My husband and I have to make a decision soon about whether we prefer a gas range or an electric range in our new home. Honestly, I like glass cook tops because they are much easier to clean. But I know the pros diehard gas range cite in favor of non-electric stoves and ovens (more control of the heat, faster heat, etc.).

An almost offhand remark made by our builder cinched my decision, however. He mentioned that gas ranges produce more "combustible material." This of course affects indoor air quality. Since our home will be certified green, it is incredibly tightly sealed. This is great for conserving energy and keeping heating and cooling costs low. But a tightly sealed home also means that any indoor air pollution has that much greater of an effect on the home's inhabitants.

Regardless of how tightly your home is sealed, however, it's important to be aware of combustion sources in the home because combustion pollutes indoor air and can even pose a deadly hazard, as in the case of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Below are some recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Reducing Exposure to Combustion Products in the Home:

• Be extra careful when using unvented, fuel-burning space heaters. Avoid these kinds of heaters if possible. If you must use them, open a door from the room where the heater is being used, and crack a window as well. Follow manufacturer's directions carefully, especially regarding fuel and adjustment. A persistently yellow-tipped flame indicates improper adjustment and increased pollutant emissions.



• Make sure gas ranges have exhaust fans over them – and use them. Exhaust fans should vent outdoors. Also be sure the burners are properly adjusted. Again, a yellow-tipped flame indicates increased pollutants stemming from maladjustment. Flame tips should be blue.



• Ensure that the flue is open when using your gas fireplace.



• Use extreme caution when using wood-burning stoves. Choose new stoves that are correctly sized and that meet EPA emissions standards. Be certain that doors on old stoves are tight-fitting. Only use aged or cured wood. Pressure treated wood should never be burned indoors because of the chemicals used to treat it.



• Have central air handling systems, including chimneys, flues, and furnaces, inspected every year and repair as necessary. "Blocked, leaking, or damaged chimneys or flues release harmful combustion gases and particles and even fatal concentrations of carbon monoxide." In addition, the EPA recommends changing furnace filters every month or two when the units are in use. Even new furnaces need maintenance, as they too can corrode and leak combustion gases including carbon monoxide.

Image courtesy of: gas flame: flickr by stevendepolo.