Fireplaces & Wood Stoves

[Mountain_Witch]

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced by burning any fuel. The initial symptoms are flu-like, including headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can cause death.

Each year, CO poisoning from heating systems and water heaters kills about 160 people in the U.S. Many of these tragedies could be prevented by having a professional check your heating system and water heater annually for CO leaks.

[eastcanyongirl]

We purchased Carbon Monoxide monitors (much like smoke alarms) for our house. They are relatively inexpensive and just plug into an outlet. Well worth the expenditure for the safety. You can purchase them at Lowes, Home Depot, Target, Wal-mart, and the like . . .

[Wrightwood]

[RennMan]

I figured since winter is approaching, we may want to see this information from last year, yet again.  Lots of good stuff here!

[Horse Apples]

Don't know if anyone else on the forum uses a pellet stove, but I would recommend them.  I grew up with wood stoves but converted to a pellet stove after extensive research.  We've had ours for almost 10 years and really appreciate it.   Higher inital purchase price but benefits more than make up for it.

[Freighthauler]

Excuse the ignorance here, but how does one know when you need to have the chimney swept??

[Chesslike]

Most reccomend having your chimney checked every year or at least every other year. If you don't know when it was last checked it is probably a good idea to have it checked. An honest chimney sweep charges a small fee for an inspection and will tell you if it needs to be cleaned and or repaired. It is really a small price to pay for peace of mind as a bad chimney is very dangerous and we don't need any fires starting up here.

[Giorgiann]

Quote from WW: "This is the guy I'll call when I need a chimney cleaned:
Clean Sweep Chimney Service
Carl Colbum  868-5407


He's local (Phelan), he's been honest with me and knew his business."

Wrightwood: I called the number and it is disconnected. Information does not have a listing for this name, so Im guessing he's moved out. Do you know of another good recommendation? My chimney needs cleaning 

[RennMan]

[Wrightwood]

He retired and his son was taking over the business but I don't have the number.

Don't forget the Mountain Hardware sells chimney clean brushes for the do it yourself people.
It's really not difficult unless you have a hard time accessing the top of your chimney.


http://www.diyornot.com/diy/acgb/Project.asp?ndx1=1&ndx2=7&ndx3=0&Rcd=68

[ForestGal]

[Wrightwood]

It really depends on how much build up it has from burning the 2 years after it was cleaned and there has been a number incidents where birds have built nests in the stacks during the spring and summer. The first good fire and Wrightwood Station 101 is paying a visit.

Be safe rather that sorry and have it checked. An honest chimney sweep will tell you if it needs cleaning or not. They might charge for an inspection if not needed.

[ForestGal]

[Giorgiann]

Very cool. Thank you. Oh, what is the name of the business?

[ForestGal]

Wrightwood,
I thought it was on this topic that you recently posted a link to tips for proper stacking of wood in the fireplace, but now I can't find it.  Was that on another thread, and if so, do you remember where it is?

[Wrightwood]

Was this what you were looking for?

http://www.woodheat.org/firewood/stacking.htm

[ForestGal]

These are some great ideas - thanks!
For some reason I thought the link I saw briefly and was going to go back to, contained ideas and tips on actual building of a fire in the fireplace.  Maybe I'm just getting senile......

[Wrightwood]

How about this one:
http://www.woodheat.org/tips/technique.htm

http://www.woodheat.org/tips/tips.htm

[ForestGal]

Bingo!!!

Thanks!!

[Hillbillies]

Thanks for the link John.
 
I have a standard fire place with glass doors.  I often find that if I do not take the proper steps to start the fire properly that my fire begins to smolder and smoke up the house.  Starting a proper fire definately takes a little patience...