Chimney Fire in Prairie Village, KS Captured on Camera

 

A chimney fire occurred in February of 2023 in the 4600 block of West 82^nd St, Prairie Village Kansas. The neighbor captured photos of the fire department putting out the fire and sent them to us. The neighbor happens to be a client of HearthMasters. Since it is not common to get photos of chimney fires while they are in progress, we decided to post this event in order to warn people about the dangers of chimney fires.

Chimney fires occur when flammable creosote ignites inside a smoke chamber or flue due to an errant spark, a fire that is too large, or the use of paper, which can be pulled upward by draft and ignite the creosote. The amount of creosote inside the flue, along with draft, will determine how long the fire keeps going.

Most chimney fires are extinguished by expanding creosote, and often homeowners are unaware that they occurred. The damage may be found later by a chimney sweep. The interior and exterior of a chimney may be severely damaged by expansion and contraction caused by the heat of a chimney fire, making it unusable, and causing thousands of dollars of damage. Chimney fire damage is covered by homeowner’s insurance.

Some chimney fires are noticed at the time the occur, and that is when the fire department is called to put it out. Homeowners should always call the fire department when a fire occurs because it might not be contained inside the chimney if there are any breechings in the masonry or if combustible framing is incorrectly installed next to the chimney, which unfortunately happens too often. 

One of our customers stayed up all night watching his house after a chimney fire occurred, and had to call the fire department back three times because it kept reigniting combustible framing in the wall area. Had he not stayed up the house may have burned completely, 

After a chimney fire has occurred, the chimney should be inspected by a qualified professional chimney sweep using a chimney camera. If damages are found, which is very likely, the sweep should document the damages with photos and a written evaluation report for insurance purposes. Homeowners should not attempt to remove burnt creosote or do an inspection themselves.

Close up of firemen on the roof

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Marge Padgitt is president of HearthMasters, Inc. in Independence, Missouri. She is the author of The Chimney and Hearth Pro's Resource Book and Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking. www.chimkc.com 

The Benefits of Biomass Tax Credit for Wood and Pellet Stoves

 

High-efficiency wood-burning insert by Regency

By Marge Padgitt

Homeowners planning to install an alternative heating appliance should review the Biomass Tax Credit that provides an incentive for homeowners to install highly efficient wood and pellet stoves. This tax credit, which runs from January 1st, 2023, to December 31st, 2032, allows eligible taxpayers to receive a credit of 30% of the purchase and installation costs, up to $2,000 annually.

The Biomass Tax Credit, enacted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, was implemented to promote the adoption of more sustainable and efficient heating options in residential properties. This tax credit is applicable to wood and pellet stoves that meet specific criteria. To qualify for the credit, the stoves must have a thermal efficiency of at least 75% per the higher heating value (HHV) of the fuel, and be listed as an approved appliance. The tax credit is available for purchases and installations completed between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032.

In recent years, wood-burning appliance manufacturers have improved efficiency over their older models. Biomass fuel, which includes wood and wood-derived pellets, offers several advantages over traditional heating methods. One of the key benefits is its lower carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels. Biomass fuel is considered renewable as it is derived from organic materials, such as wood waste and agricultural crops. When burned in high-efficiency stoves, biomass fuel emits minimal greenhouse gases, contributing to reduced environmental impact. Additionally, biomass fuel is often sourced locally, supporting local economies and reducing dependence on foreign energy sources.

It is important to choose a stove that meets the thermal efficiency requirements to be eligible for the tax credit. Not all stoves meet these standards. There are stoves available at large box stores that do not meet the requirements, so choose a reputable hearth retailer or chimney service company to get a quality appliance. To identify qualifying products, individuals can refer to the Environmental Protection Agency's certified wood heater database, which lists stoves with efficiencies of at least 75%. Ask your hearth retailer or chimney sweep about the stoves they carry that qualify for the tax credit.

To claim the Biomass Tax Credit, homeowners must keep receipts for the purchase and installation, and the manufacturer's tax credit certificate. The manufacturer's certificate can typically be found on the manufacturer's website and should include information such as the manufacturer's name and address, the stove's make and model, proof of eligibility, and the manufacturer's signature. When filing taxes, individuals should complete Form 5695, available from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and include the necessary information, or give the information to your accountant. The credit offsets tax you owe, and it is not refunded to you.

Several manufacturers sell wood and pellet stoves that qualify for the Biomass Tax Credit. These include Regency, Quadra-Fire, Harman, Hearthstone, and Vermont Castings.

Like any heating system, biomass stoves require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and safety. Contact a professional chimney sweep for this service. Stoves should be swept annually, or bi-annually if used for continual heating purposes to remove flammable creosote. Only burn cordwood in the appliance and never burn treated wood, hedge, paper, or railroad ties. It is critical to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning, inspection, and maintenance.

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Marge Padgitt is the president of HearthMasters, Inc. in Independence, Missouri. She is the author of Wood-Fired Heating and Cooking and The Chimney and Hearth Pro's Resource Book. www.chimkc.com