Second Hand Wood Burning Stoves
Second hand wood burning stoves can be an excellent choice for those who are looking for a new log burner but cannot afford to pay the price of new appliances. Used stoves can also bring an individual look to the house and have a lower environmental impact than new models.
It is possible for an HETAS certified installer to install an older non Ecodesign log burner, since they are able to self-certify and sign off on the installation under the rules of a competent person. But, this is a risky approach.
Cost
Wood stoves are a fantastic alternative to heat your home for a fraction of what it costs to heat your home using traditional gas or electric. It is an eco-friendly choice as it uses renewable energy sources that are easily replenishable. Wood stoves give a cozy, warm feeling in any room.
The price of second hand wood burning stoves can differ based on the quality of the unit and how much work it needs to be in good working order. It is crucial to examine the consumption of fuel, efficiency rating, and the warranty prior to buying a second hand stove. If you purchase a stove that's too small for the space could result in smouldering and burned out fires, whereas a stove that is too large could cause waste of fuel and not provide adequate heat.
It can be difficult to select an older stove, especially when you are not familiar with them. It is crucial to choose one that is EPA certified and in good condition, otherwise it won't be worth the price. The best choice is to look for a stove that was built in 1995 or later, as this is when the EPA began to regulate emissions and energy efficiency.
It is also important to look at the size of the stove and its location in the home. It is essential to have a clear pathway from the stove to the fireplace as well as enough clearance between the wood stove and the wall to stop fires or damage to the house. It is also crucial to remember that wood stoves will require annual maintenance and inspections. Therefore, it is essential to budget for this expense as well.
Many people find that purchasing an older stove is a great deal because of the savings on both the initial price and the fuel costs. However it is essential to remember that a new stove could save you more money in the long term. In addition to the financial benefits, a new stove will typically last longer than a model that is older.
Efficiency
Wood stoves can be an excellent way to heat your home, as they don't require electricity or gas. However, they do release pollutants in the air when burning wood. If you're concerned about this, look for a used stove that has EPA certification. This will decrease the amount of pollutants it releases. Modern stoves also employ a two-stage system to burn wood more efficiently. They deliver air to the combustion chamber in two stages, allowing them to vaporize volatile chemicals and partially burn them before they fully combust. These technologies allow wood stoves to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and particulates up to 90%.
When looking for an old wood or multifuel stove it is crucial to look at the efficiency rating and the heat output. If the stove is very old, it could have a a low efficiency rating. Additionally, general wear and tear can reduce the efficiency of a stove. It is recommended to use high-quality firewood that is properly seasoned. Wood that is not properly seasoned or moist will emit more odours and pollute the environment. Get advice from an expert if you're unsure of the right type of fuel to use.
No matter if you purchase a new or used wood stove, it is crucial to install it by a skilled professional. This will ensure that the installation is carried out correctly and accurately. In addition, a professionally-installed stove will have higher efficiency on average. If you're thinking of purchasing a wood stove or fire, make sure you check the EcoDesign label to ensure it is energy efficient.
In addition to enhancing efficiency Wood stoves that are modern are able to burn longer than older stoves. They also use less fuel which reduces the amount of smoke. It is important to note that smoke can cause cancer, anxiety and asthma in people who are not directly affected.
Installing a chimney liner to your existing stove will improve its efficiency and safety. A chimney liner consists of a stainless steel tube connecting the stove to the chimney. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be bought from many heating companies.
Safety
It is essential to make an educated decision when purchasing second-hand wood burners. Although it might seem like a good idea to save money, there are serious safety concerns to be taken into consideration. For instance, stoves that are old often leak carbon monoxide. This gas can be deadly and is poisonous. It is essential that any used log burner has an alarm for carbon monoxide and detector. It is also crucial to ensure that the stove has been properly installed, in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer.
Recommended Reading is likely to be much more efficient than a secondhand model and it is also more likely to be in compliance with the latest standards for smoke emissions. This means it is unlikely that a new stove will cost less than a secondhand one similar to the one you have. It is nevertheless recommended to consult an expert before purchasing a secondhand appliance.
When choosing a wood burning stove, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the room in the room it will be used. A stove that is too big will burn more wood and produce more smoke. On the other side, a stove that is too small will not be able to heat a large space effectively. In addition, a stove which is too small will be more difficult to operate safely.
Additionally, if you plan to place your stove inside an area for smoke control, it is essential to select an Ecodesign compatible model. This regulation was enacted to increase energy efficiency and reduce air pollution caused by wood-burning stoves. However, stoves that were made prior to 2022 and are sold on the second-hand market are exempt from this requirement.
The SIA strongly suggests that stoves are installed by an authorised contractor. It is legally required to notify the local authority for building control (LABC) prior to any installation using solid fuel and only registered installers are permitted to self-certify. Additionally, it is illegal to purchase an Ecodesign stove to use in a smoke-control area.
Maintenance
If you're purchasing a brand new or used stove, it is essential to maintain it regularly. After each fire, you should remove the ashes from your stoves as well as fireplace inserts. You should also look for worn gaskets and clean the chimney to avoid creosote accumulation. Some people also use a stove fan to help circulate air and keep the fire burning at a higher efficiency.
Certain older wood stoves didn't come with carbon dioxide detectors or smoke alarms. You should make sure that the stove you purchase is fitted with one of these devices, particularly when it's a second-hand one. Make sure the flue is free of no obstructions and is clean. If you're uncertain then you should consult the seller or a professional to look at it.
As long as you keep your stove in good condition Maintaining it is simple. This is best done with a family member or someone who is familiar with stoves. It's easy to miss issues. A stove that comes with a guarantee will give you peace-of-mind if anything goes wrong.

It is important to note that you will need to have the chimney lined by a Hetas-approved installation. Also, you'll need to have a Hetas-approved contractor sign off on this work and issue the certificate. This isn't a DIY job and it's illegal to install an appliance that is solid fuel without the Hetas certificate. You could be fined up to PS20,000 for this and your insurance company may not be pleased either.
It is also recommended to close and open the dampers to increase or decrease the flow of air into the stove. This can affect the performance of the fire and determine if it burns hot or not. The dampers can be adjusted with knobs or handles attached to them. The air flow can also be adjusted in the oven with an air diverter. This lets you control the amount of heat produced which is very beneficial when cooking.