Wood Burning Fireplaces

Wood burning fireplaces or stoves can be a source of respirable particles and other chemicals. Establishing and maintaining a proper draft to ensure all products of combustion safely rise up the flue and leave the house is not an exact science. Even with best practices and the requirement for high efficiency wood burning appliances with air tight doors in R-2000 homes, products of combustion can occasionally backdraft into the home and add chemicals and particulates to the indoor air. For those with particular concerns about IAQ, it may be best to replace a wood burning appliance with a sealed combustion natural gas or propane fireplace. Drying wood indoors for use in the wood stove or fireplace can bring in mold, insects, and moisture, which negatively impact IAQ.