Wood Heating Equipment, Wood Fireplaces

A. All Osburn fireplaces are certified as per the latest CSA standards. Most of our fireplaces are tested by Warnock Hersey, an independent testing agency which role is to certify that our units comply with the security standards set by the CSA (Canadian Standard Association). This is why the certification plate at the back of our fireplaces reads “Warnock Hersey”. ULC (Underwriters Laboratories of Canada) is another independent testing agency.

A. A fireplace can be an existing masonry space where wood is burnt and vented outside via a chimney. These are usually built with brick, stone, or tile and they connect seamlessly to the chimney and flue. A fireplace can also be a factory-built unit that is framed into a home using non-combustible materials. Wood burning fireplaces look and feel just like the traditional wood-burning options, however, they’ve been updated to be more energy efficient with better burning efficiencies.

A. Installing a new fireplace in your home is ideal when the house is being built or if you already have a fireplace and are replacing it or are doing a renovation. Any fireplace chosen is framed into a wall and venting added as needed. The upside to a fireplace is that you do not sacrifice viewing area and the styles are endless.

A. Your exhaust system is comprised of two main elements: a chimney and stove pipe. There are two types of chimneys: a Class A metal chimney or a masonry chimney. Class A chimneys are rated to withstand temperatures up to 2100F and are easy to install. The stove pipe cannot go through ceilings, closets, floors, or any other combustible partition. It is the chimney that goes through combustible partitions and that goes out to the exterior of the house, according to the chimney manufacturer’s specifications.

A. Hardwoods such as oak, maple, birch, and hickory are the best types of wood to burn in a wood fireplace. These woods burn more slowly and produce more heat than softer woods such as pine or spruce. It's important to only burn seasoned wood, which is wood that has been dried for at least six months, to prevent excess smoke and creosote buildup.

A. To prevent smoke from entering your home while using a wood fireplace, make sure the damper is open and the flue is clean. Also, ensure that the fire has enough oxygen by opening a window or door slightly to allow fresh air to enter the room. Properly stacking the wood in the fireplace can also help prevent smoke from entering your home.

A. No, it's not safe to leave a fire burning in a wood fireplace overnight. It's important to always monitor the fire and ensure that it's completely extinguished before going to bed. Leaving a fire burning overnight can increase the risk of a chimney fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

A. An energy-efficient wood fireplace will have a high heat output and low emissions. Look for a fireplace that has an EPA-certified rating, which indicates that it meets the emissions standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Also, consider a fireplace insert, which can increase the efficiency of your wood fireplace by up to 80%.