Proper Use and Maintenance of a Wood Heater Stove
A wood stove is a wonderful method to warm your home and it can also heat the entire home. Some of these appliances emit harmful gases, such as creosote, which can be dangerous for the health of your family and your property.
The proper care of these stoves is essential. Some important things to consider include making sure the room isn't overheated, not messing with the fire and using correctly dried firewood.
Fuel
Wood stoves burn a range of fuel types which include dry wood and manufactured solid fuels, such as briquettes and fire logs. These cleaner burning alternatives are healthier and more sustainable than traditional house coal or wet wood. They still emit harmful gases and smoke, and require regular maintenance in order to work at their best.
Before using or purchasing any fuel, read the manufacturer's directions and ensure that the type is recommended for your stove. Unsuitable fuel can damage your chimney and stove, causing expensive repairs or voiding the warranty. It is illegal to use unapproved fuel, especially in smoke control zones. Look for the 'Ready to Burn' logo, which confirms that the fuel is in compliance with the smoke emission and sulphur limits, and can be legally sold for domestic use. The logo is usually displayed along with the details of the price and brand or on the packaging.
Suitable fuels must be seasoned (stored and then split for a few months before use) or kiln-dried to decrease the moisture content which improves heat output and combustion efficiency. The type of wood you select must also be suited to your heating needs. Softwoods such as spruce and pine are good for heating, but hardwoods such as beech and oak produce more hot embers over longer periods. Fruitwoods like apple and cherry can not only be used to heat the house and provide an appealing scent.
If you have a multi-fuel stove, think about a mixed fuel fire; combining wood with smokeless briquettes can help to keep the flames going and warm your home for longer. Briquettes can be used as a back-up and can also in preventing a fire from a chimney by keeping the air moving.
A stove that is well-maintained will produce more heat and burn less fuel, while producing fewer harmful particles. If you have a wood or gas-fired stove, ensure that it is fitted by an approved installer (on a competent person scheme like HETAS, APHC, BESCA, Certsure or NAPIT). A regularly serviced appliance will be more economical to run and protect your health and the environment by preventing harmful emissions.
Design
The design of wood stoves is a crucial consideration for those considering them as a primary or complementing heating source. Unwanted byproducts from combustion, like carbon monoxide and smoke, are a concern for health and environmental impact. The most important factor in reducing the emission of these gases is to ensure proper operation and a careful design.
Modern wood stoves are designed to be more eco conscious than traditional models. All EPA-certified stoves comply with strict emissions and energy efficiency guidelines that optimize the quantity 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 determine the stove is certified. Going to local hearth stores who are aware of the performance of their inventory is also a great way to learn more about wood stoves and what size and capacity might be the best fit for your home.
One of the most important aspects of EPA emission regulations is the control of air flow through the stove. The stove's firebox is surrounded by walls of fireproof materials, and air vents are placed in the walls to provide controlled airflow. The control of airflow is essential to ensure that the combustion process is optimal and that emissions are minimized.
A majority of modern stoves have an air baffle that improves the time to burn the fire, which lowers the amount of smoke and harmful gases. Some wood stoves also use catalytic converters to cut down on NOx emissions. This type of system is more expensive and is typically only used in high-end wood stoves.
Stoves also employ different kinds of air control systems to regulate airflow in the stove. Most wood stoves use a basic passive air supply and require that the user (you), operate the stove properly to ensure maximum efficiency. Some wood stoves have active air supply systems that are controlled by sensors. These sensors monitor the combustion process, and adjust the air supply when needed.
One of the biggest advantages of wood stoves is that it doesn't require electricity to run, which makes it an ideal alternative heating option for homes that are located in remote areas or do not have access to a 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 your only option to warm your home.
Heat output
Many wood stoves boast their maximum heat output in BTUs. This is misleading, however, as the actual heating capacity of a wood stove is contingent on a variety of variables such as the size of the room and the degree of insulation.
The climate also affects the heating requirements. To ensure comfort in colder areas, you need stoves that have higher BTU ratings.
The type of wood and the frequency at which you refill your fireplace are other factors that influence heat production. Dry, seasoned firewood produces more heat than freshly cut and wet logs. The use of a stove fan also helps to transfer the warmth generated by the wood stove into the room instead of having the hot air rise.
It is important to remember that the maximum output of wood heater stoves is not to be reached often as continuous high firing causes damage to the stove's internals and can cause carbon monoxide gas to leak into the home.
Regular refueling can improve the efficiency of a fireplace. Make sure that the log is not too big and placed on the glowing embers so that it doesn't touch the glass or the walls of the stove. It's also recommended to add smaller logs more frequently rather than allowing too much time between additions.
High efficiency stoves are designed for greater heat output using the same amount of fuel. This is achieved by prewarming combustion air and by incorporating other features into the design. They typically produce less smoke, toxins and carbon monoxide than previous models.
Many people opt to install the boiler stove as part of their heating system. The heat produced by a wood burning stove is used to heat water for central heating systems or a hot water tank. shed wood burner allows the heat to be distributed throughout the house. This is a reliable and cost-effective way to heat the home. However, the installation process can take an extended time. This method requires a separate flue and the additional energy required to run a back boiler will increase the overall running costs of the wood stove.
Safety
Fireplaces and wood stoves are a convenient and attractive way to heat your home. However, they are not without their risks. Sparks and embers can fly out of a flame and ignite furniture or carpeting, and a burning chimney that is hot can cause fire destruction to the structure of your home. These dangers can be minimized by using and maintaining a wood-burning fireplace.
Wood-burning stoves must be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure they are safe and in good condition. This includes examining the chimney and flue for signs of rust and wear and having them cleaned at least once a year. The chimney should also be checked halfway through the season for creosote buildup, which is extremely flammable and could cause chimney fires.
When you are buying a wood-burning stove make sure you choose one that is certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or another recognized testing lab. This will assure you that the stove is built to meet federal safety standards, and is designed for proper venting. Examine the hinges, legs, and grates to ensure they are in good shape and securely fastened 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 insulated and non-combustible. You may also want to lay a layer of non-combustible floor tile over the flooring you have, particularly in the case of an old mobile home that has combustible floors.
Always burn only seasoned and dry hardwoods. Wet and green woods can cause excessive smoke and creosote. This flammable byproduct could build in your chimney, releasing toxic chemicals. Avoid burning cardboard, paper, trash, or any other combustibles, as these can cause dangerous fumes, and may not even burn.
Never "over-fire" your wood stove, i.e. create a bigger fire than the stove can handle. Overfiring can cause flames escape from the combustion chamber, causing damage to the stove, chimney connector, and chimney itself. It can also burn other combustible materials in your home. It is also essential to make sure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving your home or going to bed. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be working throughout the day.