Proper Use and Maintenance of a Wood Heater Stove<br /><br />A wood stove provides a cozy place to warm up and can provide warmth to a whole house. Some of these devices emit harmful gases like creosote which could be harmful to health and property.<br /><br />It is essential to take care of these stoves. Some important things to remember are to avoid overheating the area or tinkering with the fire, and using dry firewood.<br /><br />Fuel<br /><br />Wood stoves burn a range of fuel types that include dry wood as well as manufactured solid fuels such as briquettes and fire logs. These alternative fuels that burn cleanly are less prone to pollution than traditional house coal and wet wood, so are more eco-friendly and healthier to use. They still emit harmful gases and smoke and require regular maintenance to function at their peak.<br /><br />Before you purchase or use any fuel, read the instructions of the manufacturer and make sure that the type is recommended for your stove. Unsuitable fuel can damage your chimney and stove which can result in costly repairs or voiding the warranty. Using an unapproved fuel could also be unlawful, particularly in areas that control smoke. Check for the 'Ready to Burn' logo, which confirms that the fuel is in compliance with the smoke emission and sulphur limits and can be legally sold for domestic use. The logo is often displayed along with the details of the price and brand or on the packaging.<br /><br />The fuels that are suitable for use should be seasoned (stored and then split for a few months prior to use) or kiln-dried to decrease the moisture content which improves the amount of heat produced and improves the efficiency of combustion. The type of wood selected should also meet your heating needs. Softwoods like pine and spruce offer good value heat but hardwoods like beech and oak produce a higher output of hot embers for longer durations. Fruitwoods like apple and cherry are not just used to heat your home but also provide an appealing scent.<br /><br />If you have an appliance that is multi-fuel, you should consider a mixed fuel fire; mixing smokeless briquettes with wood will help keep the flames burning and keep your home warm for a longer period of time. The briquettes can be used as a back-up and can also in preventing a fire from a chimney by keeping the air moving.<br /><br />A stove that is maintained will produce more heat and burn less fuel, while producing fewer harmful particles. If you own a wood or gas-fired stove, ensure that it is fitted by an authorized installer (on a competent person scheme such as HETAS, APHC, BESCA, Certsure or NAPIT). Regularly serviced appliances are more efficient and safeguard your health and the environment by preventing harmful emissions.<br /><br />Design<br /><br />The design of wood stoves is a crucial consideration for those considering them as a primary or supplementary source of heat. 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 emissions is to operate with a proper manner and a well-planned design.<br /><br />Modern wood stoves are designed to be more environmentally conscious than traditional models. All EPA certified stoves must adhere to strict energy efficiency and emission regulations to maximize the amount of heat generated. Look for a metal EPA certification mark on the back of the stove, or check out the EPA's current database to determine the stove is certified. Hearth-related stores in your area can also be a good resource for learning more about wood stoves, such as what size and capacity is ideal for your home.<br /><br />One of the most important aspects of EPA emission regulations involves controlling the flow of air through the stove. The stove's firebox is surrounded by walls of fireproof material, and air vents are located within the walls to allow controlled airflow. Controlling airflow is vital to ensure that the combustion process is optimal and that emissions are minimized.<br /><br />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 utilize catalyst converters to cut down on NOx emissions. This type of system is more expensive and is usually only found in top-end wood stoves.<br /><br />Stoves use different types air control systems to regulate air flow. Most wood stoves use the basic air supply that is passive which requires that the owner (you), operate the stove in a way that allows the best performance. A few wood stoves come with active air supply, which are controlled by sensors that monitor the combustion process and adjust the supply of air according to the needs.<br /><br />One of the biggest advantages of a wood stove is that it doesn't require electricity to run, which makes it an excellent alternative heating option for homes that are isolated or without access to an electric power grid. However, if you do not have a backup heat source to depend on in the event of an interruption or an upcoming snowstorm, a wooden stove is not the only option for warming your home.<br /><br />The output of heat<br /><br />Many wood stoves advertise their peak heat output in BTUs. This is a mistake as the actual heat output of a wood-burning stove is dependent on many factors including the size of the room and the degree of insulation it has.<br /><br />The climate of the region is also a factor in heating requirements. Colder regions require stoves with a higher BTU rating to maintain the comfort.<br /><br />Other factors that influence heat production include the type of wood used as well as the frequency of fueling. 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 instead of having the hot air rise up.<br /><br />It is vital to keep in mind that the maximum output of wood heaters is not to be reached often as continuous high firing causes damage to the stove's internals and can cause carbon monoxide to leak into the home.<br /><br /><br /><br />The performance of a stove could also be improved by regular fueling. When adding a new log, ensure it's not large and place it on the glowing embers so that it doesn't touch the walls of the stove or glass pane. Make smaller logs more often, rather than being too long between additions.<br /><br />High efficiency stoves are engineered to produce greater heat output using the same amount fuel. This is accomplished by prewarming combustion air, and employing other design features. These stoves emit less carbon monoxide, toxins and smoke than earlier models.<br /><br />Some homeowners also choose to install a back boiler stove as part of their heating system. The heat produced by a wood burning stove is used to heat water for central heating systems or a hot water tank. This lets the heat be distributed throughout the house. This is a reliable and cost-effective method to heat homes. However, the installation process can take a long time. This method requires a separate flue and the additional energy needed to run back boilers will increase the running costs of the wood stove.<br /><br />Safety<br /><br />Fireplaces and wood stoves are a beautiful and efficient method of heating homes. However, they aren't without risk. Sparks and embers could fly out of a flame and ignite carpeting or furniture A hot chimney can lead to fire damage to the structure of your home. <a href="https://www.fireplacesandstoves.uk/categories/wood-burning-stoves">cast iron wood burner Fireplaces &amp; Stoves</a> can be reduced by maintaining and using an open fireplace that burns wood.<br /><br />Wood-burning stoves need to be checked and maintained regularly to ensure they are safe and in good condition. This includes examining the chimney and flue for signs of rust and wear, and cleaning them at least once a year. The chimney should also be checked halfway through the season for creosote buildup. This is extremely flammable and could cause chimney fires.<br /><br />When purchasing a wood-burning stove make sure you choose one that is certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or another lab that is recognized as a testing lab. This ensures that the stove meets the safety standards set by the federal government and is engineered to vent properly. Also, you should check the legs, hinges and grates of the stove to make sure they are in good condition and securely attached to the floor.<br /><br />If you opt to install a wood-burning stove in your home, make sure the floor underneath it is reinforced and made from non-combustible materials. You can also install a non-combustible tile over your existing flooring if it is inflammable.<br /><br />Only burn hardwoods that are dry and seasoned. Wet and green woods produces excessive smoke and creosote. This flammable byproduct could build within your chimney, which releases harmful chemicals. Don't burn trash, cardboard, newspaper or any other combustibles inside your wood stove as they could release dangerous fumes and may not completely burn.<br /><br />Never "over fire" your wood stove -which is to generate a larger flame than the stove can handle. Overfiring can cause flames escape from the combustion chamber, causing damage to the stove, chimney connector, and the chimney itself. It can also burn other combustible materials in your home. Make sure the fire has been completely extinguished prior to leaving your cabin or going to sleep. Also, you must have functioning carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in your home.<br /><br />