Maintaining an Indoor Wood Burning Stove
Wood stoves are a warm and cost-effective method of heating your home. However, these stoves can also release pollutant-laden gases and harmful pollutants into the indoor air if they are not properly installed, filled with too much fuel, or venting to chimneys or flues in poor condition.
Many modern wood stoves are engineered to use cleaner fuel and produce fewer pollutants by their secondary combustion processes. They have dampers in the interior portion of the flue pipe that can be opened and closed.
Efficient Heat Production
There is nothing better than relaxing in the warmth of a fire which adds to the warmth and ambiance of a room. A wood stove is more than an energy source. It also reduces your dependence on fossil fuels and provides an alternative for heating your home.
Wood stoves come in various sizes to fit any space, and they provide the appropriate amount of heat. These appliances are rated in accordance with their British Thermal Units (BTU) output. Certain models have features that increase efficiency, like baffle systems or second combustion chambers. Additionally, certain models have insulation that helps to keep heat for longer to ensure greater efficiency.
Highly efficient stoves convert a greater percentage of wood into heat, reducing wood consumption and emissions. Selecting dried, or seasoned wood will also increase efficiency as it burns faster and creates less smoke. Proper installation and regular maintenance can maximize energy and environmental performance.
It is crucial to regulate the flow of air in your stove with care to ensure optimal combustion. This can be accomplished by changing the primary air vent and employing a secondary vent to control the flames. When you start the fire, the primary air vent should be completely opened. As the fire rages it will be closed gradually. If you open the vent too early, it will cause large flames that could overwhelm the secondary vent, which is needed to reduce the amount of combustion and particulate emissions.
Use only clean, seasoned firewood for your stove. Other kinds of wood such as varnished or painted items can create high levels of pollution or dangerously high temperatures. Wood briquettes should never be burned in your stove as they are often made with chemicals and additives that could be harmful to your health, or even damage the interior of your stove.
In addition to proper installation and maintenance, it is essential to have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly. The accumulation of soot and creosote can reduce the efficiency and security of your stove.
Aesthetically pleasing
Wood stoves are not just an energy source. They also serve as an attractive focal point for your home and provide it with an inviting feel. You can also get exercise by cutting wood to use in your stove. You can also reduce your electric bills and can be used to back up the power in the event of a power cut. As a renewable resource they're kinder to the environment than fossil fuels, and can make your home more self-sufficient.
Aesthetically, wood burning stoves come in a variety of styles and colors to suit all types of decor. While black is the standard choice, coloured stoves such as those with rich browns and terracotta hues add a modern touch to the room. The darker hues are more easy to clean since they hide dirt and marks.
If you are looking for an easier design you could consider a rectangular wood stove. They typically feature glass doors on three sides and are able to be incorporated into small spaces. These stoves are perfect for converting garages into living spaces. They are available as free-standing units or they can be fitted with twin wall flue systems.
You can select a bigger wood-burning fireplace for larger homes. These stoves are perfect for large family homes with open-plan living areas. They have a heating capacity of over 8kW. They are typically more industrial in appearance and can be installed in double or single-walled units.
These stoves also come with catalytic and secondary burn technologies that re-route unburnt gases from the logs into flames instead of directing them up the chimney. This reduces the amount of smoke in your room which is beneficial for those who suffer from sensitive respiratory conditions or asthma.
Before you buy a wood-burning stove, it's important to work out the typical heating requirements of your space in Kilowatts. This will help you select the best size stove for your home, and to avoid overheating or underheating. You can do this with a simple calculation. Simply multiply the size of your space in cubic metres by 14. This will give you an approximate idea of the amount of heating you will need.
Affordability
If you want to cut down on your heating expenses using an indoor wood burning stove is a great option. Wood stoves use an energy source that is renewable called firewood to produce heat. They are also less expensive than other forms of energy such as electricity and gas. It is important to understand the costs of buying and maintaining a wood stove before making the investment.
The initial cost of buying a new wood-burning stove could be a huge sum, but once it is installed and regularly used, your overall monthly expenses will likely decrease significantly. You could save up to $1000 per year by switching from a traditional gas stove to a wood-burning stove.
Aside from lowering the overall cost of heating in the long run, wood-burning stoves for indoor use will provide you with backup heat in the event of power outage. This is a crucial feature during harsh winter storms because it can be difficult to keep your home warm without a source of electricity.
Consider the size and heat capacity of a wood stove before selecting one to ensure that it will warm your home in a timely manner. You'll have to determine the size of the space you'd like to heat, and then follow guidelines from the manufacturer to determine the appropriate BTUs for your area. It is also important to consider the layout and amount of insulation of your home and the climate you live in.
Wood stoves are available in various styles and designs, so you're sure to find one that matches your decor. Modern stoves feature a modern, sleek style that will enhance the look of your living space while still providing warmth. There are also corner wood burner that meet EPA emission standards. They're marked with a label indicating which emission standards they comply with. It's important to purchase an EPA-certified cooktop to reduce the amount of emissions you produce and to prevent harmful air pollution.
Easy Maintenance
Wood stoves are a reliable and natural way to heat your home. To keep them in good working order they require some attention. You'll need to invest time and effort sourcing, splitting and stacking the wood you'll use to illuminate your stove. You'll also have to clean and maintain the chimney and the stove. These extra tasks can be a challenge for some homeowners. There are ways to cut down on the amount of maintenance required for your wood burning stove to ensure it lasts longer and functions better.
The first step towards effective maintenance is to create a regular cleaning routine. In winter the time when your stove is constantly in use, you should clean it at least every two weeks or every month. Start by vacuuming the exterior surfaces of your oven using a soft-bristle accessory. Make sure you reach every crevice, joint, seams, and air intakes. Be very gentle when cleaning the heat-sensitive parts of the stove. Next, you must wipe down all exterior surfaces using an organic, non-chemical cleaner - the same kind that came with the stove.
Finally, empty the ash pan and sift regularly. This job is made easier by spraying water on the top layer of ash. Sometimes, you'll have to remove the entire ash layer from the stove to inspect the fire bricks, and ensure that the bottom of the firebox is free. Keeping the ash tray and pan full can cause your wood stove to overheat, which is why it is vital to empty them whenever you need to.
It is also important to check the gasket and glass frequently especially after several fires. A bad seal can cause a major disruption to the process of combustion and can result in gas leaks into the living area. A stained glass on your stove can be a sign that wood isn't being properly burned. This is often due to a poor draft or lighting your fire incorrectly.
It is also a good idea to employ an expert chimney sweep once a year to avoid build-up of creosote as well as other harmful deposits. Finally, you should be sure to keep any flammable materials away from your wood stove, because they could catch fire if left too close to the heater.