Proper Use and Maintenance of a Wood Heater Stove

A wood stove can be an ideal place to relax and warm a whole house. However, some of these devices emit harmful gases like creosote which could be harmful to the health of your family and property.

It is essential to maintain these stoves. Some of the most important points to remember are to avoid overheating the stove or tinkering with the stove, and using dried firewood.

Fuel

Wood stoves burn a variety of fuel types which include dry wood and manufactured solid fuels like briquettes and fire logs. These more clean burning options are healthier and more eco-friendly than traditional household coal or wet wood. They still emit harmful smoke and gases, and require regular maintenance in order to perform at their best.

Make sure you read the manufacturer's guidelines prior to purchasing or using any type of fuel. Be sure that it's the correct fuel for your stove. Unsuitable fuel can damage your stove and chimney and cause costly repairs or voiding the warranty. It could be illegal to use unapproved fuel particularly in smoke control zones. Check 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 typically displayed on the packaging or alongside the name of the brand and price.

The fuels that are suitable for use must be prepared (stored and split for several months before use) or kiln-dried to reduce the amount of moisture, which increases heat output and combustion efficiency. The kind of wood you choose must also be suited to your heating needs. Softwoods such as pine and spruce are good value for money, but hardwoods like 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 your home, but also add a pleasant aroma.

If you own an appliance that is multi-fuel, you should consider a mixed fuel stove; mixing smokeless briquettes with wood can help maintain the flames and keep your home warm for a longer time. Briquettes can be used as a backup and can also prevent a chimney fire by keeping the air moving.

A well-maintained stove will produce more heat and burn less fuel, while also releasing less harmful particles. If you have a gas or wood-burning stove, ensure that it is installed by a licensed installer. A properly maintained appliance is more economical to run and will protect your health and the environment by reducing harmful emissions.

Design

The design of wood burning fireplace stoves is a crucial factor to be considered when evaluating their use as a primary or secondary heating source. Smoke and carbon monoxide are unwanted byproducts that can be harmful to health and the environment. The key to reducing these emissions is correct operation and a careful design.

Modern wood stoves are designed to be more eco conscious than traditional models. All EPA-certified stoves meet strict emission and energy efficiency regulations that maximize the amount of heat they generate. You can check whether a stove is certified by looking for the metal EPA label on the back or checking the EPA database. Visit local hearth product retailers who are knowledgeable about the performance characteristics of their inventory is also an excellent way to learn more about wood stoves and what size and capacity is the best fit for your home.

Controlling air flow through the stove is a crucial element of EPA emission regulations. The stove's firebox is surrounded by fireproof walls, and there are air vents inside these walls, which allow for controlled airflow. The airflow control is necessary to ensure that the combustion process is efficient and that emissions are reduced.

A lot of modern stoves come with baffles that increase the duration of the fire and reduces the amount of smoke and harmful gases. Certain wood stoves utilize catalyst converters to decrease NOx emission. This method is more expensive and is utilized only in high-end wood burning stoves.

Stoves utilize different air control systems to regulate the flow of air. The majority of wood stoves use a basic passive air supply that requires the user (you) to operate the stove to get the best performance. 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 required.

One of the greatest benefits of second hand wood burning stoves stoves is that it doesn't require electricity to operate, making it an excellent alternative heating option for homes that are located in remote areas or without access to a grid. However, if your home does not have a backup heat source to depend on during a power outage or snow storms, a wood stove is not the only option for heating your home.

Heat output

Many wood stoves advertise the maximum heat output in BTUs. This is misleading because the actual output of a wood-burning stove depends on a variety of factors, including the dimensions of the room and the degree of insulation it has.

Climate can also affect the heating requirements. To ensure comfort the colder regions require stoves with higher BTU ratings.

The type of wood and the frequency at which you refill your fireplace are also factors that influence heat production. Dry, seasoned wood produces more heat than freshly-cut and wet logs. A stove fan may aid in the circulation of heat produced by the wood stove in the room rather than have the hot air rise up.

It is vital to keep in mind that the maximum output of a wood heater stove should not be reached frequently because continuous high-fire can cause damage to the stove's internals and may cause carbon monoxide to leak into the home.

Regular refueling can also enhance the efficiency of the fireplace. Make sure that the log isn't too large and is placed on the embers that are glowing so that it doesn't touch the glass or the walls of the stove. It's also recommended to add smaller logs frequently instead of allowing too long between additions.

High efficiency stoves are engineered to produce greater heat output using the same amount fuel. This is accomplished by prewarming combustion air and by incorporating other features into the design. They produce less carbon monoxide, toxins, and smoke than earlier models.

Some homeowners also choose to install a back boiler stove as part of their heating system. This uses the heat generated by the wood burning stove to heat the water in hot water tanks or a central heating system, allowing the heat to be distributed throughout a home. This is an efficient and cost-effective method to heat a home. However the installation process could take a long time. This method requires an additional flue, and the energy needed to run the boiler can increase overall costs.

Safety

Wood stoves and fireplaces are a practical and attractive way of heating your 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 maintaining and using an open fireplace that burns wood.

Wood-burning stoves need to be checked and maintained regularly to keep them safe and in good condition. This includes examining the flue and chimney for signs of wear and rust, and cleaning them at least once a year. The chimney must be inspected for creosote half-way through the season. It is extremely explosive and can lead to a chimney fire.

When buying a wood-burning fireplace select one that has been endorsed by Underwriters Laboratories or another recognized testing laboratory. This guarantees that the stove is in compliance with the safety standards set by the federal government and is designed to ventilate properly. Check the legs, hinges and grates to make sure they are in good condition and securely fastened to a stove's floor.

If you opt to install a small wood burner-burning stove inside your home, make sure the floor underneath it is a sturdy and constructed of non-combustible materials. You can also put tiles that are not combustible over the flooring you have in place if it is inflammable.

Only burn wood that is seasoned and dry. Green and damp wood produces excessive smoke and creosote, which is a flammable byproduct, which can build up in your chimney and release harmful chemicals into your home. Do not burn cardboard, trash, paper or any other combustibles as these can cause dangerous fumes, and may not even burn.

Don't "over-fire" your wood stove, i.e. create a larger fire than the stove can handle. Over firing can result in flames leaving the combustion chamber and causing damage to the stove, chimney connector and the chimney itself, as well as burning other combustible material in your home. It is also important to ensure that the fire is completely extinguished prior to leaving your home or going to bed. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be in working order at all times.