wood burning (Denver: house, purchase, contractors)

[ncbjab]

Are you allowed to burn a fire in your fireplace when you want to, or are there only certain times of the year to burn????

[2bindenver]

All fireplaces in the Denver metro (seven county) area are gas burning since 1985.

There are wood burning restrictions implemented and changed daily due to weather & pollutants present.

Red days are non wood burning, like today.

See http://apcd.state.co.us/psi/advisory.phtml

Enforcement seems to be an issue.

[sunsprit]

Regular wood stoves have been effectively outlawed in the metro area for general use.

There were , however, a few manufacturers making EPA compliant wood stoves with controlled combustion air and catalytic converters, which can be legally used on "red" days in the metro area.

The marketplace for those pretty much ended when wood pellet stoves and corn stoves (both OK to use) became more popular and cost effective. I believe that Vermont Castings still makes these stoves, among others.

However, the recent surge in corn prices (ethanol production) and high demand nationally for wood pellets have driven the cost of those fuels up to where it's more cost effective to use a high efficiency gas burning stove. Some of those have a window so you can see the fire, some have radiant heating elements.

Wood cookstoves are exempt from the wood burning statutes, despite what many ill-informed installers/contractors may tell you. The difference is that the firebox is very small, so you're adding wood every 45 mins-1 hour to keep a moderate fire going. They are also a pleasure to cook on, and we use ours all the time to heat our house and cook our meals. Unfortunately, the manufacturers have been withdrawing from the market due to slow sales.

You'll have to search for a new one or find an antique/restored one, if that stove type will work for you.

There's lots of firewood available regionally if you're willing to run a chainsaw and a wood splitter for a day or two each year, or commercial suppliers in the area.

[ncbjab]

Can we BBQ??? Do we receive a list of "red" days? What happens if we BBQ on red days?

Thank you for your input

[sunsprit]

Bar-b-que's OK anytime.

It was the particulates pollution from the wood fireplaces that was causing local folks and the EPA to crack down on woodburning fireplaces. The smoke would hang around in the valleys, or was a big contributor to the brown cloud in Denver.

The normally clear dry air is very crystal clear compared to many areas of the country where moisture makes for low visibility most of the time.

[BrianAggie95]

Wow I didn't know this... good info... So gas fireplaces with the fake gas logs are ok though correct?

[2bindenver]

yup, gas fireplaces are just a switch on when you want them and a switch off when you don't.

[NatureLuvr's]

I would love the input of those who live in the area or have lived there recently on the Air Quality / Action Day (October - March). Is it true that if you purchase a home that currently has a wood burning fire place you can not use it or burn wood during the months in which you would want to or need to use it? Or is it only on certain days? Air quality is a concern that is for sure and I support cleaning the air up which is a paramount issue, But on the same token that takes all the fun and charm of the fireplace out and makes it useless to have. What is the actual truth here? Are there any near by communities or counties that allow the use of them or without restrictions?


Also, is the Brown Cloud still an issue? A visible issue? A regular visitor or infrequent? I have read that it is much much better.
Thanks

[Katarina Witt]

Between Nov. 1 and April 30, you call this number: 303-758-4848. They will tell you if you can burn wood that day. At other times of year, you can burn wood whenever you want.

[steveindenver]

yup, gas fireplaces are just a switch on when you want them and a switch off when you don't.

Just make sure you keep a can of quarters nearby and chuck one into the fire every 5-10 minutes for good measure.