The fumes and flue gases from combustion in the wood stove must be able to escape easily through a flue. Otherwise, this can have fatal consequences for the residents of the home Photo: Picture Alliance / dpa / dpa-tmn
By BZ / dpa
Wood stoves can significantly reduce heating costs in this crisis year. But stoves and fireplaces that have not been used for a long time can become a deadly danger. You should check this before using it for the first time.
The chimney above a stove that has not been used for a long time may be clogged.
For example, birds may have built their nests in or on top. This would have consequences: The fumes from the stove no longer escape completely through the chimney.
The HKI Industry Association for Home, Heating and Kitchen Technology therefore recommends having stoves and fireplaces checked that have not been used for a long time by a chimney sweep or heating installer.
Such a defective chimney means danger to life: the exhaust gas contains deadly carbon monoxide, which enters the living room due to blockage through the stove.
You cannot see, smell or taste the poison. It accumulates in the blood and prevents the body from absorbing oxygen, even to the point of suffocation.
