Proper Use and Maintenance of a Wood Heater Stove

A wood stove is a wonderful method to warm your home and can also heat the entire house. Some of these devices emit harmful gases, such as creosote, which could be harmful to health and property.

The proper care of the stoves is crucial. Some important things to be aware of include making sure that the room is not overheated making a mess of the fire and using correctly dried firewood that is properly dried.

Fuel

Wood stoves can burn a variety of fuels, including dry wood as well as manufactured solid fuels such as briquettes or fire logs. These alternative fuels that burn cleanly are more environmentally friendly than traditional household coal and wet wood, which means they are better for the environment and healthier to use. However, they emit some gasses and smoke, and require regular maintenance to keep them working at their best.

Check the manufacturer's instructions before purchasing or using any type of fuel. Make sure it is the right one for your stove. Incorrect fuel could damage your stove and chimney which can result in costly repairs or invalidating the warranty. It is illegal to use unapproved fuel, especially in smoke control zones. Look for the "Ready to Burn" logo. This indicates that the fuel is within the limits of sulphur and smoke emission limits and is legally purchased for domestic use. The logo is usually displayed along with the price and brand details or on the packaging.

The appropriate fuels must be seasoned (stored and then split for a few months prior to use) or kiln dried to reduce the moisture content which boosts heat output and combustion efficiency. The type of wood you select should also meet your heating needs. Softwoods such as pine and spruce provide excellent value for money, however hardwoods such as oak and beech generate more hot embers and do so over a longer time. Fruitwoods such as cherry and apple not only provide effective heating but can elevate the ambiance with their pleasant aromas.

If you own a multi-fuel stove, consider a mixed fuel stove; mixing smokeless briquettes with wood can help maintain the flames and warm your home for a longer time. The briquettes can be used as a backup and can also keep a chimney from burning by keeping the air moving.

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

Design

The design of wood stoves is an important consideration for those considering their use as a primary or supplementary heat source. Carbon monoxide and smoke are undesirable byproducts that may cause harm to health and the environment. Proper operation and a well-designed design are essential to reducing the emission.

Modern cheap wood burning stoves stoves is that it does not require electricity to operate, making it a great alternative for heating homes that are isolated or without access to an electric grid. If you don't have a backup heating source in the event of a power outage, or if there is snow, then the wood stove isn't your only option to warm your home.

The output of heat

Many wood stoves are advertised with a peak heat output rate in BTUs. This is misleading however, as the actual capacity of a wood stove is contingent on a variety of variables like the size of the room and how well it's insulated.

The climate of the region also plays a role in heating demands. The colder regions require stoves with a a higher BTU rating to ensure comfort.

The type of wood you use and the frequency you replenish your fireplace are also factors that affect the production of heat. Dry, seasoned wood creates more heat than freshly-cut and wet logs. A stove fan may help circulate the heat produced by the wood stove in the room instead of having the hot air rise up.

It is important to remember that the highest output of a wood heater stove is not to be reached often as continuous high firing causes damage to a stove's innards and may cause carbon monoxide to leak into the home.

Regular refueling can also improve the efficiency of an fireplace. Make sure that the log is not too big and that it is placed on the embers that are glowing, so it does not get in the way of the glass or walls of the stove. It is also recommended to add smaller logs frequently, rather than leaving too long between additions.

High efficiency stoves are engineered to achieve a higher level of heat output using the same amount of fuel, by supplying pre-heated combustion air as well as other design features. These stoves often produce less smoke, toxins and carbon monoxide than previous models.

Many people opt to install the boiler stove as part of their heating system. The heat produced by a wood burning stove is used to heat water for a central heating system or hot water tank. This lets the heat be distributed in the house. This is an efficient and cost-effective way to heat a home. However, the installation process can take a long time. This method requires an additional flue, and the energy needed to run a boiler will increase the total cost.

Safety

Fireplaces and wood stoves can be a convenient and attractive way to heat your home. However, they are not free of dangers. Sparks and embers can fly out of a fire and ignite carpeting or furniture and a hot chimney can lead to destruction to the structure of your home. These dangers can be minimized by maintaining and using the fireplace with wood burning.

Wood-burning stoves must be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure they are safe and in good working condition. This includes inspecting the flue and chimney at least once a year for signs of wear or rust and cleaning them. The chimney should be checked for creosote about halfway through the season. This is highly flammable and could cause a chimney fire.

When purchasing a fireplace with wood burning select one that has been endorsed by Underwriters Laboratories or another recognized testing laboratory. This will guarantee that the stove is built to meet the safety standards of the federal government, and is specifically designed to allow for proper venting. Also, you should inspect the hinges, legs and grates of the stove to make sure they are in good working order and securely secured to the floor.

If you choose to install a wood-burning stove in your home, ensure that the floor underneath it is sturdy and made from non-combustible materials. You might also want to lay a sheet of non-combustible floor tile over the existing flooring, especially in the case of an old mobile home that has flooring that is combustible.

Burn only seasoned, dry hardwoods. Wood that is damp or green can cause excessive smoke and creosote. This flammable byproduct could build in your chimney, which releases harmful chemicals. Do not burn cardboard, trash, paper, or any other combustibles, because they can release dangerous fumes, and may not even ignite.

Do not "over fire" your wood stove -- that is, you should not create a bigger fire than the stove can handle. Over-fired stoves can lead to flames leaving the combustion chamber, causing damage to the stove, chimney connector and the chimney itself, and also burning other combustible materials in your home. It is also essential to make sure the fire is completely extinguished prior to leaving your home or going to sleep. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be working at all times.