BLACK GOOSE
CHIMNEY SWEEP, INC.
“Don’t Make an Ash of Yourself-
Rely on a Certified Chimney Sweep”
We’ve installed and serviced thousands of stoves since 1989. We became a “one-
Fuel economy, freedom from utility companies, unlimited heat, cozy atmosphere, environmental soundness….any or all of these are good reasons to install a wood burning stove. Properly installed and maintained, a solid fuel heater can provide years of safe, reliable warmth for your home.
Choosing a Stove New or Used? Occasionally one can find a bargain in a used stove. Sometimes people move and must leave one behind or are buying a newer stove and have to move “old reliable” out for room; however, in my experience used stoves are more often problems rather than bargains. Usually they are unlisted or untested which means it is best to keep the maximum distance from combustibles. Listed stoves (UL or ETLM or other laboratory) will have a nameplate giving clearance requirements and special installation instructions. These are generally more reliable and predictable stoves if they are in good condition and have not been altered.
What about those old pot belly or sheet metal stoves? Basically, they usually work
but they are terribly inefficient. The initial savings in stove cost is quickly
lost in fuel economy and frequent tending. You will probably have a more positive
experience by not buying a stove which must have constant attention. Also whether
you cut and split your own wood or buy it, you might as well get the most heat for
your effort. A certified sweep will shy away from installing anything other than
a tested, listed appliance, vented according to NFPA-
New Stoves All stoves made after June 1, 1992 must meet EPA \phase II Emissions Standards. What that means to you as a consumer is that the federal government has stepped in to force the wood stove industry to improve its product. As a sweep the Emissions Standards mean less soot and creosote inside the chimney, as a consumer – much less noticeable smoke (and safer chimneys). Many of the older used stoves offered up for sale were made by companies that went out of business because they refused to submit their product for testing, or their stove just couldn't be made to burn cleaner.
Simply stated, stove manufacturers have two methods for complying with emissions standards: 1) keep the same basic design and incorporate or retrofit a catalytic converter to clean up the emissions: 2) change the design to burn hotter and more efficiently without having to use catalysts.
The standards for non-
Installation Clearance requirements are beyond the scope of this brochure – mainly because there are so many variables involved, stove types, shielding, combustible material types, stove leg heights, etc. We can guide you from the selection through the installation of your new stove. We use the manufacturer's criteria.
Venting Requirements All wood burning stoves, except for pellet stoves which are
treated separately, must be vented into a lined chimney built in accordance with
NFPA-
Maintenance Neither stoves nor chimneys are high maintenance items. Properly installed and operated appliances should have their flues swept once for about every 200 cubic feet of wood consumed. Simply stated that is a densely stacked pile of wood 4 feet high, 4 feet wide and about 12 feet long (roughly once per heating season). Occasionally you will need to check and make sure your chimney connector and gaskets are in good shape. Other than that just sit back and enjoy the good warmth from your own heat source.
Wood stoves and pellet stoves are the most ecologically sound heat source available to homeowners. They don't burn fossil fuels like natural gas or oil or generated electricity which pollutes the atmosphere. Wood stoves do not add to the carbon dioxide load in the earth's atmosphere which is thought to be the cause of El Nino and other major climatic disasters.
All airtight stoves made after June, 1992, and sold in the U.S. must meet the EPA Phase II Emissions Standards. The only exception deals with stoves that are not airtight. These are generally not suitable for residential use and are not usually listed by any national testing laboratory as such. These are called "exempt" stoves and we do not sell or install them. Included in this category are "reproduction" stoves and tin heaters. A few companies reproduce old pot belly type heaters and such, mostly for nostalgia buffs. They are cute and yes, some of them burn just like Grandma's old stove. But I haven't seen one yet that carried a UL 1482 test tag. In a word that means they are not suitable for modern residential use. A homeowner self installing one of these old beauties may nullify their homeowners insurance.
Black Goose Chimney Sweep, Inc. is a fully insured and licensed Virginia contractor.
We are members of and support the efforts of: the Better Business Bureau, the National
Chimney Sweep Guild, and the Virginia Association of Chimney & Hearth Professionals.
All of our technicians, installers and service personnel have been factory trained
and maintain national CSIA certification. We are easily the most trusted chimney
and hearth service professionals in Central-
WOOD STOVES
Old homemade stoves (1970’s – 1980’s) were usually patterned after a recognizable brand, i.e. Fisher type, etc., and may look a lot like their parent brand but because they are made individually without testing and listing, they can behave erratically. They may put out good heat, but they also may have hot spots, insufficient combustion, ill fitting doors, improperly sized vent and air inlets, etc. If you are seriously considering a used appliance, look closely – inspect for damage, look for defects. We cannot install home made stoves.
Roanoke 540-
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