WOOD STOVE HEATING Buy appliances that are quality-tested EVERY YEAR, thousands of Ca- nadians install wood stoves in their homes. They quickly learn that there is more to heating with wood than simply keeping a roaring fire going. However, wood stoves can be an efficient, comfortable and eco- nomic way to heat your home. Bay Certified Equipment It is important to buy an appliance that has been tested and certified by the (Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or the Under- writers’ Laboratories of Canada (ULC). Product testing by impartial engineers ensures that an appliance operates in accordance with safety standards. During certification procedures, products are put through a series of tests that repre- sent the most extreme conditions of use. The testing agencies look at the materials used in the stove’s manufacture and at its mechanical parts and general layout. These materials are not checked when uncertified equipment is purchas- ed. Make the Right Choice There are two common types of wood stoves. A radiant heater transfers heat to the surrounding space by radiating heat from its hot surfaces. In a circulating heater, the hot surface is encased in a metal shell with air vents on its top and bot- tom. Air circulates within the shell by natural convection or with the aid of a fan. It is important to choose a unit - that correctly matches your heating needs. An oversized appliance will have to be operated at a low temperature for efficient combus- tion. Given sufficient information on your heating needs and on where _Sionals if necessary. you intend to install your stove, a qualified dealer will be able to recommend the size and type of stove that is best for you. Safety First A wood stove must be used cor- rectly to avoid creosote buildup. Creosote is a flammable by- product of incomplete wood com- bustion. If it ignites,it can cause a chimney fire. The risk of fire in- creases if creosote buildup exceeds 3 mm in thickness. Reduce this buildup by using a more efficient appliance, by burn- ing very dry wood and by creating a hot, rapidiy burning fire. The Chimney: An imporiant Part of the System The chimney creates a draft that draws oxygen into the fire and ex- pels combustion products safely outdoors. The chimney flue, a fla: which regulates the air flow through the chimney, should be the same di- ameter as, or slightly smaller than, the stove’s exhaust pipe. There must be adequate clear- ance between the chimney and the roof surface to ensure safe opera- tion of the appliance. The supports which hold the chimney pipe in place, the rain cap over the top of the chimney and the flashing (the tin which wraps around the chimney at the roof to seal it from moisture) should be kept .in good condition to protect the chimney against weathering. The chimney should also be in- spected and cleaned by profes- It is par- ticularly important to check it in the spring and fall, since smoulder- ing fires accelerate the accumula- tion of creosote. Firewood Early spring is the slack season for firewood dealers and is therefore the best time to buy firewood. Prepare for winter with garden series JOIN THE West Vancouver Rec- reation Department for a three- part gardening series. Fall is the time to prepare your garden for the upcoming winter months. Fall Gardening, on Monday, Sept. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m., will give you a variety of hints on the best ways to clean up your yard for the winter. Discussion will include lawns, flowerbeds and vegetable gardens. Rose Gardening, on Monday, Oct. 2 from 7 to 9 p.m., will cover tips on selecting and planting rose bushes, as well as the location and preparation of the soil. Learn about winter protection, pruning, fertilizing, and spraying. Bulb Gardening, on Monday, Oct. 23 from 7 to 9 p.m., will discuss how to plant bulbs for beautiful blooms in the spring. Learn about the variety, colors and how to best arrange them effec- tively in a garden or planter. All workshops are $6 for adults, $4 for seniors, and require advance registration at the West Vancouver Recreation Centre. For more in- formation call 926-3266. BEAUTIFY YOUR GARDEN WITH SANDERSON PLANTERS We have selection of bird baths, DERS™ "4 patio slabs, bicycle ‘ stands & drainage - NCARETE products. , Available in all shapes /& sizes, plain or ! exposed aggregate. 1381 McKeen Ave. North Vancouver 965-6108 Wood cut in winter and sold in spring has time io dry out before use. Dry or seasoned wood burns better, gives off more heat per 15 - Friday, September 22, 1989 - North Shore News heat value per cord varies enor- mously. Harder and denser woods like maple, oak and ash are more in demand for heating and are Although hardwoods produce more heat than softwoods, soft- woods such as poplar and spruce cost less per cord and are a cheaper therefore more expensive. source of heat. DOUBLE 'S' CEDAR HOMES MANGFAC,SURER OF QUALITY CEDAR HOMES AND CABINS cord and reduces the rate of creosote buildup in the chimney. The usual unit of measurement for firewood is the cord, which measures 1.2 m by 1.2 m by 2.4m (4 ft. by 4 ft. by 8 ft.). The stove or face cord measures 40 cm (16 in) in length and corresponds to one-third of a full 120 cm (48 in.) cord. The amount of solid matters in the cord is important. A cord of poorly-stacked logs contains less wood and therefore less heat energy than a cord of well-stacked logs. Wood that is split and stored in a protected place during the sum- mer months will evaporate over half its moisture content. Seasoned . . weSithoogh the beet ele er PANAFAB CEDAR HOMES LTD. kilogram of seasoned wood is 14771 — 64th AVE., SURREY, B.C. V3S 1X6 almost identical for all species, the PREFABRICATED DO IT YOURSELF PACKAGES OR USE OUR ERECTION CREWS (604): 596-6737 FAX (604)591-9154 SWIVEL ROCKERS Kroehler Stviecraft SOFABEDS Palliser Braemore Biltmore FFOM = We did mot raise our prices and then lower them. No gimmicks! We must make room for our fall collection. We are seriously overstocked and must sell now! Aubrey Schneider F URAITURELAND_