By Jim Redden

The Portland Tribune, Jan 14, 2010

In recent years a great deal of attention has been paid to solar panels and wind turbines. But firewood is also a sustainable source of energy, says Mark Havel, a local engineer who owns 25 acres of forest land.

“Forests can and should be operated sustainably,” says Havel, whose family . . . . read more

All fuel-burning equipment and appliances create the risk for carbon monoxide, including water heaters, gas furnaces, wood and gas fireplaces, generators and automobile engines.

At its mildest, carbon monoxide poisoning can feel a little like the flu, causing headaches, dizziness, exhaustion, confusion, fainting and vomiting.

But at its worst, exposure to carbon monoxide . . . . . read more

Single Wall Stove Pipe:  Single Wall is found in most hardware and building supply stores, and can be used for most applications.  It comes is 24 or 22 gauge steel. Single Wall requires 18″ clearance from the stove til it enters the chimney. Single wall radiates heat into the room since it does not have a layer of insulation. It is generally the least expensive, and lighter weight pipe available. However, it does have a short life span of 3-5 years before it degrades. 22 gauge will last five times longer than 24 gauge, so in the long run 22 gauge is the least expensive purchase.

Double Wall Stove Pipe:  Double Wall is found in most hardware and building supply stores, also professional chimney and stove stores supply it. Double Wall can be used for most applications. It comes in 24 or 22 gauge steel. Double Wall is ideal for close installations where there is less than 18″ clearance to combustible materials. This pipe has a stainless steel inner liner, and  a steel wall outer liner. The second wall provides an air insulation designed to keep the internal core hotter, which will boost draft and efficiency. This pipe provides maximum protection for your walls and ceiling. Double Wall will last many years longer than the Single Wall. It is more resistant to degradation.

Triple Wall Stove Pipe:  Triple Wall is supplied by professional chimney and stove dealers. Triple wall is an all fuel chimney system.  It has a much smaller 2″ clearance from combustible materials. As a word of caution different brands have a different quality of product. For example Duraplus has an inner wall made of  stainless steel , an aluminium middle wall, and an outer wall of galvanized steel. Duraplus has a 15-25 year warranty. Duratech, on the other hand, has an inner wall made of stainless steel, a middle wall of ThermalTech blanket  insulation, and an outer wall of stainless steel. Duratech provides a limited lifetime warranty.

Flexible Chimney Liner:  Flex is designed as a reline product for your existing chimney. Aluminum flex is designed for gas products only.Aluminum has a 15 year warranty.  Titanium alloy flex is an all fuel liner application. It has a corrugated structure that makes it flexible for maneuvering down through your chimney. Titanium alloy flex comes with a Lifetime Warranty so you can rest at ease.

The staff at Campbell’s Stoves has worked hard in their studies so that they can help you make the best decision for your family.  Visit our showroom for a hands on experience. See a Mt. Vernon AE  pellet stove insert in action.  Talk to our experts about your ventilation needs. If you are snowed in, then just give us a call at our toll-free number 1-866-590-6515.

We look forward to meeting you.

1. Step 1

   Take everything out of the fireplace, including any wood racks or fire bricks. You will need to measure from the actual stone of the mortared fireplace and not from any temporary additions.

2. Step 2

   Measure from the center of the deepest part of the back of the fireplace to the front edge. You can do this by holding a stick flat against both sides of the fireplace, parallel with the floor. Now hold the measuring tape against the back of the fireplace and see where it touches the stick. This is the depth of your fireplace.

3. Step 3

   Find the height simply by measuring the distance from the top of the actual opening of the fireplace straight down to the floor. If your fireplace is arched, you will need to measure from the shortest point down.

4. Step 4

   Take the measurement from side to side of the fireplace for the width. Again, if the opening is not square, take the shortest measurement as the width.

5. Step 5

   Include the measurement of your hearth when you gather all these figures. The representative will need to know how much space you have coming out into your room to determine if your fireplace is ready for a wood-burning insert.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                By Heidi Braley
   eHow Contributing Writer

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Release: Arlington, VA – Consumers who install new wood stoves this winter not only will enjoy warmer homes, but also can save money and help clean the air, according to a new report released today by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA). The report, Clearing the Smoke, unveils results from a pilot program to replace every outdated woodburning stove in Libby, Montana, with new, cleaner units certified to strict U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards….

read the full press release

Introducing the 3100i ACC

Quadra-Fire announces the launch of the new 3100i, the first in our wood burning fireplace insert

line-up to feature Advance Combustion Control (ACC) technology. ACC delivers precision air

control for fire start-up and reloading and then shuts down automatically when it reaches the

homeowners desired burn level. Combined with easy front-to-back loading, the fire starts quickly

and safely every time, bringing your homeowners the freedom of Load, Light, and Live.

https://www.quaddealer.com/downloads/brochures/bro_woodInsert.pdf

Introducing the Carolina Outdoor Gas Fireplace

We are pleased to introduce the new Carolina Outdoor Gas Fireplace…the most fully featured

outdoor gas fireplace for the price. With exciting standard features including FireBrick™ technology,

an authentic masonry look, stainless steel screens and grate, and our new IntelliFire Plus™ Ignition

System the new Carolina is full of features homeowners will love!

https://www.quaddealer.com/downloads/FieldCommunication/090804/Carolina_4/HHT-1032U-0709.pdf

Introducing the New Macchiato Line to Our Cast Mantel Program

We are excited to announce the addition of the new Macchiato color line to our Cast Mantel system,

and will be accepting orders August 18, 2009. All existing mantel styles will offer this Macchiato

color option that combines warm, earthy coloring with the soft and delicate look of natural

Travertine stone. The classic aged look of tumbled stone featured in this new color line is sure to

warm the look of any home and transform a simple fireplace into a beautiful showpiece.

https://www.quaddealer.com/downloads/FieldCommunication/090804/Cast_3/FSF-1010U-0709.pdf

Small particles and pollutants in wood smoke are unhealthy for you and your family. Even occasional exposure to wood smoke can create problems such as watery eyes, stuffy noses, and chest tightness. Everyone may experience one or more of these symptoms, but children and older adults, and people with asthma or heart disease, are especially vulnerable. Particles can trigger asthma and have been linked to heart attacks in people with heart disease.

The EPA recommends replacing old wood stoves with modern heating appliances. The benefits of a new stove are as follows; 50% more efficient than older models, Use less fuel for the same amount of heat. Increase safety: New stoves decrease creosote buildup in your chimney, reduces risk of a home fire. Clean up the neighborhood: Decrease in pollution by 70%, Inproves the community air. Protect your health: Decreases harmful particles inside your home by 70%, Reduces your exposure to toxic pollution linked to serious health problems.

SO THE QUESTION IS:

DO I NEED TO CHANGEOUT MY WOODSTOVE?

Here is a checklist for your woodstove:

• We smell smoke in the house.
• We notice a lot of smoke coming from the chimney.
• We see more dust around the house when we use the wood stove.
• Our family experinces more watery eyes and stuffy noses after we use the wood stove.
• We are constantly feeding the stove with wood.

If you have checked any of these items, cosider replacing your old wood stove.

So, what can you expect from your professional? Here is a checklist:

• Cleaning and  inspect  the venting system
• Reseal venting as needed
• Clean and Lubricate the motors and fans
• Check gaskets on fire chamber door, ash pan door, and hopper lid to assure a tight seal
• Empty ash traps and clean exhaust passages
• Clean hopper and fuel feed system
• Clean heat exchanger system
• Verifying and adjusting the stove settings
• Verify mechanical and electric components are in good condition
• Give professional advice on improving stove performance and operating tips, and  advice on fuel