Don't Let Energy Efficiency Go Up In Smoke

Winter may be over in Nova Scotia, but now is the time to buy firewood for next year.

Health and industry experts say that the end of winter is the best time to buy next year's firewood.

"We're encouraging Nova Scotians to buy their supply of firewood now so it can dry and season over the summer," said Energy Minister Bill Dooks. "Proper seasoning and storage allows the wood to burn properly, which makes for cleaner air and more efficient burning. It will also reduce the amount of money you spend on wood each year."

"It's so important that Nova Scotians do everything we can to reduce the occurrence of asthma and other respiratory conditions in our province," added Bill VanGorder, president and CEO of the Lung Association of Nova Scotia. "By burning clean, dry wood we make the air we breath cleaner and safer for our families and communities."

Families in Nova Scotia that use wood to heat their homes can lower energy costs, reduce the risk of chimney fires and stop harmful pollutants from being released into the air by following these tips:

• Buy your firewood supply now. Firewood should be seasoned for at least six months before burning to reduce heating costs and excess smoke that can be harmful to health.

• Store wood correctly. Stack wood outside. Leave room between rows for air to flow through the stack. Make sure wood is kept off the ground and covered on the top.

• Upgrade to a high-efficiency wood stove. An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified wood stove will use up to one-third less wood to produce the same amount of heat and cut emissions by up to 90 per cent. Stoves should be installed by a professional certified under the Wood Energy Technical Training (WETT) program. Until Aug. 31, 2007, a $200 rebate is available from the province under the Smart Energy Choices program.

• Have the wood stove inspected and cleaned once a year by a WETT-certified technician.

More information about safe and efficient wood burning practices is available by calling the Department of Energy EnerInfo line at 1-800-670-4636 and on the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/energy .