Up to a $2,000 federal income tax credit is available for biomass-fueled heaters. To qualify, they must meet minimum emissions and efficiency standards. This tax credit is good until 2032. The credit is 30% of the total amount of equipment and all required installation costs, including labor, chimney, permits, and similar expenses. We have multiple… Read more »
Heat: Radiant vs. Convective Air
How we feel about different types of heat can vary greatly. Everyone thinks of electric, gas, or wood as a type of heat. That is a misconception; the two types are radiant and convective. Convective heat is warm air being blown around by a furnace, heat pump, or fan-driven wall heater. Radiant heat comes from… Read more »
CO2 and Smoke Alarms
Oregon law requires CO2 and smoke detectors in the home when a fuel-burning appliance is installed. The law requires a CO2 detector within 15 feet of any bedroom or sleeping space. It also requires a smoke detector no farther than 15 feet from any bedroom, plus one in every bedroom. Smoke and CO2 detectors can… Read more »
Sizing Your New Appliance for Your Needs
It is important to seek advice from a certified professional when choosing a new heating appliance or hearth product for your home. We are an NFI (National Fireplace Institute) Master Hearth certified organization. We can help design and specify the right equipment for your needs. It is important to relay what your expectations are for… Read more »
Wood Stove Performance Affected by Its Environment
Most people don’t understand how many exterior influences affect how wood burning appliances perform. Many things inside and outside the home affect how wood burning fireplaces, stoves, and inserts work. Smoke is taken out of the home by draw, which is a change in air pressure: warmer air rises and takes products of combustion out… Read more »
Ash Disposal
When taking ashes out of your wood stove as part of your personal maintenance, it is important to do so properly to prevent fire and damage to your home. Do not use a household or standard shop vacuum; they are not designed to handle extra heat or embers that can ignite a fire. There are… Read more »
Regular Maintenance
It’s crucial to have regular cleaning and safety checks for any fuel-burning appliance. Wood, gas, and pellet appliances all require professional attention to ensure efficient and safe operation. Annual maintenance, including testing safety parts and cleaning chimneys, protects your home and investment. Contact our office for yearly maintenance assistance.
Resilience
With recent storms, resilience is crucial. Power outages due to snow, wind, ice storms, or brownouts can be more than inconvenient—they can be life-threatening. Heat and the ability to warm food are essential during such times. Outages can last for weeks in some areas, making alternate energy sources vital. We offer wood, natural gas, and… Read more »
Firewood Sizes for Your Wood Burning Appliance
Wood size is an important part of proper wood heating appliance use. Starting with kindling, a good reference is pinky to thumb diameter size. The recommended amount is 3–5 pounds, or a large double-hand bundle. Then stage 2 after kindling is 1.5” to 3” diameter pieces (6 to 10 pieces). After your fire is well… Read more »
Moisture content equals Efficient Fire
In today’s modern wood burning fireplaces, stoves and inserts the moisture content or humidity level of the wood in extremely imperative. Maximum content needs to be 20% or less. The amount of heat produced is between 20% and 25% (just 5% difference) is approx. 20% heat. This is important for the overall efficiency of the… Read more »