conservatory wood burner and Maintenance of a Wood Heater Stove
A wood stove provides a cozy place to warm up and also provide warmth to a whole house. However, certain appliances emit harmful gases like creosote which can be hazardous to the health of your family and property.
It is crucial to maintain these stoves. Some important things to remember are to avoid overheating the space or tinkering with the fire, and using dry firewood.
Fuel
Wood stoves burn a variety of fuel types that include dry wood as well as manufactured solid fuels like briquettes and fire logs. These more clean burning options are healthier and better for the environment than traditional household coal or wet wood. However, they release gasses and smoke, and require regular maintenance to ensure they are operating at their best.
Read the instructions of the manufacturer prior to purchasing or using any type of fuel. Make sure it's the correct fuel for your stove. Incorrect fuels can cause damage to your stove or chimney and cause costly repairs and invalidating your warranty. It could be illegal to use fuel that is not approved, especially in smoke control zones. Look for the "Ready to Burn" logo. This confirms that the fuel is in compliance with smoke emission and sulphur limit limitations and can be legally sold for domestic use. The logo is usually displayed along with the price and details about the brand or on the packaging.
The appropriate fuels are prepared (stored and then split for a few months prior to use) or kiln-dried to decrease the amount of moisture which improves heat output and combustion efficiency. The kind of wood you choose should also meet your heating needs. Softwoods like pine and spruce offer an excellent value for money but hardwoods like oak and beech produce more hot embers and do so over a longer period of time. Fruitwoods such as apple and cherry can be used not only to heat the home, but also add an appealing scent.
If you own a stove that is able to use multiple fuels, you might want to consider a mixed-fuel fire. Combining wood with smokeless Briquettes can help maintain the flames for longer and keep your home warm. The briquettes are a good backup option and can help stop a chimney fire by ensuring that the air is flowing.
A well-maintained stove will generate more heat, use less fuel and generate less harmful particles. If you own a wood or gas-fired stove, ensure that it is installed by an authorized installer. Regularly serviced appliances are more efficient and safeguard the environment and your health by preventing harmful emission.
Design
The design of wood stoves is a crucial aspect to consider when considering them as a primary or secondary heat source. Carbon monoxide and smoke are undesirable byproducts that could have a negative impact on health and the environment. A well-planned and efficient operation are the most important factors in reducing the emission.
Modern wood stoves are more environmentally green than older models. All EPA certified stoves must meet strict energy efficiency and emission regulations to maximize the amount of heat produced. Look for an iron EPA certification mark on the back of the stove, or look through the EPA's current database to determine the stove is certified. Visiting local hearth products retailers who are aware of the performance of their products is a great way to learn more about wood stoves and which size and capacity may be the best fit for your home.
Controlling the flow of air through the stove is an essential aspect of EPA emission regulations. The firebox of the stove is surrounded by fireproof walls, and there are air vents within these walls, which allow for controlled airflow. Airflow control is essential to ensure that the combustion is at its best and emissions are reduced.
Many modern stoves have baffles that prolong the duration of the fire which reduces the amount gas and smoke that can cause harm. Certain wood stoves include an catalytic converter to lower NOx emissions. This is more expensive and is utilized only in high-end wood burning stoves.
Stoves also utilize different types of air control systems to regulate the airflow in the stove. The majority of wood stoves utilize a basic air supply that is passive and require that the user (you) control the stove in a way that allows maximum performance. Some wood stoves are also available with active air supplies, which are controlled by sensors that monitor the combustion process and adjust the amount of air as needed.
Wood stoves are a great alternative heating solution for homes in remote areas or that aren't connected to the electric grid. If you do not have a backup source of heating in case of an outage or a snowstorm, then the wood stove isn't the only option to heat your home.
Heat output
A lot of wood stoves advertise their peak heat output in BTUs. This is misleading however, as the actual capacity to heat a wood stove is contingent on a variety of factors such as the size of the room and how well it's insulated.
The climate of the area is also a factor in the heating requirements. To maintain comfort the colder regions require stoves that have higher BTU ratings.
Other factors that influence the production of heat are the type of wood used as well as the frequency of refueling. Dry, seasoned wood generates more heat than freshly cut and wet logs. A stove fan can help circulate the heat produced by the wood burner within the room rather than have the hot air rise up.
It is important to remember that the highest output of wood heater stoves is not to be reached often since continuous high fire can cause damage to a stove's innards and can cause carbon monoxide to escape into the home.
Regular refueling can also enhance the performance of the fireplace. Make sure that the log isn't too large and is placed on the glowing embers to ensure that it doesn't contact the glass or walls of the stove. It's also best to add smaller logs frequently, rather than leaving too much time between additions.
High efficiency stoves are designed to provide a higher amount of heat output from the same amount of fuel by supplying pre-heated combustion air and other design features. They typically produce less smoke, toxins and carbon monoxide than earlier models.
Some people opt to install a boiler stove as a part of their heating system. It uses the heat produced by the wood-burning stove to heat water in the hot water tank or central heating system, which allows the heat to be distributed throughout the house. This is an efficient and cost effective way to heat a home, although the installation process is quite lengthy. This method requires an additional flue, and the energy required to run a boiler will increase the overall cost.
Safety
Wood stoves and fireplaces are an attractive and convenient method of heating a home. However, they are not without risk. A fire could cause furniture or carpets to catch fire, and a hot fireplace can cause structural damage to your home. These risks can be avoided by using and maintaining an open fireplace that burns wood.
To ensure that wood-burning stoves remain safe and in good working order, they should be regularly checked and maintained. This includes examining the flue and chimney for signs of wear and rust, and having them cleaned at least once a year. The chimney should be checked for creosote about halfway through the season. It is extremely flammable, and can cause a fire in the chimney.
When buying a wood-burning fireplace make sure you choose one that has been certified by Underwriters Laboratories or another recognized testing laboratory. This guarantees that the stove complies with the safety standards of the federal government and is designed to vent properly. You should also inspect the hinges, legs and grates on a stove to ensure that they are in good condition and securely secured to the floor.
If you choose to install a wood stove in your cabin, make sure that the floor beneath it is insulated and non-combustible. You might also want to lay a sheet of non-combustible floor tile over the flooring that is in place, especially if you live in an old mobile home that has combustible floors.
Only burn hardwoods that are dry and seasoned. Wet and green woods can produce excessive smoke and creosote. This flammable byproduct may build up inside your chimney, which releases harmful chemicals. Do not burn cardboard or paper, trash, or any other combustibles, as they can create dangerous fumes and not even ignite.
Do not "over fire" your wood stove -- that is, generate a larger flame than the stove can handle. Over firing can result in flames escaping from the combustion chamber, causing damage to the stove, chimney connector and the chimney itself, and also burning other combustible materials within your home. Make sure the fire is completely snuffed out before leaving your home or retiring to bed. Finally, you should always have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home.