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	<title>Dr. SOOT Chimney Sweep Inc</title>
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	<link>http://www.dr-soot.com</link>
	<description>Chimney Sweep Service</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sun, 12 May 2013 17:53:05 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Now is the time to prepare your firewood for next fall</title>
		<link>http://www.dr-soot.com/now-is-the-time-to-prepare-your-firewood-for-next-fall/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dr-soot.com/now-is-the-time-to-prepare-your-firewood-for-next-fall/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 May 2013 17:53:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Martha</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dr-soot.com/?p=400</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We’ve put our winter coats away (we hope!), the sun is shining and although there are still some cooler evenings, for the most part you are probably thinking you are done using the fireplace until next fall.  So you don’t need to replenish your woodpile until August or September, right?  Wrong!  Now is the time to put up your store of firewood for next season.  Just as you would freeze fresh berries in the summer so that you could enjoy them in the winter, you have to season and prepare your wood in the springtime for it to be usable when you want it. Seasoning firewood simply means that all the moisture has been removed from it.  The drier the logs, the hotter, more efficiently it burns.  The logs are also lighter and they produce less creosote.  Less creosote means your chimney stays cleaner and safer longer. Different kinds of wood dry out at different times (ie the denser the wood, the longer the seasoning required).  Pine seasons fairly quickly, you can use it within a couple of months.  However if you cut oak, you should let it dry for one whole year, not using it until the second winter after you have cut and stacked it.  In general, you should allow at least 6 months for your wood to season properly.  If you are gathering your own firewood in the woods, it is also easier at this time of year to see fallen branches and trees that you can use.  The underbrush hasn’t grown up yet, leaving you a clear view of the ground.  If you buy your firewood from someone, make sure to ask them when it was cut. Once you have gotten all of your firewood, it is important to prepare it properly so that it seasons well.  You can’t just dump it in a pile and cut what you need when you need it.  Using a chain saw or ax, cut the logs into lengths that fit easily into your fireplace.  Ideally that means cutting them into pieces about a foot and a half in length.  Splitting them down the length of the log will help them dry out faster. Stack your firewood in a covered area if possible.  You want to keep as much rain from getting to it as you can.  Rain = moisture = smoky fires.  A wood pallet is ideal as a base.  It keeps the bottom row of logs off the ground.  Concrete blocks also are a good foundation.  Place the logs bark side up, with one end facing the wall or fence.  Once the bottom row is complete, the next row should be stacked crosswise to it.  This allows the maximum amount of airflow around the wood.  Continue stacking the rows perpendicular to each other. If you don’t have a covered area for your woodpile, choose a sunny area in your yard.  You can cover it with a heavy tarp, but don’t make it airtight.  After you have weighted down the tarp so that it won’t blow off, cut small slits in the tarp to allow for airflow.  This will let moisture out, and keep rain from getting on the wood. How do you know if the wood is dry enough to burn? You can always check it with a moisture meter – moisture content should be between 15 and 20%.  If you don’t have a moisture meter, you can also tell just by looking at it.  Properly seasoned wood will turn grayish in color.  If you check the ends, there will be small cracks and splits. A little effort and preparation now will help ensure a warm, smoke free winter.]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>3 Reasons to have a Flue Cap</title>
		<link>http://www.dr-soot.com/3-reasons-to-have-a-flue-cap/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dr-soot.com/3-reasons-to-have-a-flue-cap/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Mar 2013 21:01:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Martha</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dr-soot.com/?p=382</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Reason # 1 Spring is in the air and the critters are on the move.  Mama raccoon is looking for a good, safe place to birth her &#8220;kits&#8221; and if you have a masonry chimney without a flue cap, you may be chosen for her new home.  A good quality flue cap installed correctly will keep critters out of the flue. Reason #2 An uncapped chimney allows leaves and weather to come down your flue.  Water, when mixed with creosote creates lye (like Great Grandmother used to make soap) and that can deteriorate or &#8220;eat&#8221; the mortar joints in the flue.  Over time, this can create either a fire hazard or a fume hazard. Reason #3 As of 1989, regional building requires an approved spark arrestor be installed on all flues.  Older homes without them are grandfathered until either a repair is done or the home is sold. Dr. SOOT can provide either standard or custom flue caps for your chimney.  All of the caps we handle are stainless steel and come with a limited lifetime warranty (we can&#8217;t warranty our caps to stay on over 65 mph winds).  If you have problems with wind coming down your flue, we have a fix for that &#8211; commonly known as a high wind or Vacu-Stack cap.  As the wind blows harder, the draw gets better.  We&#8217;re happy to answer questions, so give us a call. &#160; &#160;]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Maintenance is key to Safety</title>
		<link>http://www.dr-soot.com/maintenance-is-key-to-safety/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dr-soot.com/maintenance-is-key-to-safety/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2013 23:12:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Martha</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chimney Up Keep]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chimney Sweep]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wood stove cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wood Stoves]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dr-soot.com/?p=334</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Just like chamging the oil in your car prolongs its life, the same is true for fireplaces and woodstoves. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends all wood burning systems (fireplaces and woodstoves) be structurally checked annually, and have their chimneys swept as necessary. This is the best time of year to do it because demand is less, promotional pricing is often available AND your system will be ready for the next burn season. Fireplaces and woodstoves can emit Carbon Monoxide if they are blocked or the draft is not optimal. Having your chimney checked will cost between $80 &#8211; $250, depending upon the type of system and servicing required. (Not too expesnive when you consider the normal value of your home is normally over $100,000). If you were to suffer an insurance loss from a fire that was determined to be from lack of proper maintenance. the insurance company may not pay for the damages. Wouldn&#8217;t it be better to be safe than sorry?]]></description>
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		<item>
		<title>There is still Time to Fire Up the Love: Valentines Day</title>
		<link>http://www.dr-soot.com/there-is-still-time-to-fire-up-the-love-valentines-day/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dr-soot.com/there-is-still-time-to-fire-up-the-love-valentines-day/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Feb 2013 18:38:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Burjon Marketing</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Comforts of Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chimney Sweep]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dr. SOOT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Chimney Sweep Guild]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Romanic Get Away]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Valentines Day]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dr-soot.com/?p=291</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Greeting cards abound with sentiments of love, television commercials focus on gleaming diamonds and your inbox is flooded with offers from florists.  Ah yes, it’s that time of year again, the time when we are urged to show our love and affection for that special someone in our lives. While a nice dinner in a fancy restaurant is a lovely way to celebrate, you can make Valentine’s Day extra special right in your own home. If you have a fireplace, you have the perfect centerpiece around which to build an extraordinary Valentine’s Day.   An intimate evening in front of the fireplace can fan the flames of romance, keeping the spark going long after the fire in the fireplace has died out.  Fire has always been a metaphor for passion.  We speak of burning love, of igniting love, kindling the flame of love burning bright.  What better way to celebrate love than in front of an actual fire? Preparation is the key to a stress free, enjoyable evening.  If you have a wood burning fireplace and have used it a bit this winter, start by cleaning out the ashes.  Lay a new fire with dry logs so that all you will have to do is light it when the time is right.  Make sure to have enough wood for the evening close by so you won’t have to go far to replenish the fire.  Sweep off the hearth and dust the mantle.  Be sure to de-clutter it if you have a lot of things on it. Surround the fireplace with bouquets of flowers.  Tradition would say to use red, white and pink, but if your darling loves a particular kind of flower, be sure to include some of those.  Place vases on each side, and on the mantle.  You don’t have to go overboard with dozens of flowers, single blooms in individual vases are an inexpensive way to create a huge impact.  Use leftover wine bottles, glasses or jars for the vases.  Candles are also always romantic, make sure to place some not only on the fireplace, but around the room.  Set your Ipod or CD player up with a romantic sound track.  Pick up a bottle of wine or two. You can do dinner in front of the fire in many different ways.  Set up a small table close to the fireplace, set it with your best china, and make a favorite meal.  Or do an indoor picnic.  Pick up some extra special cheeses, a loaf of good bread, fresh fruit and, of course, a decadent chocolate.  Spread a blanket on the floor, surround it with pillows to lounge on (make sure you’ve vacuumed the floor first!). Light the fire (or flip the switch).  Open the wine, turn on the music, light the candles, and dim the lights.  Enjoy your evening in front of the fire. &#160;]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Did Critters Find a New Home In Your Chimney?</title>
		<link>http://www.dr-soot.com/did-critters-find-a-new-home-in-your-chimney/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dr-soot.com/did-critters-find-a-new-home-in-your-chimney/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Jan 2013 14:41:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Burjon Marketing</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dr-soot.com/?p=283</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Your favorite Christmas present is the big screen TV you got.  The installation guys have finally come and hung it over the fireplace.  You settle in on the couch to watch the latest game, and all of a sudden you hear a scratching noise.  THAT’S not part of the announcers instant replay patter!  What’s that rattling?  Is the TV falling?  You get up to investigate and find that the noises are coming from INSIDE your chimney.  No, your house probably isn’t haunted.  The more likely explanation is that some small animal has decided that your chimney is a nice big hollow tree and climbed in to shelter for the rest of the winter.  Now what do you do?  You have 2 options – you can make sure the damper is closed, close the glass doors, and wait until spring for them to leave, or you can get them out of there! There are ways that you can get them out by yourself.  First – NEVER start a fire to try and smoke them out.  You will kill the animal.  Most methods involve irritating the animal enough that it will climb back up the chimney and leave.  You can try placing a bowl of ammonia in the fireplace.  The smell may cause them to leave.  Make sure to close the glass doors to keep the ammonia smell out of the house.  You can play loud music next to the fireplace.  Understand though that it may not be able to climb back up, especially if you have a metal flue.  If you don’t mind getting on the roof, you can hang a long rope down the chimney to give the animal something to climb back up. &#160; If it won’t go back up the chimney, you can tempt it to come down.  Open the damper and put a humane live trap at the fireplace opening.  Leave the fireplace doors open.  It may take a while, but your uninvited guest may climb down the chimney and into the live trap.  Make sure that they can’t get around the live trap, and into your house.  Nothing will ruin your day faster than a scared, ash covered squirrel running around your living room. Of course, the easiest way to remove an animal from your chimney is to call either wildlife control or a pest control company. Once the animal is out of your chimney, call a chimney sweep to put a chimney cap on.  Chimney caps are usually made of stainless or galvanized steel or copper.  They should also have a wire mesh barrier that not only prevents animals and birds from getting in, but also prevents sparks from getting out.  Chimney caps are fairly inexpensive, and well worth it. They also keep rain, which can destroy the chimney, from getting in. Not sure if you have a cap on your chimney?  Dr. Soot Chimney Sweep.  We will inspect your chimney, and install a cap if you need one. &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160;]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Santa Claus Is Coming to Town&#8230;Is Your Chimney Ready?</title>
		<link>http://www.dr-soot.com/santa-claus-is-coming-to-town-is-your-chimney-ready/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dr-soot.com/santa-claus-is-coming-to-town-is-your-chimney-ready/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:34:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Burjon Marketing</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chimney Sweep]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chritmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Colorado Springs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mrs. Claus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Santa Claus]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dr-soot.com/?p=270</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; It was a peaceful scene if you looked outside.  Snow fell with a whisper, gently covering the large fir trees surrounding the clearing.  In the soft light of the night, you could just barely see the lights of the barn, where the reindeer were snuggled up warm in the hay.  If you turned and looked at the room behind you, however, it was a scene of chaos.  Music blared, bright lights shone, the sounds of hammers echoed as elves hurried and scurried to and fro. It was the night BEFORE the night before Christmas, and the North Pole was in final preparations for the big night.  Final touches were put on the toys and gifts that Santa would deliver around the world the next night.  Lists were being checked and double-checked – who was naughty and who was nice? Mrs. Claus was carefully hanging Santa’s freshly cleaned coat next to the fire, so that it would be warm when he put it on the next night.  She straightened the shoulders, brushed some lint from the arm, and fluffed up the gleaming white fur that circled the collar and wrists. Santa looked up from his place at the desk and shook his head. “Why do you bother?” he growled. “ By the time I’m done, I’ll be covered in soot!  There won’t be a white spot on that coat.  You’re just wasting your time.” “Now, Santa” said Mrs. Claus, shaking her head. “Don’t be such a grump.  It’s important that you look good.  What if some little boy or girl wakes up and sees you?  If your coat is all dirty and black, won’t they use you as an excuse not to wear clean clothes?  If Santa can wear a dirty coat – why should I change my shirt, they’ll say!  No, you must set a good example, my dear, or they will all end up on the naughty list. And then,  you’ll have no one to deliver all those wonderful gifts too. ” “I just wish that everybody was like the people of Colorado Springs,” he replied.  “THEY know how to get on the nice list!  Why, they have fires in their fireplaces all the time, and yet, I don’t get covered in soot when I go down their chimneys.  I wonder what their secret is?” “Why, dear, you know what it is!  They clean their chimneys!  They know that the cleaner a chimney is, the safer a chimney is.  And, they don’t want you dragging dirt through their living rooms either. “ “Ah yes, they use a professional chimney sweep, don’t they?  Where is my Colorado Springs list?  I need to double check it.  I think there are probably a lot more people from there that belong on my nice list!” If you want to stay on Santa’s nice list, maybe you should think about cleaning your chimney! &#160; Call Dr. Soot Chimney Sweep in Colorado Springs at 719-598-4466.  Santa won’t have to worry about getting dirty coming down your chimney. &#160; Don&#8217;t Forget to See What Our Sister Company Has to Say Next Week About Santa&#8230;Advanced Clean Ducts]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>NBC&#8217;s Today Show Hidden Camera Report on Chimney Sweeps&#8230;and Why Dr. SOOT would not be caught!</title>
		<link>http://www.dr-soot.com/nbcs-today-show-hidden-camera-report-on-chimney-sweeps-and-why-dr-soot-would-not-be-caught/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dr-soot.com/nbcs-today-show-hidden-camera-report-on-chimney-sweeps-and-why-dr-soot-would-not-be-caught/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 20 Oct 2012 12:43:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Burjon Marketing</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chimney Up Keep]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CSIA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dr. SOOT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Chimney Sweep Guild]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[USA Today]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dr-soot.com/?p=252</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On October 12th, NBC’s Today Show did a hidden camera report on chimney sweeps.  With the weather getting colder it is important to make sure that your fireplace and chimney are in good working order, and that your chimney is clean, before you touch a match to that first fire of the year.  There is nothing like curling up in front of a blazing fire on a chilly day.  But you need to do it safely, and that means paying attention to the condition of your fireplace and chimney. There are almost 25,000 chimney fires every year, and they account for over $125,000 million dollars in property damage.  While a chimney fire may stay contained within the chimney itself, it will often spread and become a full-fledged house fire.   The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that you get your chimney inspected every year, and cleaned if necessary.   Many companies out there clean and inspect chimneys.  How do you know if you are hiring a reputable one?  As the Today Show report showed, there are unscrupulous companies out there that will try to either charge you for services you don’t need, or not actually provide the services that you paid for.  After all, you aren’t likely to climb up on your roof and look down your chimney to make sure that they have done the job you paid for.  And, unless you are a chimney sweep, you probably don’t know what to look for in the first place. So how do you protect yourself?  First, educate yourself.  Know what obvious signs to look for in your fireplace and chimney that indicate you could have a problem.  Know what to look for in a good chimney sweep.  The cheapest is not always the best way to go.  A good chimney sweep will be certified by the CSIA, and a member of the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG).  While this doesn’t guarantee the sweeps business practices, it does demonstrate that the company has a dedication to professionalism.  Check the company out with the Better Business Bureau.  Ask for current references.  Make sure that they are insured, and ask to see their insurance certificate.  Don’t get taken by telephone scams or by someone showing up at your door with a special “deal”.   Ask for estimates, the best estimates will also include pictures. Dr. Soot has been cleaning chimneys in Colorado Springs since 1989.  We are dedicated to educating our customers about their systems, and the most efficient use of them.  We provide safety checks and sweeps in accordance with local and national safety codes.  If you are ever concerned or confused about what we are doing, just ask.  We take the time to insure that you understand how your chimney affects the safety of your home, and exactly what needs to be done, and why, if repairs are needed.  Besides being members of NCSG, and certified by CSIA, we are members of the Better Business Bureau, the National Association of Residential Property Owners and we have a Contractor’s License from the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department.]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Elegance and Comfort of Electrical Fireplaces</title>
		<link>http://www.dr-soot.com/the-elegance-of-electric/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dr-soot.com/the-elegance-of-electric/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 06 Oct 2012 05:16:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Burjon Marketing</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Comforts of Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electric Fireplaces]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chimney Sweep]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dr. SOOT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electrical Fireplaces]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dr-soot.com/?p=247</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Sometimes there is nothing better than a warm fire in the fireplace.  When the beauty of the changing Aspens is offset by the chill in the air, or the sparkle of the snow is outdone by the cold, or even if you just want to add a little romance to your evening, flames flickering in the fireplace can hit just the right spot.  But, what if you don’t have a fireplace?  Adding a traditional wood burning fireplace can entail a great deal of work.  It could mean knocking out walls, building a chimney, building permits and major construction.  There is an easier way.  Instead of a wood or gas fireplace, consider an electric fireplace. Electric fireplaces don’t have complicated installations.   Simply plug them into any electrical outlet, in any room.  Unlike wood or gas, they don’t need to vent to the outside.  There is no need for stacks of firewood, or the expense of running an additional gas line.  You don’t have to worry about burning embers, or cleaning out the firebox. Electric fireplaces of the past did not give you the real feel of a wood burning fireplace.  They felt like more of a glorified electric heater.  Now, new technology has allowed manufacturers to create realistic looking logs that have an inner glow and fading embers.  Artificial logs can snap, crackle and pop just as wood logs do. Flames are adjustable to have a soft glow or roaring flames, whatever suits your mood.  If you like something more contemporary, you can skip the logs and use fire glass instead.  Fire glass is specially treated and tempered glass that comes in a variety of colors and sizes to suit any décor. There are a variety of models and styles to from which to choose.  From traditional looking, with wood surrounds and mantels, or classical with stone surrounds and mantels, to the ultra modern, there is an electric fireplace that fits into any décor.  Some models can even be mounted on the wall, like works of art. The main components of an electric fireplace are the blower unit, the logs and the controls.  Heat output can vary from 1,350 to 1,500 watts, which is enough to heat comfortably 130 to 150 square feet.   Most have 2 stage blowers and remote controls.  You can even enjoy the flames without the heat, so you can enjoy a fire at any time of the year. If you’ve always wanted to have a fireplace, but either didn’t want to mess with the wood and ashes of a traditional fireplace, or couldn’t afford the construction costs, an electric fireplace can be a good alternative.  Because they need no venting, electric fireplaces can even be used in apartments.  At Dr. Soot, we can help you find the perfect electric fireplace for your home.  Talk to us about it today, and while the snow swirls outside, you’ll be cozy and comfortable inside in front of a roaring fire.]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Comforts of a Wood Stove on a Fall Day</title>
		<link>http://www.dr-soot.com/the-comforts-of-a-wood-stove-on-a-fall-day/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dr-soot.com/the-comforts-of-a-wood-stove-on-a-fall-day/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:47:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Burjon Marketing</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Comforts of Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Burning wood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dr. SOOT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home heating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wood Stove]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wood stove cleaning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wood Stoves]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[As summer turns into fall, we tend to look for ways to make our homes cozier for the upcoming winter months.  Throws and blankets come out of the closet.  Shorts and T-shirts are replaced with jeans and sweaters. Now is the time to think about other ways to warm up your house.  If you don’t have a fireplace, a wood stove is a good alternative. From heating a single room, to heating the whole house, a wood stove can be an economical addition. Wood stoves are considered a green energy alternative.  They are more energy efficient than a fireplace because burning logs in an open grate is only about 20 percent energy efficient, but a wood stove can be almost 80 percent efficient.  Since wood stoves have doors and a contained chimney, they are clean burning.  There is very little smoke and ashes need to be emptied out only every couple of weeks.  Newer wood stoves now burn clean enough that the emissions from them are so low that they can even be used in cities that are smoke free.  Wood is the original carbon neutral fuel. Burning it produces no more carbon dioxide than letting it decay naturally in the woods.  It is a renewable resource and it’s sustainable.  Most of the time today when a tree is cut down, another one is planted in its place.  This makes using wood carbon neutral. Wood stoves can burn a variety of materials, not just wood.  Some stoves are multi-fuel, burning both wood and coal. Some burn pellets made of sawdust.  There are even compressed logs made out of waste-wood products.  When using wood, care should be taken to make sure that the logs are dried for at least a year so that the moisture content is reduced.  Waste wood can be used, but not if it is treated with any chemicals or has been painted.  Using treated wood releases harmful chemicals back into the air, so always take care to ensure that wood is untreated. There is a variety of styles of wood stoves, from the traditional to the contemporary.  A black cast iron stove looks terrific in a traditional home.  For a more modern home, there are models with lots of glass windows to show off the flames.  Stoves can come in any color, and dozens of designs to complement any décor. Wood stoves use their air flow structure to burn the fuel at high temperatures.  There are 2 different types of high efficiency stoves, advanced combustion and high efficiency catalytic and there are benefits to both kinds.  An advanced combustion stove uses two chambers, burning the fuel in one and keeping the high temperature smoke in the other.  In a high efficiency catalytic stove, catalytic com-busters work to destroy the smoke that comes from a lower temperature.  Talk with Dr. SOOT about the benefits and drawbacks to each kind. There is nothing better on a crisp fall day, or in the cold of winter, than sitting in front of the flames of a fire.  Let Dr. SOOT Chimney Sweep keep you comfortable this season!]]></description>
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		<title>Firewood &#8211; tips to know that you are getting what you want</title>
		<link>http://www.dr-soot.com/firewood-tips-to-know-that-you-are-getting-what-you-want/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Sep 2012 15:44:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Martha</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chimney Up Keep]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buying firewood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dr. SOOT]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dr-soot.com/?p=224</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It&#8217;s fall and time to make sure that you  have your needed wood supply for this winter.  I often get asked, &#8220;Is it all right to burn pine?  I hear that it is not a good wood.&#8221;  Needless to say, there are lots of different kinds of wood &#8211; pine, birch, cedar, maple, etc.   All of them will create heat when you burn them.  Hardwoods, such as maple or cedar is denser and will put out more BTU&#8217;s than the pine native to this area, but, the main criteria for good wood burning is SEASONED wood.  Burning &#8220;green&#8221; wood can make your woodburning system develop creosote much more rapidly, requiring more maintenance. Ways to tell that the wood you are getting is seasoned is to look and see if the ends of the  logs have darkened, started to crack and/or the bark is falling away.  Seasoned wood is lighter than &#8220;green&#8221; wood because the moisture content is much less.  Seasoned wood is not wood that has &#8220;been down&#8221; for a long time, but wood that has been downed, cut, and split. The seasoning allows the wood to dry out which requires air to flow around the wood after it is split. Be careful when you are buying firewood to inquire how the dealer measures a cord of wood.  A cord is defined as 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet of logs tightly stacked.  Beware of the pickup truckload of wood that doesn&#8217;t have at least 3 foot staked sides.  Normally a pickup bed will only hold about 1/2 cord, especially if it is just &#8220;heaved&#8221; or loaded unevenly in the bed. Prices can vary greatly, based upon the wood you are buying.  Obviously native wood &#8211; pine will be less expensive than hardwoods that will have to be transported from other areas of the country.  It is our recommendation that you check with the Better Business Bureau http://www.bbbsc.org , Angie&#8217;s List http://www.angieslist.com , or other recommendation sites about the company you are planning to use.  You can also check the Colorado Secretary of State website to insure they are a legitimate Colorado corporation http://www.sos.state.co.us/ .]]></description>
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