Woodburning Stoves

Wood-burning stoves provide a low-carbon, clean way to heat your home. The latest models are ecodesign-compliant and have high efficiency ratings.

Some models have catalytic convertors that can ignite particulates and gases that have not been burned through a secondary combustion. They require a bit more maintenance but pay off in heightened efficiency.

Efficient

Wood-burning stoves can heat your home for a long period of time. This makes them a perfect alternative to other sources of heat such as electric or gas furnaces. They can also be used as a source of heat for supplemental use, particularly in the coldest months of winter. If you're considering buying a woodburning stove there are many important factors to think about. For instance, you should determine the size of your home's rooms. Then choose a stove with enough power to adequately heat that space. In addition, you should also consider your home's insulation. Better-insulated homes will use less woodburning stove power to heat them.

Certain woodburning appliances feature catalytic combustion which allows lower temperatures to be reached and results in less polluting and a reduction of creosote. This kind of fireplace can be more expensive, but it can help you save money on fuel.

Another method to boost the efficiency of a woodburning stove is to install the duct system. This will allow your home to be heated more quickly and evenly, as it lets the hot air to circulate more efficiently. However installing a ducting system can be costly and time-consuming.

The majority of modern wood-burning stoves comply with EPA standards and are designed to cut down on air pollution. However some older stoves are not as efficient as they should be. Recent studies conducted by the Northeast States of Coordinated Air Use Management discovered that wood-burning stoves regulated by the EPA actually emit more particles than they are estimated to release.

Some states have offered incentives to replace dirty, old wood stoves by newer models. However, NESCAUM's findings suggest some of these incentive programs might not have been successful. The EPA is reviewing the incentives to make changes. Currently, the EPA stipulates that wood-burning stoves to emit no more than 2.5 grams of particle pollution per hour. This is less than the amount a diesel car produces. Defra (UK's Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) has similar emission limits. Ecodesign-compliant wood-burning stoves emit 38 percent less particulates compared to older stoves or open fires.

Clean

Woodburning stoves require regular maintenance and cleaning. Three main areas need attention: the firebox, flue and chimney. The firebox should be cleaned frequently and the ash removed. Wear gloves when handling the ashes since they are hot. Once the ashes have been removed they should be stored in a bucket of metal or canister. It is a great idea to lightly spray the ash with water to make it easier to handle.

Creosote is a sticky material that forms on the inside of your stovepipe and chimney. If it is left unattended it could result in the possibility of a chimney fire. It can also trigger respiratory problems and be an ill-health risk. You can avoid the buildup of creosote by maintaining a briskly burning fire with dry, well-seasoned wood. If your stove has aged and is deteriorating, it will need to be cleaned more often.

The glass on the stove door lets you see the beautiful flames dancing in the flame. As time passes the glass may become tarred and sooty. You can clean the glass using stove glass cleaner, available at your stove retailer or hardware store. You can also use a rag with some water to wash the glass. Sooty glasses are usually caused by a draft that is not correct or by lighting the fire in a incorrect way. Tarred glass is caused by using softwoods like pine and fir, which produce more creosote.

Over time the rope seal around the door of your stove can flatten and lose its shape allowing smoke, fumes and carbon monoxide to escape into the room. This can be easily fixed by replacing the seal. It is crucial to inspect the rope seal on a regular basis and replace it when it wears out or is damaged.

While the flue and chimney are typically cleaned by a professional, it is important that homeowners regularly clean the stove, fireplace lining and chimney. Keeping the stove and chimney clean will not only reduce the amount of creosote that is produced, but also help to maintain an efficient level of performance.

Aesthetically pleasing

A wood stove can make any room feel more welcoming. The warmth of a fireplace makes living rooms more appealing. A freestanding or built in stove is a good choice for those looking to improve their living room concepts. The best stove requires thoughtful consideration. It is essential to ensure that the size of the stove to the heating capacity of the room, and also to ensure that there is adequate ventilation to stop smoke or soot from building up.

In the past, wood burning stoves were the heart of American life. Many families kept potbelly stoves and kitchen stoves in use year round and summer was spent chopping, splitting, and stacking firewood to be used in winter. Little boys were often faced with the chore of carrying large quantities of wood into the home often throughout the winter. The introduction of electricity and central heating systems saw to the gradual demise of the wood stove.

Wood stoves can be a stunning addition to any living-room design. Their classic look and updated designs will bring back memories of an earlier time. Wood stoves are also an excellent choice for heating, as they make use of renewable energy sources. Some models are made to be more efficient, with a catalytic combustion system that helps keep the exhaust gases clear while still providing the maximum warmth.

It's important that you look for the EPA certification on wood stoves. This means that the stove has been verified and tested to ensure it meets strict emission standards. This can help you save money as well as reduce pollution in your home. Certain models feature glass windows that are tempered to ensure safety. This can enhance the beauty and elegance of the stove.

If you're seeking a modern design, you may want to consider a stove by the Lineslife company. It comes in two sizes, and the wider version has a jet black frame that makes a great focal point. Combine it with a table in the same industrial design to create a cohesive look.

Easy to maintain

Woodburning stoves can be easily maintained and kept looking great with a little effort. The amount of cleaning needed will depend on how often the stove is used. When the stove is not being used, the interior must be cleared of ashes and the flue should be closed. Wait until the stove is cool before cleaning it or looking it over. If you notice that the glass of your stove becoming sooty or tarry, this could mean that your fire is not burning efficiently and you should modify the way you light your fire.

The best way to make sure that a wood stove is operating efficiently is to burn a quality fuel, like white oak or locust. It is recommended to use seasoned wood stove burning, which has been split and dried for around a year. This allows the wood to retain its moisture content and to burn more efficiently.

If you live in a place that has many trees, you can cut down your heating costs by cutting and preparing your own firewood. If you don't have the time to cut and gather your own firewood, you can purchase it at a local lumberyard. Most wood stoves are up to 80% efficient, saving you money on heating costs.

When used correctly, smoke from a fireplace can be a source of pollution, but it's not a cause of serious health issues. Toxins in wood smoke may aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Lung cancer is also caused by exposure to wood smoking.

It is recommended to have your chimney and stove made of wood professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year. The creosote that builds up inside your stove will also need to be removed periodically and is best done by an expert. You can locate a certified installer by visiting the National Fireplace Institute website or contact your local WETT technician. Their certified technicians are able to give you suggestions on which stove is best suited to your home.