grill, if you suspect that one or more of its parts is defective or causing problems, do not hesitate to contact your local specialty retailer.

Find a specialty retailer near you at www.hpbacanada.org/retail-service-providers.

Happy cleaning and happy grilling!

Max Lavoie
House of BBQ Experts

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