Q&A Carbon monoxide from open wood stove

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
  • Hope everyone has a wonderful and warm Thanksgiving!
  • Super Cedar firestarters 30% discount Use code Hearth2024 Click here
Status
Not open for further replies.

QandA

New Member
Staff member
Nov 27, 2012
0
Question:

I am interested in installing a conventional woodstove. Will there be any significant danger of carbon monoxide accumulation and subsequent poisoning when operating the stove with an open wood-loading door (to enjoy the open fire) ? Is it -apart from the better efficiency- IMPERATIVE to leave the door closed?



Answer:

The danger of Co poisoning from a wood stove or fireplace is minimum because the CO in almost all cases would be "flavored" with smoke and other compounds. In other words, smoke would probably burn your eyes long before CO cut off your oxygen supply.

As far as the door opened or closed, this depends on the model. If the stove manufacturer claims in their literature and manual that this is a permitted use, then you can surely open it and enjoy the fire. Most stoves that permit this use have a spark screen included or as an option.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.