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Proper Use and Maintenance of a Wood Heater Stove A wood stove provides a cozy place to warm up and also provide warmth to a whole house. Some of these appliances emit harmful gasses, such as creosote, which is dangerous to health and property. It is crucial to take care of these stoves. A few important factors to consider include making sure that the room is not overheated and not tampering with the fire and using correctly dried firewood. Fuel Wood stoves burn a range of fuel types which include dry wood and manufactured solid fuels, such as briquettes and fire logs. These cleaner burning alternatives are healthier and better for the environment than traditional household coal or wet wood. They still emit some harmful smoke and gases, and require regular maintenance to function at their peak. Make sure you read the manufacturer's guidelines prior to buying or using any kind of fuel. Make sure small wood burning heater is the correct fuel for your stove. Incorrect fuel could damage your stove and chimney, causing expensive repairs or invalidating the warranty. Utilizing a fuel that has not been approved may also be unlawful, particularly in areas with smoke control. Look for the 'Ready to Burn' logo, which confirms that the fuel is in compliance with the sulphur and smoke emission standards, and can be legally sold for domestic use. The logo is usually displayed on the packaging or alongside the name of the brand and its price. The appropriate fuels must be prepared (stored and then split for several months prior to use) or kiln dried to reduce the moisture content, which increases heat output and efficiency in combustion. The type of wood you select must also be suited to your heating requirements. Softwoods such as spruce and pine offer good value heat, but hardwoods such as beech and oak generate a higher output of hot embers for longer durations. Fruitwoods such as apple and cherry can be used not only to heat the house but also provide an appealing scent. If you own a stove that uses multiple fuels, you might want to consider a mixed-fuel fire. Combining wood with smokeless Briquettes will allow the flame to last longer and keep your home warm. The briquettes can be used as a backup and also help keep a chimney from burning by keeping the air moving. A well-maintained stove will produce more heat and burn less fuel, while also releasing less harmful particles. If you own a wood or gas-fired stove, make sure it is installed by an authorized installer. A well-maintained appliance will be more economical to run and will safeguard your health and the environment by preventing harmful emissions. Design The design of wood stoves is a crucial aspect to consider when considering them as a primary or complementing heating source. Unwanted byproducts from combustion, such as carbon monoxide and smoke pose a risk to the environment and health. The key to reducing these emissions is correct operation and careful design. Modern wood stoves are designed to be more eco conscious than traditional models. All EPA certified stoves must adhere to strict energy efficiency and emission regulations to maximize the amount of heat generated. You can determine whether a stove is certified by looking for the metal EPA label on the back or checking the EPA database. Visiting local hearth products retailers who know the performance characteristics of their products is a great way to learn more about wood stoves and what size and capacity is best for your space. Controlling the flow of air through the stove is a crucial part of EPA emission regulations. The stove's firebox is surrounded by walls made of fireproof materials and air vents are placed in the walls to provide controlled airflow. Controlling airflow is vital to ensure that the combustion process is optimal and emissions are minimized. Modern stoves often have a baffle that increases the time to burn the fire, which decreases emissions of smoke and harmful gases. Some wood stoves use a catalyst converter to reduce NOx emissions. This type of system is more expensive and is usually only found in top-end wood stoves. Stoves utilize different air control systems to regulate air flow. The majority of wood stoves utilize a passive air supply, which requires the operator (you) to operate the stove correctly to ensure maximum performance. Some stoves feature active air supplies that are controlled by sensors. These sensors monitor the combustion process, and adjust the air supply as needed. Wood stoves are a great alternative heating solution for homes in remote areas or who are not connected to the electricity grid. If you do not have a backup heating source in the event of a power outage, or if there is a snowstorm, then the wood stove isn't the only option to heat your home. The output of heat Many wood stoves are advertised with an output of heat at the peak in BTUs. This is misleading, however, as the actual heating capacity of a wood stove is dependent on a number of factors like the size of the room as well as the degree of insulation. The climate also has an impact on the requirements for heat. To maintain corner wood burning stove require stoves with higher BTU ratings. The type of wood you use and the frequency you replenish your fireplace are additional factors that influence heat production. Dry, seasoned wood creates more heat than freshly-cut and wet logs. The stove fan can also help move the heat generated by the wood burner throughout the room, instead of having the hot air rise upwards. It is vital to keep in mind that the maximum output of wood heater stoves should not be a constant event since continuous high fire can cause damage to the stove's interior and may cause carbon monoxide gas to leak into the home. Regular refueling can also improve the efficiency of a fireplace. Make sure the log isn't too big and placed on the embers that are glowing so that it doesn't get in the way of the glass or walls of the stove. Add smaller logs more frequently instead of taking too long between additions. High efficiency stoves are engineered to produce more heat output from the same amount of fuel. This is accomplished by prewarming combustion air, and by incorporating other features into the design. These stoves often produce less smoke, toxins and carbon monoxide than older models. Some people opt to install boiler stoves as component of their heating system. This uses the heat generated by the wood burning stove to heat water in the hot water tank or central heating system, which allows the heat to be distributed throughout the house. This is an efficient and cost effective way of heating a home, although the installation process is quite lengthy. This method requires a separate flue, and the additional energy needed to run back boilers can raise the operating costs of wood stoves. Safety Wood stoves and fireplaces are a beautiful and efficient way to heat a home. However, they aren't without their risks. Sparks and embers can spout out of a fire and ignite furniture or carpeting and a hot chimney can lead to fire damage to the structure of your home. Proper use and maintenance of a stove that burns wood reduces the dangers. Wood-burning stoves should be inspected and maintained regularly to keep them 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 every season for creosote buildup. This is highly flammable and can cause chimney fires. When purchasing a fireplace with wood burning select one that has been endorsed by Underwriters Laboratories or another recognized testing laboratory. This will assure you that the stove is constructed to comply with federal safety standards and is specifically designed to allow for proper venting. Examine the hinges, legs and grates to make sure they are in good condition and securely attached to the floor of the stove. If you decide to put in a wood stove in your cabin, make sure that the floor underneath it is insulated and non-combustible. You might also want to lay a piece of non-combustible floor tiles on top of the flooring that is in place, especially in the case of an old mobile home that has combustible floors. Always burn only seasoned and dry hardwoods. Wet and green woods can cause excessive smoke and creosote. This flammable byproduct can build in your chimney, releasing harmful chemicals. Do not burn cardboard, trash, paper or any other combustibles as they can create dangerous fumes, and may not even burn. Never “over fire” your wood stove- that is, create a larger fire than the stove can handle. Over-fired stoves can lead to flames escape from the combustion chamber, causing damage to the stove, chimney connector and chimney itself, as well as burning other combustible materials within your home. Make sure the fire has been completely extinguished prior to leaving your cabin or retiring to sleep. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be working throughout the day.