Proper Use and Maintenance of a Wood Heater Stove

A wood stove is a wonderful way to warm your home and it can also warm the entire home. Some of these appliances emit harmful gasses like creosote which is dangerous to health and property.

The proper care of these stoves is essential. Some of the most important points to be aware of include making sure the room isn't overheated, not messing with the fire and using properly dried firewood.

Fuel

very small wood burning stove stoves burn a range of fuel types which include dry wood and manufactured solid fuels like briquettes and fire logs. These alternative fuels that burn cleanly are more environmentally friendly than traditional house coal and wet wood, therefore they are more sustainable and safer to use. However, they emit some smoke and harmful gases and require regular maintenance to keep them working at their best.

Check the manufacturer's instructions before purchasing or using any type of fuel. Be sure that it's the right one for your stove. Incorrect fuel could damage your stove and chimney and cause costly repairs or invalidating the warranty. Using an unapproved fuel could also be unlawful, particularly in smoke control areas. Look for the "Ready to Burn" logo. This means that the fuel is in compliance with limits of sulphur and smoke emission limits and can be legally sold for wood heater stove domestic use. The logo is typically displayed on the packaging, or along with the name of the brand and its price.

The fuels that are suitable for use are seasoned (stored and then split for several months prior to use) or kiln-dried to reduce the amount of moisture which boosts the amount of heat produced and improves the efficiency of combustion. The type of wood you select will also depend on your heating requirements. Softwoods such as spruce and pine offer good value heat, but hardwoods such as beech and oak generate more hot embers over longer periods. Fruitwoods such as cherry and wood heater stove apple not only provide efficient heating but also elevate the ambiance by their pleasant scents.

If you own an appliance that runs on different fuels, you might think about a mixed-fuel fire. Combining wood with smokeless Briquettes will help maintain the flames for longer, and will keep your home warm. The briquettes can be used as a back-up and can help to keep a chimney from burning by keeping the air moving.

A well-maintained stove will produce more heat, use less fuel and create less harmful particles. If you have a gas or cast iron wood burner-burning stove, ensure that it is installed by an authorized installer. A properly maintained appliance is more cost-effective to run and will protect your health and the environment by reducing harmful emissions.

Design

The design of wood stoves is an important consideration for those considering them as a primary or secondary heating source. Smoke and carbon monoxide are undesirable byproducts that may have a negative impact on health and the environment. The key to minimizing the emissions is to operate with a proper manner and a careful design.

Modern wood stoves are designed to be more environmentally conscious than traditional models. All EPA-certified stoves meet strict emissions and energy efficiency guidelines which maximize the quantity of heat they generate. Look for the 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 know the performance of their inventory is also a great way to learn more about wood stoves and what size and capacity may be most suitable for your space.

One of the most important aspects of EPA emission regulations is the control of air flow through the stove. The firebox of the stove is enclosed by a wall of fireproof materials, and air vents are located within the walls to allow controlled airflow. The control of airflow is essential to ensure that the combustion process is efficient and emissions are reduced.

Many modern stoves use a baffle to increase the time to burn the fire, which lowers emissions of smoke and harmful gases. Certain wood stoves also employ an catalytic converter to lower NOx emissions. This kind of system is more expensive and is typically only found in top-end second hand wood burning stoves stoves.

Stoves use different types air control systems to regulate air flow. The majority of wood stoves still use a basic passive air supply which requires the owner (you) to operate the stove correctly to get the best performance. Some stoves feature active air sources that are controlled by sensors. These sensors monitor the combustion process, and adjust the air supply as required.

Wood stoves are a great alternative heating solution for homes in remote areas or those who are not connected to the electricity grid. However, if you do not have a backup energy source to depend on during an outage or in case of snow storms, a wood stove is not the sole option for heating your home.

The output of heat

Many wood stoves boast their maximum heat output in BTUs. This is not accurate as the actual heat output of a wood-burning stove depends on many variables including the size of the room, and the degree of insulation it has.

The climate of the region also plays a role in heat demands. Regions that are colder require stoves with greater BTU rating to maintain the comfort.

Other factors that influence the production of heat include the kind of wood used and the frequency of fueling. Dry, seasoned firewood produces more heat than fresh cut and wet logs. A stove fan may help circulate the heat produced by the wood burner in the room instead of having the hot air rise.

It is important to remember that the highest output of a wood heater stove should not be reached frequently since continuous high fire can cause damage to a stove's innards and may cause carbon monoxide to escape into the home.

The performance of a stove could also be improved by regular fueling. When adding a log ensure it's not large and place it on the embers that are glowing so that it doesn't touch the walls of the stove or glass pane. Make smaller logs more often, rather than taking too long between additions.

High efficiency stoves are designed to provide a higher heat output with the same amount of fuel. This is achieved by prewarming combustion air and using other design features. They typically produce less smoke, toxins, and carbon monoxide than previous models.

Many people opt to install boiler stoves as part of their heating system. The heat produced by the wood-burning stove to heat water in the hot water tank or central heating system, allowing the heat to be distributed throughout a house. This is an efficient and cost-effective way to heat a home. However, the installation process can take an extended time. This method requires a flue that is not already installed and the energy required to run a boiler will increase the total cost.

Safety

Wood stoves and fireplaces are an attractive and convenient method of heating a home. However, they are not without risk. A fire can cause furniture or carpets to catch fire, and a hot fireplace can cause structural damage to your home. A proper use and maintenance of a wood-burning stove reduces the risk.

To keep wood-burning stoves safe and in good working order they must be regularly checked and maintained. This includes checking the chimney and flue for signs of rust and wear and cleaning them at least two times per year. The chimney must be inspected for creosote half-way through the season. This is highly flammable, and can cause a chimney fire.

When you are buying a wood-burning stove, look for one that is certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or another lab that is recognized as a testing lab. This will guarantee that the stove is constructed to meet federal safety standards, and is specifically designed to allow for proper venting. Examine the hinges, legs, and grates to ensure they are in good shape and securely secured to a stove's floor.

If you decide to put in a wood stove in your cabin, be sure that the floor beneath it is non-combustible and reinforced. You can also install a non-combustible tile over your existing flooring when it is combustible.

Burn only seasoned, dry hardwoods. Green and damp wood can produce excessive smoke and creosote. This flammable byproduct may build within your chimney, releasing harmful chemicals. Don't burn cardboard, paper, trash or any other combustibles inside your wood stove as they could release dangerous fumes and could not burn completely.

Don't "over fire" your wood stove -which is to you should not create a bigger fire than the stove can handle. Over-fired stoves can result in flames escape from the combustion chamber, causing damage to the chimney connector, the stove and chimney itself, as well as burning other combustible materials within your home. Also, ensure that the fire has been completely snuffed out before leaving your home or retiring to sleep. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be working throughout the day.