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Learn How To Burn

Before the installer leaves, ask him or her to show you how to use your wood burner. Include all family members in the discussion, if possible, and use this opportunity to set strict rules about who is permitted to operate the new appliance. Much of what you learn will be specific to the make and model of the wood burning appliance you buy. Other safety tips will be more general in nature, but are every bit as important:


  • Keep a properly maintained fire extinguisher nearby at all times.
  • Move combustible items as far away from the wood burner as possible.
  • Use only clean paper, newsprint and dry kindling to start a fire. Never use an accelerant like gasoline, kerosene or lighter fluid.
  • Burn seasoned wood only. Wet or green logs may cause a combustible residue to build up inside your chimney.
  • Never burn trash or garbage in your wood burner.
  • Close the door of your wood burning appliance as soon as it’s lit and immediately after loading new logs.
Talk to your local fire department. They may be able to offer additional information about burning wood safely, and they may be able to provide additional information about local ordinances that affect when you can use your wood burner.

Follow Maintenance Guidelines


Make sure you read and follow the maintenance guidelines provided with your wood burning appliance to help keep it working properly. Many manufacturers recommend an annual inspection, and your installer can often perform this service or recommend an inspector. Remove ashes regularly, and have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a certified chimney sweep. The Chimney Safety Institute of America offers a searchable list of certified chimney sweeps online at www.csia.org.

Install Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors


If you haven’t already done so, now is a great time to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. These devices can potentially warn you about a fire or wood burner malfunction, and may save your life. Talk to your local fire department about the best locations for each device, and make sure you test them regularly to make sure they’re working properly at all times.

The Home Improvement News and Information Center provides information and resources for home remodeling, home improvement and home energy management projects. For more home safety tips, point your web browser to http://www.HomeImprovementTime.com/consumer/search.asp?search=safety&mode=search