11 "Faux Pas" That Are Actually Acceptable To Make With Your Wood Stove Burning
The Advantages of Wood Stove Burning
Wood stove burning is an ideal heat source for those who want to keep their home warm and cozy. But, there are a few things to bear in mind before you start a fire.
All wood stoves need constant air flow to generate heat and fuel. This is controlled by adjustable dampers in the stove door and in the flue pipe leading out to the chimney.
Warmth
Contrary to central heating that is pumped through ductwork and spread throughout the home, stoves use convection to warm your space. They also can provide radiant heat, however this can be colder than a convection heater because the heat is stored by a solid object instead of dispersing into the air. A wood stove burns wood to produce warm, radiant heat which can provide lots of warmth to a space in a relatively short period of time.
The kind of wood you choose to use and the way it is seasoned will impact how well your stove will perform. For instance the harder woods like hazel, birch and oak are slower to burn but give long-lasting and even heat. These kinds of woods are ideal for heating your home since they have an energy density that is high. Soft woods such as spruce and fir have less energy density, which means they burn faster and generate higher levels of carbon emissions.
A majority of modern wood-burning stoves come with turn dampers in the interior of the pipe that connects to the chimney. The dampers are rotatable, and can be adjusted to slow down or speed up the departure of combustion gases from your stove, thereby controlling the amount of heat that is retained within your home.
It is important to know that a wood-burning stove needs more upkeep than other heating methods. Before you can burn the wood, you'll have to cut it into pieces then split it, and stack it. You'll have to replenish the stove when it runs out of fuel, and you'll also need to regularly clean the ash. It is also important to ensure that the stove can draw enough air to be able to burn.
In accordance with the zoning regulations in your area, as well as how you maintain your stove, you might have to address smoke pollution. Many towns use zoning to regulate outdoor burning, and limit visible smoke from the stove, as well as soot and odor. The Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) additionally has regulations that control the use of outdoor fires and restrict opacity.
Aesthetics
A wood stove can add an original look to your home. The warm glow of orange flames licking at dried logs gives a feeling warmth and comfort. They're a great addition to any room in the house and look stunning with vintage and rustic decor. They are a great choice in the event of power outages as they offer radiant heating.
They are also an excellent method to save money as well as reduce carbon emissions. Burning locally harvested and seasoned firewood in a modern wood stove can save you money on heating oil. Using wood for burning also aids in the active management of forests, which benefits wildlife and local community.
When selecting a wood burning stove, consider its energy efficiency. Modern wood stoves are expected to reach over 80% efficiency. This means that they burn more efficiently and produce less smoke. Look for small wood burning stoves with secondary, heat-retaining glazing as well as advanced combustion systems like catalytic or non-catalytic. It is also essential to maintain proper clearances between the stove and any combustible material like curtains or furniture.
Examine the combustion technology of the manufacturer to ensure that it is safe and efficient. Some stoves can be fitted into existing fireplaces, while others are freestanding units that can be moved as needed. Whatever stove you choose it is essential to ensure it has the necessary safety features. These include a shut-off system and venting system that stops gas that is flammable from entering your home.
The Scan 83-2 wood stove from Danish brand Scan seamlessly blends into any décor. Its minimalistic aesthetic, elegantly round silhouette, and a lack of excessive detail give it a simple but sophisticated appeal. This contemporary wood stove has an aluminum handle and mouldings as well as a door that is soft-close and a curved front panel to provide an unobstructed view of the flames. It is available in black or gray and can be used indoors or out. It comes in different sizes to fit into various spaces and rooms, such as large living rooms and contemporary patios.
Cosy atmosphere
Wood stove burning has a cozy atmosphere that can be much warmer than forced air heating. Besides the warmth from the fire itself, there is also radiant heat from the metal body of the stove that warms the room. In addition, the smell of burned wood is pleasing to most people. This atmosphere is a major reason why many prefer to use a wood stove instead of central heating.
Wood heat requires a lot of care to maintain the proper combustion. A lot of modern wood stoves are equipped with automatic control systems which check the flame and adjust the air required to ensure that the stove does not fail to burn, resulting in smoke. The person operating the stove (that is you) can have a significant influence on the performance of the stove. In particular, you can reduce the process of combustion by closing too much of the air vents. This will not only decrease the efficiency of the stove, but will also increase the emissions of volatile compounds.
When you start a fire, it's important to keep the air vents open as wide as they can to allow enough oxygen to the fire. This will help to prevent a buildup of tar and other residues that may build up on the heat exchange surfaces. It's also recommended to make use of a stove ash shovel or bristles to remove the ashes after each fire to keep the grate and firebox clean.
Add the wood slowly, and avoid closing the vents too fast. This could create a vortex which will pull the smoke and unburned volatile compounds into the firebox. This reduces the efficiency of combustion and cause the fire to burn less fuel, and reduce the amount of heat produced.
A blow pipe can be used to help improve combustion by blowing air into the flame. It is important to remember that blow pipes can be dangerous if they are not used in a safe manner. They can lead to fires that are difficult to control if used too close to flames. This kind of equipment is best left to professionals and those who have experience.
Economic
Purchasing and burning wood is a green alternative to fossil fuels. It is a renewable resource and therefore carbon neutral. Wood stoves are typically constructed with a back boiler that means that the waste gases can be circulated to heat the water in your home, thereby decreasing energy bills.
Modern stoves are more efficient when it comes to heating your home. They are efficient in combustion, and emit fewer emissions. They are also smaller, compact and more efficient than fireplaces. This means they can project more warmth into the space and less heat escapes through the chimney.
Many manufacturers combine innovative design with clever engineering to create eco-friendly stoves. This is accomplished by adding features such as the insulation of the firebox, large baffles to make a longer, more hot gas flow and pre-heated air for combustion, and secondary combustion. This allows the combustion to take place at higher temperatures, and also reduces harmful pollutants.
A top-quality wood stove will be SIA ecodesign compliant and will have passed strict tests to ensure they produce very low levels pollution. This is important because the EPA established strict limits on how much pollution a new wood burner can produce and the SIA Ecodesign scheme is the mark of stoves that have met the requirements.
If you have a good garden and are able to collect locally grown, untreated, sustainable logs A wood stove will help you reduce your carbon footprint and save money on heating. Buying locally harvested wood will aid local woodlands and promote the active management of the land which has a positive impact on wildlife too.
It is also possible to build your own wood stove which will help you save money. It's possible due to the availability of scraps as well as reclaimed wood and DIY kits that will assist you in building it. You can choose from catalytic or non-catalytic wood burning stoves. The former is more affordable and easier to use and operate, whereas the latter is costlier but is more efficient in cutting emissions.