Interview Opportunity - Increase the heat and reduce greenhouse gases with wood stoves and gas fireplaces

Nov 20th, 2008 4:37 AM

Interview Opportunity Wood Stoves and Gas Fireplaces - Increase the heat and reduce greenhouse gases Who: John Johnson, President of the Western Chapter of the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association of Canada To schedule interviews call 604-420-4323 or e-mail johnj.bby(at)eccohtg.com What: Mr Johnson can address the following questions: Background Is it time to upgrade your woodstove? If you are in the market for a new woodstove, consider a new, advanced combustion EPA woodstove, insert or fireplace. For those of you who heat with older stoves - you owe it to yourself and your neighbours to upgrade your appliances. Perhaps you qualify for the wood stove change out in your area? Where are wood stove change out programs operating in British Columbia? Prince George, Kimberley, Okanagan, Grand Forks, Skeena, Revelstoke and Golden How clean burning are new advanced combustion wood stoves? Older stoves can emit 40-80 grams of smoke per hour, but with newer advanced combustion EPA stoves, that number drops to 2-5 grams of smoke per hour. What is the best wood to burn? It's always important to take stock of what you're burning - burn only clean, seasoned wood (ideally cut, split and stored a year ahead). If you cut your own firewood, make sure to split it into pieces that are 4 - 6 inches in diameter (10-15 cm). This will expose more surface area to the flame, ensuring the wood will burn cleaner. Finally, always remember to avoid burning wet or green wood. Using wet wood means that creosote can coat your chimney and lead to a dangerous chimney fires. Don't burn discarded plastic, plywood or pressure-treated wood. What does the EnerChoice designation on hearth products mean? An EnerChoice designated product meets or exceeds energy efficiency levels set by an independent committee managed by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada. More information on wood heat can be found at www.whpba.ca or www.hpbacanada.org