Proper Use and Maintenance of a Wood Heater Stove
A wood stove is a warm and cozy space to warm up and also provide warmth to a whole house. Some of these devices emit harmful gases like creosote which is dangerous to the health of your family and your property.
It is important to maintain these stoves. Some of the most important points to remember include: not overheating the stove and not tinkering with the fire, and using properly-dried firewood.
Fuel
Wood stoves can burn a variety of fuels which include dry wood, as well as manufactured solid fuels such as briquettes or fire logs. These more clean burning options are healthier and better for the environment than traditional house coal or wet wood. They do emit harmful gases and smoke, and require regular maintenance to perform at their best.
Before you purchase or use any fuel, check the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that the fuel is suitable for your stove. Incorrect fuels can cause damage to your stove or chimney and cause costly repairs and voiding your warranty. It's illegal to use unapproved fuel, especially 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 often displayed along with the price and brand details or on the packaging.
The fuels that are suitable for burning should be seasoned or kiln dried to reduce moisture content. This will improve the heat output and efficiency of combustion. The kind of wood you choose will also depend on your heating needs. Softwoods such as pine and spruce provide an excellent value for money but hardwoods like oak and beech generate more hot embers, and they do so for a longer time. Fruitwoods such as apple and cherry do not just offer efficient heating, but also improve the ambience of your home by releasing pleasant aromas.
If you own an appliance that is multi-fuel, you should consider a mixed fuel fire; Combining wood with smokeless briquettes will help keep the flames burning and warm up your home for a longer time. Briquettes can be used as a back-up and can also prevent a chimney fire by keeping the air moving.
A stove that is well-maintained will produce more heat and burn less fuel, while also releasing less harmful particles. If you own an oil or gas-fired wood stove, make sure it is installed by a registered installer (on a competent person scheme like HETAS, APHC, BESCA, Certsure or NAPIT). A properly maintained appliance is more cost-effective to run and protect your health and the environment by reducing harmful emissions.
Design
The design of wood stoves is a crucial aspect to consider when considering them as a primary or supplementary heating source. Smoke and carbon monoxide are undesirable byproducts that may have a negative impact on health and the environment. The most important factor in reducing the emission of these gases is to ensure proper operation and a well-planned design.
Modern wood stoves are designed to be more eco conscious than traditional models. All EPA-certified stoves meet strict emissions and energy efficiency guidelines that optimize the quantity of heat they generate. You can verify whether a stove is certified by looking for the metal EPA label on the back of the stove or by checking the EPA database. Hearth stores in your area can also be a great source for information on wood stoves, and what size and capacity is best for your space.
One of the main components of EPA emission regulations is the control of the flow of air through the stove. The firebox of the stove is enclosed by fireproof walls and there are air vents within these walls to allow for controlled airflow. The control of airflow is essential to ensure that the combustion process is in the best possible way and emissions are minimized.
Modern stoves often have baffles that increase the time the fire burns, reducing the amount of gas and smoke that can cause harm. Certain wood stoves include an catalytic converter to lower NOx emissions. This type of system is a little more expensive and is generally only used in high-end wood stoves.
Stoves also use different types of air control systems to regulate air flow through the stove. The majority of wood stoves still utilize a passive air supply which requires the owner (you) to operate the stove properly to ensure maximum performance. Some stoves feature active air supply systems that are controlled by sensors. These sensors monitor the combustion process, and adjust the air supply when required.
Wood stoves are a great alternative to heating homes in remote areas or those without access to the electric grid. If you do not have a backup heating source in the event of a power outage or snow, then wood stoves shouldn't be the only option to heat your home.
The output of heat
Many wood stoves are advertised as having a peak heat output rate in BTUs. This is misleading because the actual output of a wood-burning fireplace is contingent on many variables such as the size of the room and how well it is insulated.
The climate also has an impact on the heat requirements. To ensure comfort in colder areas, you need stoves that have higher BTU ratings.
Other factors that influence the production of heat are the type of wood used as well as the frequency of refueling. Dry, seasoned wood produces more heat than freshly-cut and wet logs. A stove fan can aid in the circulation of heat produced by the wood stove in the room rather than have the hot air rise up.
It is essential to remember that the maximum power of a wood heater is not to be reached frequently because a continuous fire can cause damage to the stove's internals and lead to carbon monoxide leakage into the home.
The performance of a stove can be enhanced by regular refills. Make sure that the log isn't too large and is placed on the embers that are glowing so that it doesn't get in the way of the glass or walls of the stove. It's also recommended to add smaller logs more often instead of allowing too much time between additions.
High efficiency stoves are designed for a higher heat output with the same amount fuel. This is achieved by prewarming combustion air before heating it and by incorporating other features into the design. They typically produce less smoke, toxins, and carbon monoxide than older models.
Some homeowners also choose to install a back boiler stove as part of their heating system. It uses the heat produced by the wood burning stove to heat water in hot water tanks or a central heating system, allowing heat to be distributed throughout a house. This is a more efficient and economical method of heating a home however the process of installation can be quite extensive. This method requires a separate flue, and the additional energy needed to run a back boiler will increase the running costs of a wood stove.
Safety
Wood stoves and fireplaces are a convenient and attractive way of heating your home. However, they're not without their risks. A fire can cause furniture or carpets to catch fire, and a hot fireplace can cause structural damage to your home. Proper use and maintenance of a wood-burning stove minimizes the risk.
To keep wood-burning stoves safe and in good working order, they should be regularly inspected and maintained. This includes checking the chimney and flue at least two times a year for signs of rust or wear, and cleaning them. corner wood burner should be checked for creosote at the end of each season. This is highly flammable and could cause an explosion in the chimney.
When you are buying a fireplace that burns wood, choose one that is certified by Underwriters Laboratories or another recognized testing laboratory. This will ensure that the stove is constructed to meet federal safety standards, and is specifically designed to allow for proper venting. Also, you should inspect the hinges, legs and grates of the stove to ensure that they are in good condition and securely secured to the floor.
If you decide to install a wood-burning fireplace in your home, make sure the floor beneath it is sturdy and made from non-combustible material. You might also want to lay a piece of non-combustible floor tiles over the flooring you have, particularly in the case of an old mobile home with 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 up inside your chimney, releasing toxic chemicals. Avoid burning cardboard, paper, trash, or any other combustibles, as these can cause dangerous fumes, and may not even burn.
Do not "over-fire" your wood stove, i.e. create a bigger fire than the stove can handle. Over firing can result in flames escaping from 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. Also, ensure that the fire is completely snuffed out before leaving your home or retiring to bed. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be in working order throughout the day.