Proper Use and Maintenance of a Wood Heater Stove A wood stove provides a warm and cozy space to warm up and also warm a whole house. However, some of these appliances release harmful gases, such as creosote that could be harmful to health and property. Proper care of these stoves is vital. Some of the most important points to keep in mind include making sure that the room is not overheated and not tampering with the fire and using properly dried firewood. Fuel Wood stoves can be used to burn a variety of fuels, including dry wood as well as manufactured solid fuels, such as briquettes or fire logs. These cleaner burning alternatives are healthier and more sustainable than traditional household coal or wet wood. However, they do still emit some toxic gases and smoke. They also require regular maintenance to keep them operating at their best. Check the manufacturer's instructions before buying or using any kind of fuel. Make sure it is the right fuel for your stove. Incorrect fuel could damage your chimney and stove and cause costly repairs or voiding the warranty. Utilizing a fuel that has not been approved may also be unlawful, particularly in smoke control areas. Look for the 'Ready to Burn logo, which demonstrates that the fuel is in compliance with sulphur and smoke emission limits and is legally sold for domestic use. The logo is often displayed alongside the details of the price and brand or on the packaging. The fuels suitable for combustion should be dried out or seasoned to reduce moisture content. This will improve heat output and combustion efficiency. The type of wood you select should also meet your heating needs. Softwoods like spruce and pine are good for heating however, hardwoods like beech and oak produce greater quantities of hot embers over longer periods. Fruitwoods like apple and cherry can be used not only to heat the home, but also add an appealing scent. If you have an appliance that is multi-fuel, you should consider a mixed fuel fire; combining wood with smokeless briquettes can help maintain the flames and keep your home warm for a longer period of time. Briquettes are a great alternative and can keep a chimney from burning by keeping the air flowing. A well-maintained stove will produce more heat and burn less fuel while releasing fewer harmful particles. If you have a gas or wood-burning stove, make sure it is installed by an authorized installer. Regularly serviced appliances are more efficient and help protect your health and the environment by preventing harmful emissions. Design The design of wood stoves is a crucial aspect to consider when considering them as a primary or secondary heat source. Unwanted byproducts of combustion, such as carbon monoxide and smoke can be harmful to health and environmental impact. A well-planned and efficient operation are key factors in minimizing the emission. Modern wood stoves are designed to be more environmentally conscious than traditional models. All EPA-certified stoves meet strict emissions and energy efficiency guidelines that optimize the amount of heat they generate. Look for a metal EPA certification label on the back of the stove or check out the EPA's current database to see if a particular wood stove is certified. Going to local hearth stores who are knowledgeable about the performance characteristics of their products is a great way to learn more about wood stoves and what size and capacity might be the best fit for your home. Controlling the flow of air through the stove is an essential element of EPA emission regulations. The firebox of the stove is surrounded by a wall of fireproof material and air vents are positioned in the walls to ensure controlled airflow. british wood burning stoves is necessary to ensure that the combustion process is efficient and that emissions are reduced. A majority of modern stoves have a baffle that increases the combustion time of the fire, which reduces emissions of smoke and harmful gases. Certain wood stoves include a catalytic converter to reduce NOx emissions. This type of system is a little more expensive and is typically only found in top-end wood stoves. Stoves employ different types of air control systems to regulate air flow. The majority of wood stoves still employ a basic passive air supply which requires the owner (you) to operate the stove in order to achieve peak performance. A few wood stoves also come with active air supplies, which are controlled by sensors that track the combustion process and adjust the amount of air according to the needs. One of the most significant advantages of a wood stove is that it doesn't require electricity to run, which makes it an ideal alternative to heating homes that are located in remote areas or do not have access to a grid. However, if you do not have a backup heat source to depend on in the event of an outage or an upcoming snowstorm, a wooden stove should not be the sole option for heating your home. The output of heat Many wood stoves advertise their peak heat output in BTUs. This is a false statement however, as the actual heating capacity of a wood stove is dependent on a number of factors such as the size of the room and the degree of insulation. Climate can also affect the heat requirements. british wood burning stoves that are colder require stoves with greater BTU rating to maintain the temperature. Other factors that influence the production of heat include the kind of wood used and the frequency of fueling. Dry, seasoned firewood generates more heat than freshly cut and wet logs. A stove fan can also aid in the circulation of heat produced by the wood stove in the room, rather than having the hot air rise up. It is crucial to remember that the maximum power of a wood heater is not to be reached frequently as a continuous high-fire could damage the stove's internals, and result in carbon monoxide leaking into the home. Regular refueling can also improve the performance of a fireplace. When adding a log, ensure that it's not too large and set it on the embers that are glowing so that it does not touch the walls of the stove or glass pane. It's also best to add smaller logs more frequently, rather than leaving too much time between additions. High efficiency stoves are designed for a higher heat output with the same amount fuel. This is accomplished by prewarming combustion air and employing other design features. They produce less carbon monoxide, toxins and smoke than older models. Some homeowners also choose to install a back boiler stove as part of their heating system. The heat generated by a wood-burning stove is used to heat water for a central heating system or hot water tank. This allows the heat to be distributed throughout the house. This is an efficient and cost effective way to heat a home however the process of installation can be quite extensive. This method requires a separate flue and the additional energy required to run back boilers will raise the operating costs of the wood stove. Safety Fireplaces and wood stoves are a beautiful and efficient method of heating a home. However, they aren't without risk. A fire can cause carpets or furniture to catch fire and a fireplace that is hot can cause structural damage to your home. These dangers can be minimized by using and maintaining a wood-burning fireplace. Wood-burning stoves need to be checked and maintained regularly to keep them safe and in good condition. This includes inspecting the flue and chimney at least once a year for signs of rust or wear and cleaning them. The chimney should also be checked every season for creosote buildup, which is extremely flammable and could cause chimney fires. When buying a wood-burning fireplace select one that has been endorsed by Underwriters Laboratories or another recognized testing laboratory. This assures that the stove is in compliance with federal safety standards and is designed to vent properly. Also, you should inspect the hinges, legs and grates of the stove to ensure they are in good shape and securely attached to the floor. If you decide to install a wood-burning fireplace in your cabin, make sure the floor underneath it is sturdy and made from non-combustible material. You can also install a non-combustible floor tile over the flooring you have in place in the event that it is fire-proof. Always burn only seasoned, dry hardwoods. Wood that is damp or green can cause excessive smoke and creosote. This flammable byproduct could build up inside your chimney, releasing harmful chemicals. Don't burn trash, cardboard, newspaper or any other combustibles inside your wood stove, as they can create dangerous fumes and may not burn completely. Do not over fire your wood stovewhich is to create a larger fire than the stove is able to handle. Overfiring can cause flames to escape from the combustion chamber, causing damage to the chimney, stove connector, as well as the chimney itself. It may also cause the burning of other combustible materials within your home. It is also essential to ensure that the fire is completely snuffed out before leaving your home or going to sleep. Finally, you should always have functioning carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in your house.
