Proper Use and Maintenance of a Wood Heater Stove
A wood stove is an excellent method to warm your home and can also heat the entire home. However, some of these appliances release harmful gases, such as creosote that can be hazardous to health and property.
The proper care of these stoves is vital. Some important things to remember are: not overheating the area and not tinkering with the stove, and using dried firewood.
Fuel
Wood stoves burn a range of fuel types, including dry wood and manufactured solid fuels, such as briquettes and fire logs. These clean burning alternative fuels are more environmentally friendly than traditional house coal and wet wood, so are more sustainable and safer to use. However, they do still release smoke and harmful gases and require regular maintenance to keep them working at their peak.
Before purchasing or using any fuel, check the manufacturer's directions and make sure that the type is recommended for your stove. The wrong fuel can cause damage to your stove and chimney, causing expensive repairs or invalidating the warranty. It is illegal to use unapproved fuel particularly in smoke control zones. Look for the 'Ready To Burn logo, which demonstrates that the fuel is in compliance with the sulphur and smoke emission standards and can be legally sold for domestic use. The logo is usually displayed on the packaging, or along with the name of the brand and its price.
Suitable fuels must be seasoned (stored and split for several months prior to use) or kiln-dried to reduce the moisture content, which increases heat output and efficiency in combustion. The type of wood selected should also meet your heating requirements. Softwoods like pine and spruce offer excellent value for money, however hardwoods such as oak and beech generate more hot embers and do so for a longer time. Fruitwoods such as cherry and apple are not just used to heat the home and provide a pleasant scent.
If you have a stove that uses multiple fuels, you may be interested in a mixed fuel fire. Combining wood with smokeless Briquettes can aid in keeping the flames going for longer and help keep your home warm. The briquettes can be used as a back-up and also help keep a chimney from burning by keeping the air moving.
A well-maintained stove will produce more heat, use less fuel and generate less harmful particles. If you own an oil or gas-fired wood stove, ensure it is installed by an approved installer (on a competent person scheme such as HETAS, APHC, BESCA, Certsure or NAPIT). Regularly serviced appliances are more efficient and safeguard your health and the environment by preventing harmful emissions.
Design
The design of wood stoves is an important consideration for those considering them as a primary or complementing source of heat. Unwanted byproducts from combustion, like smoke and carbon monoxide, pose a risk to the environment and health. The key to minimizing the emissions is to operate with a proper manner and careful design.
Modern wood stoves are more environmentally green than older models. All stoves certified by the EPA meet strict emission and energy efficiency regulations that maximize the amount of heat they generate. Look for the metal EPA certification label on the back of the stove or look through the EPA's current database to see the stove is certified. Visit local hearth product retailers who know the performance capabilities of their selection is a great way to learn more about wood stoves and which size and capacity might be best for your space.
One of the main components of EPA emission regulations is the control of air flow through the stove. The stove's firebox is surrounded by walls that are fireproof, and there are air vents within these walls, which allow for controlled airflow. Controlling airflow is crucial to ensure that combustion is optimal and emissions are reduced.
Many modern stoves use an air baffle that improves the time for combustion of the fire, which reduces the amount of smoke and harmful gases. Some wood stoves also use catalytic converters to cut down on NOx emissions. This method is more expensive and used only in high-end wood burning stoves.
Stoves also use different types of air control systems to regulate the air flow through the stove. 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 wood stoves have active air supplies that are controlled by sensors. These sensors monitor the combustion process, and adjust the air supply when needed.
One of the most significant advantages of wood stoves is that it doesn't require electricity to run, which makes it an excellent alternative to heating homes that are located in remote areas or aren't connected to a grid. If you do not have a backup heating source in the event of an outage or a snowstorm, then wood stoves shouldn't be your sole option for heating your home.
The output of heat
Many wood stoves boast their maximum heat output in BTUs. This is a false statement, however, as the actual capacity to heat a wood stove is dependent on a number of factors such as the size of the room as well as how well it's insulated.
The climate also has an impact on the heating requirements. To ensure comfort in colder areas, you need stoves with higher BTU ratings.
Other factors that affect heat production include the type of wood used and the frequency of refilling. Dry, seasoned wood generates more heat than freshly cut and wet logs. A stove fan can also help circulate the heat produced by the wood burner within the room rather than have the hot air rise.
It is essential to remember that the maximum output of a wood heating stove should not be exceeded frequently because a continuous fire can cause damage to the stove's internals and lead to carbon monoxide leakage into the home.
The performance of a stove could also be improved by regular refills. When adding a log, ensure it's not large and set it on the glowing embers so that it doesn't touch the walls of the stove or glass pane. It's also best to add smaller logs more often rather than allowing too much time between additions.
High efficiency stoves are engineered to provide a higher amount of heat output using the same amount of fuel by providing pre-heated combustion air as well as other design features. They typically produce less smoke, toxins and carbon monoxide than previous models.
Some homeowners also choose to install a back boiler stove as part of their heating system. The heat produced by the wood burning stove to heat the water in a hot water tank or central heating system, allowing the heat to be distributed throughout the house. This is an efficient and cost-effective method of heating a home however the process of installation can be very extensive. This method requires a separate flue, and the additional energy required to run a back boiler will increase the overall running costs of a wood stove.
Safety
Fireplaces and wood stoves can be a convenient and attractive way of heating your home. However, they are not without risk. Sparks and embers can spout out of a flame and ignite carpeting or furniture A burning chimney that is hot can cause fire damage to the structure of your house. These dangers can be minimized by using and maintaining a wood-burning fireplace.
Wood-burning stoves need to be checked and maintained regularly to ensure they are secure and in good condition. This includes inspecting the flue and chimney at least once each year for signs of rust or wear, and cleaning them. The chimney should also be inspected every season for creosote buildup, which is highly flammable and may cause chimney fires.
When buying a wood-burning fireplace select one that has been certified by Underwriters Laboratories or another recognized testing laboratory. This will ensure that the stove has been constructed to comply with federal safety standards and is designed for proper venting. Check check these guys out , hinges and grates to ensure they are in good condition and securely fastened to the floor of the stove.
If you decide to put in a wood stove in your cabin, make sure that the floor underneath it is reinforced and non-combustible. You can also lay tiles that are not combustible over the flooring you have in place when it is inflammable.
Burn only hardwoods that are dry and well-seasoned. Green and damp wood can cause excessive smoke and creosote. This flammable byproduct may build within your chimney, releasing harmful chemicals. Do not burn cardboard or trash, paper or any other combustibles because they can release dangerous fumes, and could not even ignite.
Don't "over fire" your wood stovewhich is to generate a larger flame than the stove can handle. Overfiring can cause flames to escape from the combustion chamber, which can damage to the chimney, stove connector, and chimney itself. It can also burn 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. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be functioning at all times.