Maintaining an Indoor Wood Burning Stove Wood stoves are a comfortable and economical way to heat your home. They release harmful gases into the air if they are not properly installed, if they are loaded with excessive fuel or blown out of chimneys or flues that are in poor repair. Modern wood stoves are built with cleaner fuels and less contaminants generated through their secondary combustion process. These stoves have dampers within the indoor portion of the flue pipe that can be rotatably opened or closed. Efficient Heat Production There's nothing quite like relaxing in front of a warm fire that adds to the comfort and ambiance of a room. A wood stove is more than just a source of warmth. It can also help reduce the need for fossil fuels and provides an alternative to heating your home. Wood stoves are available in different sizes to fit in different areas, and provide the ideal amount of heat and efficiency. These appliances are rated by their British Thermal Units, or BTU, output, and a few have features that aid in increasing efficiency, such as baffle systems or secondary combustion chambers. In addition, some models feature insulation that retains heat longer for better efficiency. Highly efficient stoves convert a higher percentage of wood into heat, reducing the amount of wood consumed and the emissions. Choosing seasoned, or dried wood can also boost efficiency as it burns more quickly and produces less smoke. A proper installation and regular maintenance can boost energy and environmental performance. To ensure optimal combustion, it is important to regulate the flow of air through the stove. This can be done by changing the primary vent air vent and using a secondary vent to manage the flames. When you start the fire the primary vent should be completely open. As the fire grows, it can be closed gradually. The vent should not be opened too soon because this could cause large flames to overwhelm the secondary vent. This is essential to control combustion and reduce particle emissions. Make sure you use only clean, seasoned firewood for your stove. Other kinds of wood, including painted and varnished pieces, can release excessive levels of pollutants, or even cause dangerously high temperatures. Wood briquettes aren't recommended for burning on your stove as they may contain additives and chemicals that can cause harm to your health or cause damage to the stove's interior. In addition to ensuring proper installation and maintenance, it is crucial to have your chimney inspected and cleaned on a regular basis. The buildup of soot and creosote can reduce the efficiency and security of your stove. Aesthetically Pleasing Wood stoves are more than just an energy source. They also serve as a focal-point for your home and give it an inviting feel. These stoves also help you get some exercise chopping the wood for your fire. They also help you save money on energy bills and could be used as a backup in the event of power shortages. As a renewable resource, they're kinder to the environment than fossil fuels, and can help your home become more self-sufficient. In terms of aesthetics, wood burning stoves are available in a variety of styles and colors that fit into any decor. While black is the most popular choice, coloured stoves like ones with rich browns and terracotta hues provide a modern look to the room. The darker colors are easier to clean, as they conceal dirt and marks. If you are looking for a smaller design, you might consider a rectangular wood stove. These stoves usually come with glass on three sides and are able to be incorporated into small spaces. They are perfect to transform garages into living spaces. They are available as freestanding units or they can be fitted with twin wall flue systems. For homes with larger spaces, you can opt for an even larger wood-burning stove. These stoves are perfect for large family homes that have open-plan living spaces. They can provide a heating capacity of over 8 kW. These stoves usually have a more industrial appearance and can be fitted in single or double-walled chimney systems. These stoves also come with catalytic and secondary burn technologies that re-route unburnt gases from the logs into flames, instead of going up the chimney. This means that you'll get less smoke in your space, which can be beneficial if you suffer from a respiratory or asthma-related condition that is sensitive. It is important to determine the average heating needs of your room before purchasing an electric fireplace with wood burning. This will allow you to choose the ideal size stove for your home, and avoid overheating or underheating. It is a a simple calculation. Multiply the cubic metre size of your space by 14. This will give you a rough idea of your heating requirements. Affordability A wood stove inside is a great way to lower your heating expenses. Wood stoves utilize an energy source that is renewable called firewood to produce heat. They are also more affordable than other energy sources like electricity and gas. However, it's important to understand the cost of buying and maintaining a wood burning stove prior to investing in one. Although the initial price of a wood burning stove is costly, once it's installed and frequently used, your monthly expenses will likely to reduce dramatically. In fact, if you're switching from a gas stove to a wood stove, you might be able to save up to $1000 per year. In addition to lowering your heating expenses and lowering your heating bills, a wood-burning stove inside can provide backup warmth in the case of a power outage. This is a wonderful feature to have in winter storms, when it can be hard to keep your home warm without electricity. When selecting cheap wood burning stoves , make sure to take into consideration its heat capacity and size to ensure that it's capable of adequately warming your home. You'll need to calculate the area you'd like to heat, and then follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer to determine how many BTUs are required. You must also take into account the layout and insulation in your home as well as the climate in which you live. Wood stoves can be found in various styles and styles, so you're bound to find one that fits your decor. Modern stoves are modern, sleek design that will enhance the look of your living space while still providing warmth. Additionally, there are stoves available that meet the emission standards of the EPA. They are marked with a sticker that indicates which emission standards they meet. It's important to purchase an EPA-certified stove in order to lower your carbon emissions and avoid harmful air pollution. Easy Maintenance Wood stoves are a reliable and natural method of heating your home. To keep them in good working order they require a little maintenance. You'll need to invest time and effort sourcing, splitting and stacking the wood that you will use to illuminate your stove. Also, you'll have to clean and maintain the chimney and the unit. Some homeowners may find these extra chores daunting. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the amount of work required to maintain your wood burning stove to ensure it lasts longer and perform better. The first step to effective maintenance is to establish an ongoing cleaning routine. Ideally you should clean your stove every two weeks or once a month during winter, when it's always in use. Start by cleaning all exterior surfaces of your stove with an attachment with a soft-bristle. Make sure you get into all joints and crevices, as well as air intakes. Make sure you are extremely gentle around the heat-sensitive areas of the stove. Then, clean the exterior surfaces of your stove using a nontoxic, nonchemical cleaner. Finally, empty the ash pan and sifter frequently. The process of spraying the top layer ash with water may aid in making this task less messy. You may need to remove all the ash from the stove at times to inspect the bricks or ensure that the bottom of your firebox is free of. The ash pan and tray can overheat your wood stove in the event that they are full. You'll also need to check the gasket and glass frequently especially after a few fires. A poor seal can significantly impact the process of combustion and cause gases to be leaking into your living space. A tarred glass on your stove can also mean that the wood isn't being burned properly. This is usually caused by a draft that isn't strong enough or a wrong lighting of your fire. It is also recommended to hire a professional to clean your chimney twice each year to prevent the buildup of creosote as well as other harmful substances. Keep combustibles out of your wood heater, as they can catch fire if placed too close.
