20 Myths About Indoor Wood Burning Stove: Busted
Maintaining an Indoor Wood Burning Stove Wood stoves are a cost-effective and cozy way to heat your home. However, these devices can also release pollutant-laden gases and harmful pollutants into the air in case they are poorly installed, laden with too much fuel, or venting to flues or chimneys that are in poor condition. Many modern wood stoves are designed to use less polluting fuel and produce less pollutants through secondary combustion processes. They have dampers that can be turned to open or close in the interior part of the flue. Efficient Heat Production Nothing can be more relaxing than snuggling in front of an inviting fireplace, which enhances the comfort of your home. A wood stove is more than a source of warmth. It can also help reduce the need for fossil fuels, and offers an alternative for heating your home. Wood stoves come in various sizes to fit in different areas, and provide the ideal amount of heat and efficiency. They are rated according to their British Thermal Units, or BTU, output, and some have features that aid in increasing efficiency, such as baffle systems or secondary combustion chambers. Some models also feature insulation that can help retain heat for longer, leading to better efficiency. Stoves that are highly efficient convert a larger percentage of wood into usable heat, reducing the amount of wood used and emissions. The use of dried or seasoned wood can also boost efficiency as it burns faster and produces less smoke. A proper installation and regular maintenance can boost efficiency and energy efficiency. It is important to control the flow of air in your stove with care to ensure optimal combustion. This can be done by changing the primary vent, and using the secondary vent to control flames. When starting the fire, the primary air vent should be completely opened. As the fire grows it can be closed gradually. If you open the vent too early, it can result in large flames that can overpower the secondary vent, which is necessary to regulate combustion and reduce particulate emission. It is also essential to only use clean, seasoned wood to burning in your stove. Other kinds of wood, like varnished or painted pieces can produce excessive levels of pollutants or create dangerously high temperatures. Wood briquettes should also never be ignited in your stove because they are usually produced with additives and chemicals which could be harmful to your health or damage the interior of your stove. In addition to ensuring proper installation and maintenance, it is important to have your chimney checked and cleaned on a regular basis. The buildup of soot and creosote can reduce the performance and safety of your stove. Aesthetically Pleasing Wood stoves provide more than just warmth; they can create an element of focal point in the home and create an inviting feel. These stoves can also help you make some exercise by chopping the wood to feed your fire. You can also reduce your energy bills and can be used to back up the power in case there is a power outage. As a renewable resource, they're better for the environment than fossil fuels, and can help your home become more self-sufficient. The aesthetics of wood burning stoves come in a range of styles and colors that match any style of decor. While black is the standard option, coloured stoves such as those available in rich browns and terracotta hues provide a modern look to the room. The darker shades are easier to maintain, as they hide marks and dirt better. If you're seeking a smaller design, then you can look into a smaller rectangular wood stove. These stoves typically have a glass opening on three sides and are able to fit into tight spaces. They are perfect to transform garages into an living space. These stoves can be a freestanding or fitted with twin-wall flue systems. For homes with larger spaces you can choose an even larger wood-burning stove. They have a huge heating capacity of over 8kW, which makes them ideal for large family homes and open-plan living spaces. These stoves usually have a more industrial appearance and can be fitted in double or single-walled chimney systems. They also have secondary burn and catalytic technologies that re-route unburnt gases from the logs into flames, instead of them going up the chimney. This means that you'll get less smoke in your room, which is beneficial for those with hypersensitive asthma or respiratory condition. Before purchasing a wood-burning stove it is important to figure out the heating requirements for your space in Kilowatts. This will help you select the proper size stove to heat your space and ensure that you don't over- or under-heat. You can do this with an easy calculation. Multiply the cubic metres of your room by 14. This will give you an estimation of the amount of heating you will need. Affordability When it comes to reducing your heating costs, an indoor wood burning stove is a good choice. Wood stoves generate heat by through firewood, which is a renewable source of energy. They are also less expensive than other energy sources such as electricity and gas. However, it's crucial to be aware of the costs associated with purchasing and maintaining a wood stove prior to making the investment. While the initial cost of a wood-burning stove is high, once it's installed and frequented, your monthly costs are likely to decrease significantly. In fact, if you're changing from gas to a wood stove, you may be able to save up to $1000 per year. In addition to lowering the cost of heating, a wood-burning stove in the indoors can provide backup warmth in the event of an electrical outage. This is an important feature during harsh winter storms, as it can be difficult to keep your house warm without a source of electricity. When selecting a wood stove, make sure you consider its heat capacity and size to ensure that it is capable of adequately warming your home. You'll need to determine the area you wish to heat and then use the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the amount of BTUs are required. You should also consider the layout and amount of insulation in your home and the climate you live in. Wood stoves can be found in a variety of styles and designs, so you're sure to find one that complements your home decor. Modern stoves are sleek, contemporary aesthetic that will enhance the look of your living area and still provide warmth. There are stoves that are compliant with EPA emission standards. They're marked with a sticker that indicates which emission standards they meet. It is important to purchase an EPA-certified stove in order to lower your carbon emissions and avoid harmful air pollution. Easy Maintenance Wood stoves provide a natural and efficient method of heating your home. However, they do require a certain level of maintenance to ensure that they continue operating effectively. You'll need to spend time and effort sourcing, cutting and stacking the wood you will use to light your stove. Also, you'll have to maintain and clean the chimney and the stove. Some homeowners may find these extra tasks daunting. However, there are wood burning fireplace to minimize the amount of work needed to maintain your wood stove to ensure it lasts longer and last longer. To keep your stove in good condition it is essential to establish a regular cleaning schedule. Ideally, you should clean your stove fortnightly or every month in winter, when it's in constant use. Start by vacuuming the exterior surfaces of your oven with an accessory with a soft-bristle. Make sure that you reach all crevices, joints seams, and air intakes. Be gentle when cleaning the parts that are sensitive to heat from the stove. Then, clean the exterior surfaces of your stove using an organic, non-chemical cleaner that is non-toxic. Finally, empty the ash pan, and then sift frequently. This is made easier by spraying water on the top layer of ash. Sometimes, you'll need to remove the entire ash bed from the stove to examine the fire bricks and ensure the bottom of the firebox is clear. The ash tray and pan full can cause your wood stove to overheat, which is why it is vital to empty them when needed. You'll also need to check the gasket and the glass regularly especially after several fires. A damaged seal could cause a major disruption to the process of combustion and can allow gases to leak into the living area. A tarred stove glass can also indicate that the wood isn't burning properly, often caused by a poor draft or lighting the fire in a wrong way. It's recommended to hire a professional chimney sweep at least twice every year to prevent the build-up of creosote and other harmful deposits. Additionally, you should avoid combustible substances from your wood stove as they can catch fire when placed too close to the heater.