Proper Use and Maintenance of a Wood Heater Stove

A wood stove is a great method to warm your home and it can also warm the entire home. However, some of these appliances release harmful gases, like creosote which can be dangerous to your health and property.

A proper care for these stoves is essential. The most important things to keep in mind are: not overheating the area and not tinkering with the fire, and using dry firewood.

Fuel

Wood stoves burn a range of fuel types which include dry wood and manufactured solid fuels like briquettes and fire logs. These cleaner burning alternatives are healthier and better for the environment than traditional household coal or wet wood. They still emit some harmful smoke and gases, and require regular maintenance to work at their best.

Before you purchase or use any fuel, check the manufacturer's directions and make sure that the fuel is suitable for your stove. Unsuitable fuel can damage your stove and chimney, causing expensive repairs or voiding the warranty. It's illegal to use fuel that is not approved, especially in smoke control zones. Look for the 'Ready To Burn' logo, which confirms that the fuel meets sulphur and smoke emission limits, and can be legally sold for domestic use. The logo is usually placed on the packaging or alongside the name of the brand and price.

The appropriate fuels should be prepared (stored and split for several months before use) or kiln-dried to decrease the amount of moisture, which increases the amount of heat produced and improves the efficiency of combustion. The type of wood you select should also suit your heating needs. Softwoods like pine and spruce offer excellent value for money, however hardwoods such as oak and beech produce more hot embers, and they do so over a longer time. corner wood burner as cherry and apple not only offer efficient heating, but also improve the ambience of your home by their pleasant scents.

If you have a stove that is able to use different fuels, you might think about a mixed-fuel fire. Combining wood with smokeless Briquettes can aid in keeping the flames going for longer and keep your home warm. Briquettes can be used as a back-up and also help in preventing a fire from a chimney by keeping the air moving.

A well-maintained stove will generate more heat, burn less fuel and generate less harmful particles. If you own an oil or gas-fired wood stove, ensure that it is fitted by a registered installer (on a competent person scheme like HETAS, APHC, BESCA, Certsure or NAPIT). Regularly serviced appliances are more efficient and protect the environment and your health by preventing harmful emissions.

Design

The design of wood stoves is an important consideration for those considering their use as a primary or complementing source of heat. Carbon monoxide and smoke are unwanted byproducts that can cause harm to health and the environment. The most important factor in reducing the emissions is to operate with a proper manner and careful design.

Modern wood stoves are designed to be more eco conscious than traditional models. All stoves certified by the EPA meet strict emissions and energy efficiency guidelines that optimize the quantity of heat they generate. Look for an iron EPA certification label on the back of the stove, or check out the EPA's current database to see the stove is certified. Visit local hearth product retailers who are aware of the performance of their products is an excellent way to find out more about wood stoves and what size and capacity might be most suitable for your space.

One of the most important aspects of EPA emission regulations is the control of the flow of air through the stove. The stove's firebox is surrounded by walls that are fireproof, and there are air vents within these walls, which allow for controlled airflow. Controlling airflow is vital to ensure that the combustion process is efficient and that emissions are minimized.

Modern stoves often have baffles that increase the time the fire burns which reduces the amount smoke and harmful gases. Certain wood stoves utilize catalyst converters to cut down on NOx emissions. This kind of system is more expensive and is generally only used in high-end wood stoves.


Stoves employ different types of air control systems to regulate air flow. The majority of wood stoves still employ a basic passive air supply, which requires the operator (you) to operate the stove correctly to get the best performance. Some wood stoves come with active air supply, which are controlled by sensors that monitor the combustion process and adjust the flow of air based on the need.

One of the most significant advantages of a wood stove is that it doesn't require electricity to operate, which makes it a great alternative heating option for homes that are located in remote areas or without access to a power grid. If you do not have a backup source of heating in the event of an outage, or if there is a snowstorm, then wood stoves shouldn't be the only option to heat your home.

The output of heat

Many wood stoves are advertised as having an output of heat at the peak in BTUs. This is a false statement however, as the actual capacity of the wood stove is dependent on a variety of variables such as the size of the room and how well it's insulated.

The climate of the area can also influence heating requirements. To keep warm the colder regions require stoves that have higher BTU ratings.

Other variables that affect the production of heat include the kind of wood used and the frequency of refueling. Dry, seasoned firewood produces more heat than fresh cut and wet logs. The use of a stove fan can also help transfer the warmth generated by the wood stove into the room, rather than having the hot air rise up.

It is important to remember that the maximum power of a wood heating stove should not be exceeded frequently because a continuous fire can cause damage to the stove's internals, and result in carbon monoxide leakage into the home.

Regular refueling can also enhance the efficiency of the fireplace. When adding a log ensure that it's not too large and then place it on the glowing embers so that it doesn't touch the walls of the stove or the glass pane. Make smaller logs more often, rather than taking too long 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 by incorporating other features into the design. They produce less carbon monoxide, toxic gases and smoke than older models.

A few people also decide 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 the hot water tank or central heating system, which allows the heat to be distributed throughout the house. This is an efficient and cost effective way to heat 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 wood stoves.

Safety

Wood stoves and fireplaces are a convenient and attractive method of heating your home. However, they aren't without risk. Sparks and embers can spout from a burning fire and ignite carpeting or furniture A hot chimney can lead to fire damage to the structure of your house. The dangers can be reduced by using and maintaining an open fireplace that burns wood.

Wood-burning stoves must be inspected and maintained regularly to keep them secure and in good condition. This includes checking the chimney and flue at least once every year for signs of rust or wear, and cleaning them. The chimney should be checked for creosote at the end of each season. This is highly flammable, and can cause an explosion in the chimney.

When you are buying a fireplace that burns wood select one that has been endorsed by Underwriters Laboratories or another recognized testing laboratory. This will ensure that the stove has been constructed to meet federal safety standards, and is specifically designed to allow for proper venting. Also, you should inspect the hinges, legs and grates on a stove to ensure they are in good working order and are securely fastened to the floor.

If you opt to install a wood-burning stove in your cabin, make sure the floor underneath it is a sturdy and constructed of non-combustible materials. You may also want to lay a layer of non-combustible floor tile over the flooring you have, particularly in the case of an old mobile home with combustible floors.

Only burn hardwoods that are dry and well-seasoned. Wood that is damp and green produces excessive smoke and creosote. This is a flammable byproduct that can build up in your chimney and release toxic chemicals into your home. Don't burn cardboard, paper, trash or other combustibles in your wood stove as they can create dangerous fumes and may not fully burn.

Don't "over fire" your wood stove -- that is, generate a larger flame than the stove is able to handle. Over firing can result in flames escape from the combustion chamber and causing damage to the stove, chimney connector and the chimney itself, as well as burning other combustible materials in your home. Also, ensure that the fire has been completely smothered before leaving your home or going to bed. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be in working order at all times.