Wood Stove Inserts

Wood Stove Inserts

We would like to bring to your attention some critical aspects regarding wood stove inserts, especially those installed during the wood stove craze of the 1970s. Understanding the history and current regulations surrounding these devices is crucial for ensuring your safety and compliance with the law.

Historical Context and Safety Concerns

In the 1970s, the popularity of wood stove inserts saw a significant rise, leading to countless installations in homes. However, by the 1980s, it became evident that these installations were contributing to an alarming number of chimney fires. The design of wood stove inserts decreased the size of the fireplace opening, but unfortunately, the liner sizes often remained unchanged. This mismatch resulted in a slower draft and an excessive buildup of creosote, a highly flammable byproduct of wood combustion, thereby increasing the risk of chimney fires.

To address this issue, new building codes were introduced, requiring direct connect chimney liners that run from the wood stove insert up through the chimney. These liners are crucial for improving the draft and significantly reducing the risk of creosote buildup and chimney fires.

The Great American Wood Stove Change Out:

Many homeowners, however, either never received the information about this requirement or did not install the necessary direct connect liners. In response, the EPA passed a law known as the “Great American Wood Stove Change Out,” mandating that all wood stoves meet new EPA standards and have direct connect liners installed. This regulation aims to ensure safer and more efficient operation of wood stoves, aligning with modern safety and environmental standards.

Our Approach to Cleaning and Compliance:

If you have a wood stove insert without a liner, it’s important to address this issue. While we can clean your stove insert to remove odors, we must state that the chimney is not code-compliant in its current state. It should either be lined appropriately or replaced to meet current safety standards.

Please note that due to the complexities involved in cleaning these older, non-compliant wood stove inserts, our prices for this service are higher than standard cleanings. You can check our price listing for detailed information on the costs associated with this specialized service.

Ensuring the safety and compliance of your wood stove insert is our top priority. If you have any concerns about whether your wood stove insert meets current regulations or if you require our cleaning services, please contact us. We are here to provide you with the necessary information and services to ensure your wood stove insert operates safely and efficiently.