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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2007-10-18, Page 23With the heating season looming,many home owners’thoughts turn towood in light of high gas and oil prices but wood smoke also produces pollution that affects air quality. An Environment Canada report says wood heating is an increasing source of atmospheric pollution. In Quebec, where the study was done, wood heating generated about 25 per cent of the volatile organiccompounds (VOCs) emitted in theregion. It is the equivalent to about 118,000 tonnes of pollution a year. The gaseous and particulate emissions may cause eye and throat irritations, headaches, allergies and respiratory problems. They may also aggravate heart conditions and asthma. The amount of pollution can, however, be reduced by the homeowner:• Make certain the wood you plan to burn was cut and stacked no later than last spring. Green wood gives off more smoke than heat. • Hardwoods produce more heat than soft woods. • Chop the wood into small pieces – large pieces burn slowly, giving off tar and creosote with less heat. • Don’t use the stove to dispose ofgarbage, pressure-treated orpainted wood. • Open fireplaces look good but are wood gobblers with little heat payback. An insert is a good investment. Highly efficient stoves now on the market re-burn the smoke and cut the amount of smoke, tar and gases going up the chimney by about 90 per cent. That’s good news in light of concern about carbon dioxideemitted into the atmosphere. A wood stove specialist said in a television interview last winter that “good wood burning yields 70 per cent net efficiency which is just as competitive with any other energy source.” For more information about wood burning, see the Environment Canada Web site at www.ec.gc.ca - News Canada THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2007. PAGE 23. A new deck needs special treatment before winter arrives. Wood is most vulnerable during its first year and should not be left unprotected, especially during the harsh winter months with damaging elements such as snow and wind. Products that protect new wood during its critical first year, provide a slow, steady weathering period. If your deck is more than one year old, apply a finish before cold weather arrives. Most quality finishes should not be applied if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius at night. The best protection is an oil-based finish that penetrates deep and offers protection from the inside out. If your deck has been around for a few years or you would like to introduce colour, protect it from the harsh winter months with a semi-transparent or solid colour stain. Solid colour stains cover the wood grain while allowing the texture and grain profile to show. Semi-transparents introduce colour while enhancing the wood characteristics. They last longer than a clear finish because of the added pigment. Never use a shovel or salt to remove the snow from your deck. Shovels will scrape the deck and salt will ruin the wood. Instead, sweep the snow off with a push broom and use ice melter pellets, which will melt the snow through a chemical reaction. - News Canada Winter coat New decks need special treatment before winter’s arrival. (News Canada photo) Winterizing tips for your deck Tips to reduce pollution when heating with woodFFaallll HHoommee IImmpprroovveemmeenntt 22000077 The Alderlea Wood Stove The Alderlea combines the grace of cast-iron with the durability of a full seam-welded steel firebox for easy loading, easy lighting, and many years of clean burning performance. Concealed cook top, ash chute for easy cleaning, air-wash for clean glass and optional reversible door create a unique stove that radiates old-world style and craftsmanship. Standard features include:• Historic cast iron styling • Proven Super Series Steel Firebox • Reliable, durable non-catalytic technology • Air wash system for super clean ceramic glass • Straight-in fuel loading • Concealed cook top • Floating firebox for extended stove life • Easy to use ash disposal system • 304 Stainless Steel baffle, insulation cover,rails and flame shield • Mobile home approved Options:• Right hinge opening reversible door • Temperature actuated 125 cfm variable speed blower TRI-COUNTY BRICK O/B CO-JIM CORP Over 500 Different Brick Since 1977 Phone: 519-482-9622 1-800-265-7057 Fax: 519-482-5999 279 Bayfield Rd., Clinton CANADA’S FINEST STOVES WETT Certified Advisor on Staff PACIFIC ENERGY BLYTH DECOR SHOPPE Don “Barney” & Linda Stewart BLYTH 519-523-4840 HOME 519-523-9448 • PAINT • WALLPAPER • FLOORING Paint & Drywall contractor 30% off Wallpaper orders DALE PUMP & FARM SERVICE LTD. Pumps & Pipe Lines ~ Conditioners Heaters ~ Water Installations ~ Backhoe Service For all your water needs 269 Ontario Street, Clinton, Ont. N0M 1H0 Phone 519-482-3274 Fax 519-482-9540 GRUNDFOS - MYERS COMMERCIAL~RESIDENTIAL~AGRICULTURAL~INDUSTRIAL • Spray Foam • Loose Fill • Wells • • Basements • Crawlspaces • Air Sealing • • Coolers & Freezers • Cottage Floor Undersides • Attics • • Professional Consultation & Written Estimates • Fax: 519-524-6173 519-524-9169 1-866-524-9169 81175 Grist Mill Line, RR 4, Goderich A Division of Benmiller Construction Ltd.