Proper Use and Maintenance of a Wood Heater Stove
A wood stove can be a warm and cozy space to relax and warm a whole house. Certain stoves emit harmful gases, such as creosote, which can be dangerous for health and property.
Proper care of the stoves is crucial. The most important things to keep in mind are: not overheating the space or tinkering with the fire, and using properly-dried firewood.
Fuel
Wood stoves can be used to burn a variety of fuels which include dry wood as well as manufactured solid fuels such as briquettes or fire logs. These cleaner burning alternatives are healthier and better for the environment than traditional household coal or wet wood. However, they do still emit gasses and smoke, and require regular maintenance to keep them operating at their best.
Before using or purchasing any fuel, make sure you read the instructions of the manufacturer and ensure that the fuel you choose to use is suitable for your stove. Unsuitable fuels can damage your stove or chimney which can result in costly repairs and voiding your 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. This indicates that the fuel is within the limits of sulphur and smoke emission limits and can be legally purchased for domestic use. The logo is usually displayed on the package or beside the name of the brand and its price.
Suitable fuels must be prepared (stored and split for several months prior to use) or kiln-dried to decrease the moisture content, which increases heat output and efficiency in combustion. The kind of wood you choose should also suit your heating requirements. Softwoods like spruce and pine are good for heating but hardwoods like oak and beech produce more hot embers for longer durations. Fruitwoods such as cherry and apple can not only be used to heat your home and provide a pleasant scent.
If you own a multi-fuel stove, think about a mixed fuel fire; combining wood with smokeless briquettes can help maintain the flames and warm up your home for a longer time. The briquettes are a good backup option and can help stop a chimney fire by keeping the air moving.
A well-maintained stove will create more heat, burn less fuel and create less harmful particles. If you have a gas or wood-burning stove, make sure it is installed by a registered installer. Regularly maintained appliances are more efficient and protect the environment and your health by preventing harmful emissions.
Design
Wood stoves are a fantastic source of heat, however their design is important to think about. Unwanted byproducts from combustion, like smoke and carbon monoxide, can be harmful to health and environmental impact. The key to minimizing the emission of these gases is to ensure proper operation and a well-planned design.
Modern wood stoves are designed to be more environmentally conscious than traditional models. All EPA certified stoves must adhere to strict energy efficiency and emission regulations to maximize the amount of heat generated. You can check whether a wood stove is certified by looking for an iron EPA label on the back or checking the EPA database. Hearth stores in your area can also be a great source for information on wood stoves, including the size and capacity that is ideal for your home.
Controlling air flow through the stove is a key aspect of EPA emission regulations. The stove's firebox is surrounded by walls made of fireproof material and air vents are located in the walls to ensure controlled airflow. Airflow control is essential to ensure that the combustion is at its best and emissions are reduced.
A lot of modern stoves come with baffles that prolong the time the fire burns which reduces the amount fumes and harmful gases. Certain wood stoves include catalytic converters to cut down on NOx emissions. This system is more costly and is used only in top-quality wood burning stoves.
Stoves also use different types of air control systems to regulate the airflow in the stove. Most wood stoves have an inherently air supply that is passive which requires that the operator (you), operate the stove correctly to achieve the best performance. Some wood stoves are also available with active air supply that are controlled by sensors that monitor the combustion process and adjust the flow of air as needed.
Wood stoves are a great alternative to heating homes in remote areas or those who are not connected to the electricity grid. However, if your home does not have a backup heating source to depend on in the event of an interruption or snow storms, a wood stove is not the only option for warming your home.
Heat output
Many wood stoves are advertised as having a peak heat output rate in BTUs. This is a false statement however, as the actual heating capacity of a wood stove is contingent on a number of factors like the size of the room as well as how well it's insulated.
The climate of the area can also influence the heating requirements. To ensure comfort, colder regions need stoves that have higher BTU ratings.
The type of wood used and the frequency with which you replenish your fireplace are also factors that influence heat production. Dry, seasoned firewood creates more heat than fresh cut and wet logs. A stove fan can also help circulate the heat produced by the wood stove in the room instead of having the hot air rise.
It is important to remember that the maximum power of a wood heating stove should not be reached often, as a continuous high-fire could damage the stove's internals and lead to carbon monoxide to leak into the home.
The performance of a stove could also be improved through regular refills. Make sure that the log isn't too large and placed on the embers that are glowing to ensure that it doesn't get in the way of the glass or walls of the stove. It's also recommended to add smaller logs frequently rather than allowing too long between additions.
High efficiency stoves are designed to provide greater heat output using the same amount fuel. This is achieved by prewarming combustion air before heating it and using other design features. These stoves typically produce less smoke, toxins and carbon monoxide than older models.
A few people also decide to install a back boiler stove as part of their heating system. It uses the heat produced by the wood-burning stove to warm water in the hot water tank or central heating system, allowing heat to be distributed throughout a home. This is a reliable and cost-effective method to heat homes. However the installation process can take quite a long time. This method requires an additional flue and the energy required to run the boiler can increase overall costs.
Safety
Fireplaces and wood stoves are a convenient and attractive way of heating your home. However, they are not without risk. A fire can cause carpets or furniture to catch fire and a hot fireplace can cause structural damage to your home. The proper use and maintenance of a wood-burning stove reduces these dangers.
woodburning fireplace Fireplaces & Stoves -burning stoves must be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure they are safe and in good working condition. This includes examining the chimney and flue for signs of rust and wear, and cleaning them at least two times per year. The chimney should also be checked every season to check for creosote accumulation, which is highly flammable and can cause chimney fires.
When you are buying a fireplace that burns wood, choose one that has been endorsed by Underwriters Laboratories or another recognized testing laboratory. This will guarantee that the stove has been constructed to meet federal safety standards, and is designed for proper venting. It is also important to check the legs, hinges and grates on a stove to ensure they are in good shape and are securely fastened to the floor.
If you opt to install a wood-burning stove in your cabin, make sure the floor underneath it is sturdy and made of non-combustible materials. You can also lay a non-combustible floor tile over your flooring if it is combustible.
Only burn wood that is dry and well-seasoned. Wood that is damp and green produces excessive smoke and creosote, which is a flammable byproduct, which can build up in your chimney and release toxic chemicals into your home. Do not burn cardboard, trash, paper or any other combustibles because they can release dangerous fumes, and could not even burn.
Never "over-fire" your wood stove, i.e. create a bigger fire than the stove is capable of handling. Over-fired stoves can lead to flames escaping from the combustion chamber, causing damage to the stove, chimney connector and the chimney itself, as well as burning other combustible materials within your home. Also, ensure that the fire has been completely extinguished before leaving your home or going to bed. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors must be working at all times.