Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner

The Caboose is an Ecodesign and DEFRA approved log burner which is able to burn smokeless and modern wood burner. It is able to burn larger pieces of wood, compared to small stoves, and also has an impressive energy output and burn time.

It can also be shielded with a heatshield to comply with Approved Document J Building Regulations, which require wood stoves to be kept 150mm away from surfaces that are combustible on all sides.

Clean wood burning fires

Wood stoves are not just stunning, but they're also a great method to heat your home. Therefore, they have to be properly maintained to ensure that they operate smoothly and efficiently. It can be a bit of an issue to keep the glass clear. However, a few easy tips can make a big difference.

First of all, it is essential to only use well-seasoned wood on your indoor wood burner stove. It should be chopped and stored for at least a year prior to use, as this will reduce the amount of smoke. The burning of unseasoned wood can cause the flue to overheat, which could lead to an uncontrollable fire that is out of control or even creating a chimney fire.

Only burn clean wood on your stove. Avoid burning paper or other non-wood items like rubber or plastics, as they could release toxic fumes that are harmful for your health. Do not burn treated or painted wood as this can release dangerous chemicals such as arsenic into the air that isn't good for your health.

It is also important to clean the interior of your stove regularly. This can be accomplished easily using a regular household vacuum cleaner as well as a brush attachment. You can also buy several cleaners made specifically for use on glass stoves, however it is important to ensure that the product you choose doesn't void the warranty of your stove prior to using it.

Additionally, it is essential to inspect regularly the fire rope seals around the top and bottom doors of your wood burner. These seals are designed to stop smoke or soot from getting out of the stove and it is crucial to ensure that they're securely in place and not worn away.

One last thing to do is to periodically remove any birds who have made their home of your chimney. Seagulls are a major problem and are known to perch on chimneys throughout the summer months, leading to all manner of debris falling in the flue that could damage your stove. You can install a variety of bird guards and spikes on your chimney in order to prevent this.

Paper Burning

The right kind of paper will not only start a fire quickly, but could also create dangerous smoke. Certain types of papers such as glossy magazines and giftwrap contain toxic chemicals that can emit toxic fumes when burnt. To ensure that you don't create a hazardous environment, only burn clean papers in your wood burner.

Consider using a tub if you only have a tiny amount of paper to burn. Place a stack on top of the tub and ignite the corner. The water will catch any embers that fall, and prevent them from catching the surrounding trees or grass that are on fire. If you're worried about the smell, place baking soda or vinegar around to neutralize the smell.

Start with a base of small twigs, or newspaper shredded. This will ensure that the paper burns properly. Add 3-4 medium-sized wood logs and let them burn. Then, you can place the paper on top. The paper will quickly burn, so it is important to be close by and monitor the fire as it burns.

It is an ideal idea to pick an unwind-free day to burn papers outdoors. A strong wind gust can send embers into your property or into the grass. Additionally, the smoke from burning papers could cause breathing problems when inhaled.

You can also employ a BBQ grill to burn paper, however this method is ideal if you only have just a few sheets of paper to burn. If you have a grilling surface, you can take it off it and burn the paper directly on the charcoal.

Before you begin to burn paper, make sure that your wood burner is fully functional and that the fire pit is free of branches, twigs, and other flammable materials. In the event there is an emergency, it is a good idea also to keep a fire extinguisher close by. Contact your local government and homeowners association to determine if it is legal for you to burn paper outside.

Safety Precautions

Wood burning stoves can be fantastic sources of comfort and enjoyment however, only if you use them safely. While it may be to some as if it's obvious however, the reality is that many people do not follow the basic safety precautions.

Make sure your stove is properly sealed, and any pipes that go to the outside are secured. It is also important to ensure that children and pets are kept away from the stove.

Make sure that there is no garbage or paper is left in the woodburning fireplace. The burning of these materials can cause the fireplace and chimney to overheat. They also can cause creosote that is a significant fire hazard and must be cleaned on a regular basis.

Make sure to check the smoke alarms and test them each month. Also, it's a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors, which can save lives and are affordable.

Always keep a fire extinguisher within reach in case in the event of an emergency. Always burn only dry, seasoned logs and never build a stack of logs that are too big. A pile of logs that are burning together will result in incomplete combustion, which can increase CO emissions. It is also essential to monitor the fire and if it becomes out of control, extinguish it quickly.

After you've finished using your stove, make sure the fire has been extinguished and that all combustible materials have been removed from the area around the fireboxes and flue pipes. There are specific clearance requirements that will depend on the model of your stove and also on the method you intend to install it in your home.

You should consider a DEFRA approved model if you plan to install your wood-burning stove in a smoke-controlled area. These stoves are designed to operate in smoke-controlled areas and are available in a range of sizes and colors. Some models can be customized to fit your personal style and have direct air intakes designed for greater performance in smoke-controlled zones.

Installation

Wood stoves can be used to heat small spaces. They can be found in sheds, yurts, and even cabins. In addition, they create a warm and cozy fire without the need for oil or electricity. In order to properly install your wood stove, it's essential to adhere to the manufacturer's installation guidelines. These instructions will help you avoid dangerous problems, and ensure your stove is safe to use.

Before installing your stove, you should remove all combustible materials from the area. You should also leave at least 16" between the stove and the nearest combustible walls. If you do not meet these requirements then a stove board or hearth pad can be put in place. The non-combustible pads come with 1" spacers to allow the stove to sit further away from the wall which could reduce the clearance requirement by up to 66%.

To stop smoke from blowing back into the room, take out combustible things like curtains and furniture. Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your shed. Last but not least, make sure that your shed has adequate ventilation. It is crucial to regularly inspect your stove and chimney to ensure security.

It is recommended to buy a wood stove that is EPA certified. This certification indicates that the stove is more than 75 percent efficient, which means it will capture and convert more heat from wood than it expels. It is also recommended to select the right wood stove based on the recommended heating capacity of the room in which it will be put. This will stop you from overloading your wood stove, which could cause smokeouts and creosote.

After you have cleared out the space and removed all combustible materials, you will need to make the foundations of your stove. This will involve the removal of all combustible objects and preparing the hearth. Make sure that the vents are clear and open. If not, you'll require new vents.

Once your stove is installed and you are ready to test it by lighting three or four small fires. This will cure the paint and bricks on your stove, and will ensure that you are able to safely ignite an enormous fire.