Proper Use and Maintenance of a Wood Heater Stove
A wood stove is a warm and cozy space to warm up and can provide warmth to a whole house. However, certain appliances release harmful gases, such as creosote that could be harmful to the health of your family and property.
The proper care of these stoves is essential. Some of the most important points to remember are: not overheating the space and not tinkering with the stove, and using dried firewood.
Fuel
Wood stoves burn a variety of fuel types, including dry wood and manufactured solid fuels like briquettes and fire logs. These alternative fuels that burn cleanly are more environmentally friendly than traditional house coal and wet wood, which means they are more sustainable and healthier to use. However, they do still release gasses and smoke, and require regular maintenance to keep them operating at their best.
Before purchasing or using any fuel, read the manufacturer's instructions and make sure that the type is recommended for your stove. The wrong fuel can cause damage to your chimney and stove, causing expensive repairs or invalidating the warranty. It is illegal to use unapproved fuel particularly in smoke control zones. Check for the 'Ready to Burn' logo, which confirms that the fuel is in compliance with the smoke emission and sulphur limits and is legally sold for domestic use. The logo is typically displayed on the packaging or alongside the name of the brand and its price.
Suitable fuels should be seasoned (stored and split for several months prior to use) or kiln-dried to decrease the amount of moisture which boosts heat output and combustion efficiency. The type of wood you select should also suit your heating requirements. Softwoods such as pine and spruce are an excellent value for money however hardwoods such as oak and beech generate more hot embers, and they do so for a longer time. Fruitwoods like apple and cherry can not only be used to heat the home but also provide a pleasant aroma.
If you own a multi-fuel stove, consider a mixed fuel fire; mixing smokeless briquettes with wood will help keep the flames burning and warm up your home for longer. The briquettes can be used as a back-up and also help prevent a chimney fire by keeping the air moving.
A stove that is well-maintained will produce more heat and burn less fuel while releasing fewer harmful particles. If you own an oil or gas-fired wood stove, ensure it is fitted by an authorized installer (on a competent person scheme like HETAS, APHC, BESCA, Certsure or NAPIT). Regularly maintained appliances are more efficient and protect your health and the environment by preventing harmful emission.
Design
The design of wood stoves is a crucial aspect to consider when considering their use as a primary or secondary source of heat. Carbon monoxide and smoke are undesirable byproducts that could cause harm to health and the environment. The key to reducing 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 comply with strict emission and energy efficiency regulations to maximize the amount of heat produced. Look for a metal EPA certification mark on the back of the stove, or check out the EPA's current database to determine if a particular wood stove is certified. Visit local hearth product retailers who are aware of the performance characteristics of their selection is a great way to learn more about wood stoves and which size and capacity may be the best fit for your home.
Controlling the flow of air through the stove is a crucial aspect of EPA emission regulations. The stove's firebox is surrounded by a wall of fireproof materials and air vents are located in the walls to ensure controlled airflow. Airflow control is essential to ensure that combustion is optimal and emissions are minimal.
A majority of modern stoves have a baffle to increase the time to burn the fire, which lowers smoke output and harmful gases. Certain wood stoves include catalytic converters to cut down on NOx emissions. This kind of system is a little more expensive and is usually only used in high-end wood stoves.
Stoves use different types air control systems to regulate the flow of air. The majority of wood stoves use a basic passive air supply, which requires the operator (you) to operate the stove properly to ensure maximum performance. A few wood stoves come with active air supplies, which are controlled by sensors that monitor the combustion process and adjust the supply of air based on the need.
Wood stoves are an excellent alternative to heating homes in remote areas or those without access to the electric grid. However, if you do not have a backup energy source to depend on during an outage or in case of snow storms, a wood stove is not the only option for warming your home.
The output of heat
Many wood stoves are advertised as having a peak heat output rate in BTUs. This is a false statement however, since the actual capacity to heat a wood stove is dependent on a variety of factors such as the size of the room and how well it's insulated.
Climate can also affect the heat requirements. The colder regions require stoves with a a higher BTU rating to maintain the temperature.
Other variables that affect heat production include the kind of wood used and the frequency of refueling. Dry, seasoned wood generates more heat than freshly-cut and wet logs. A stove fan can aid in the circulation of heat produced by the wood burner within the room rather than have the hot air rise.
It is important to keep in mind that the maximum power of a wood heater should not be reached often because a continuous fire can damage the stove's internals and lead to carbon monoxide leaking into the home.
Regular refueling can also improve the performance of a fireplace. When adding a log make sure it's not too large and place it on the glowing embers so that it does not touch the walls of the stove or the glass pane. cheap wood burner 's also recommended to add smaller logs more frequently rather than allowing too much time between additions.
High efficiency stoves are engineered to produce a higher heat output with the same amount fuel. This is accomplished by prewarming combustion air before heating it and using other design features. They typically produce less smoke, toxins, and carbon monoxide than older models.
Some people also opt 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 way of heating a home however the process of installation is quite lengthy. This method requires an additional flue and the energy needed to run the boiler will add to overall costs.
Safety
Fireplaces and wood stoves are a beautiful and efficient way to heat a home. They are not without risks. Sparks and embers can fly out of a fire and ignite furniture or carpeting and a burning chimney that is hot can cause fire damage to the structure of your house. Proper use and maintenance of a wood-burning stove reduces the dangers.
Wood-burning stoves must be inspected and maintained regularly to keep them secure and in good condition. This includes checking the chimney and flue for signs of rust and wear, and having them cleaned at least twice per year. The chimney should also be checked every season for creosote buildup, which is extremely flammable and could cause chimney fires.
When purchasing a fireplace with wood burning select one that is certified by Underwriters Laboratories or another recognized testing laboratory. This will assure you that the stove has been constructed to comply with federal safety standards and is designed for proper venting. You should also check the legs, hinges and grates of a stove to make sure they are in good working order and are securely fastened to the floor.
If you opt to install a wood-burning stove inside your home, ensure that the floor underneath it is a sturdy and constructed of non-combustible materials. You might also want to lay a piece of non-combustible floor tiles on top of the flooring that is in place, especially if you live in an old mobile home that has combustible floors.
Only burn wood that is dry and seasoned. Green and damp wood can produce excessive smoke and creosote. This flammable byproduct can build up inside your chimney, releasing harmful chemicals. Do not burn cardboard, paper, trash or any other combustibles on your wood stove, as they can release dangerous fumes and could not fully burn.
Do not "over fire" your wood stove -that is, to you should not create a bigger fire than the stove is able to handle. Overfiring can cause flames escape from the combustion chamber and damage the stove, chimney connector, as well as the chimney itself. It can also burn other combustible materials in your home. It is also essential to make sure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving your home or going to bed. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be working at all times.