Pictou Mutual Insurance Company


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Wood Stoves

Getting Started

	When buying your stove, demand improved technology; to include advanced combustion stoves, pellet stoves or catalytic stoves.
	Look for EPA certification.
	Locate your wood stove intelligently - it should be located in the space you wish to heat.
	Install your stove safely - insist that your installer or technician is certified by the WETT program.

7 ways to reduce pollution and save fuel dollars

	Select a stove that's certified clean-burning and tested to EPA standards.
	Make sure it's the proper size for its location and use (bigger is not always better).
	Make sure it's properly installed by a WETT certified installer.
	Avoid smoldering fires by using proper burning techniques.
	Use only seasoned firewood split to the right size for your stove.
	Reduce your need for fuel; make your house more energy-efficient!
	Consider not using your stove during inversions or in mild weather.

Woodburning Tips

Burn only seasoned, split wood.

Run on high fire 10-15 minutes after each refueling.

Don't starve your fire of air by closing the air inlet too far.

Ensure good draft, proper chimney size.

Refuel more often with smaller load.

Circulate hot air away from stove area to rest of house.

Do Not burn these fuels in you woodstove.

	Wet wood
	Green or pressure-treated wood
	Painted wood or driftwood
	Particle board or plywood
	Diapers or household rubbish
	Plastic, cardboard or coal

Operating Tips

	Cordwood should be seasoned at least six months and sheltered from the weather.
	Do not store wet wood in your house.
	When lighting, put lots of crumpled newspaper in the stove (not coloured or glossy paper).
	Put 10-15 small pieces of finely split dry kindling on top of the crumpled paper & behind it.
	Completely open the air supply vent.
	Light the paper in several places near the air inlet.
	Do Not leave the stove during this time - over-firing can cause dangerous levels of overheating.
	When the flames from the kindling begin to subside, add at least three small pieces of firewood. Take care not to smother the fire.
	Gradually increase the size of the wood as the coals build up.

Outdoor Wood Furnaces

Guidelines & Tips

	Must be located at least 30 feet (9 meters) from any structure containing combustible materials in its construction or stored therein.
	However, if the manufacturer recommends a distance greater than 30 feet (9 meters) then such recommendations shall prevail.
	Should be installed on a solid masonry pad covering the area beneath the unit and extending at least eighteen (18) inches (200 mm) beyond the unit on both sides.
	The area around the outdoor wood furnace/boiler must be kept mowed and clear of debris.
	Only wood and wood products shall be used for the purpose of combustion in the unit.
	All water lines should be installed in such a manner that the water will not freeze, thereby eliminating the need for antifreeze additives.
	All electrical connections to the unit or to the building housing it must conform to the provincial electrical code, and any applicable CSA or ULC standards.
	Exterior wood furnaces contained in its own shed are not acceptable (unless manufacturer's manual states otherwise).
	Units must be CSA approved - homemade units are not acceptable.
	The chimney must be equipped with a spark-arrester cap.