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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Keeping it clean

Creosote can build up on chimney walls and catch fire. Your chimney should be swept once a year to make sure there is no build-up. (The Spokesman-Review)
Rik Nelson Correspondent
Creosote can build up on chimney walls and catch fire. Your chimney should be swept once a year to make sure there is no build-up. (The Spokesman-Review)

Regardless of which type of woodburning you use in your home, it’s very important to keep your chimney clean and in tiptop shape.

Especially when you are using a fireplace, creosote is created on an ongoing basis, sticking inside the chimney where it can increase the risk of chimney fires.

For your safety (and that of your house) you should have your chimney swept and inspected at least once a year – preferable at the beginning of the woodburning season. Regular inspection of your chimney will also alert you to other problems, such as cracks or loose bricks or stovepipes that may otherwise be a hazard.

Take care of the clean air

The Spokane-area is susceptible to stagnant air during periods of cold temperatures and no wind. Unfortunately that’s also when most people crank up the stove.

“As the price of natural gas and heating oil increases, it’s expected to see an increase in the usage of woodstoves,” says Ron Edgar, interim director of the Spokane County Air Pollution Control Authority. In Spokane County that means wood stove owners must pay attention to burning conditions.

SCAPCA has three:

Green means there are no restrictions on the proper use of wood burning devices.

Yellow means only EPA-certified devices may be used.

Red means all wood burning devices are restricted (unless SCAPCA-exempted). Edgar says that during the last five or six years there has been no red condition.

To check burning conditions prior to lighting the fire, call the Spokane Burning Information line at 477-4710 or visit SCAPCA’s Web site at www.scapca.org.

Is it worth it?

If you want to compare the costs of heating your home using different fuels (including wood, pellet, oil, electric, natural gas, LP gas and coal) calculators are available online at: www.hearth.com/fuelcalc/findoil.html and at www.pelletheat.org.

And don’t forget to carefully consider the cost of alternative fuel.

While some wood may be free, commercially-delivered wood costs about $180 per cord and pellet costs about $190/ton.

Does the idea of heating with wood still warm the cockles of your heart?

If so, consider your needs and goals, do some research, and then consult a hearth industry professional to help you find the right type, size and model for your needs.