The Not So Well-Known Benefits Of Small Wood Burner
Caboose - A Very Small Wood Burner
The Caboose log-burner is certified by DEFRA and Ecodesign. It can burn smokeless or wood. It can take larger pieces of wood than tiny stoves, and boasts an impressive burn time and heat output.
It can also be protected with a heatshield to comply with Approved Document J Building Regulations, which require wood stoves to be kept 150mm away from surfaces that are combustible on all sides.
Clean Wood
Wood stoves are not just gorgeous, but they are also an excellent way to heat your home. To ensure that they operate efficiently and smoothly, they must be maintained in a proper manner. This can be a bit of a challenge especially when it is about keeping the glass clean however a few easy steps can make all the difference.
It is essential to only burn wood that has been seasoned in your wood stove. This means that the wood should have been chopped and stored for at least a year prior to being used in order to limit the amount of smoke that is released. Unseasoned wood can cause the flue to overheat and result in a fire that is out of control.
Only burn clean wood on your stove. Avoid paper or other non-wood substances such as rubber and plastics as these can produce toxic fumes that aren't good for your health. Burning treated or painted wood could release harmful chemicals like arsenic that is harmful for your health.
It is also a good idea to clean up the inside of your stove. This can be done quite easily with a common household vacuum cleaner and a brush attachment. You can also buy various cleaners that are designed specifically for use on stove glass, however it is important to ensure that the product you choose will not void the warranty on your stove prior to using it.
Additionally, it is essential to check regularly the fire rope seals around the top and bottom doors of your wood burner. These seals stop smoke or soot escaping from the stove. It is essential that they are securely installed and not damaged.
The last thing you should do is to remove every so often any birds who have made their home of your chimney. Seagulls pose a particular threat and often sit on chimneys during the summer, which can lead to all manner of debris being deposited down the flue, which could cause damage to your stove. You can install various bird guards and spikes to your chimney to avoid this.
Paper Burning
Burning paper is a quick method of getting the fire going, but the wrong type of paper can cause dangerous smoke. Some types of paper like glossy magazines or giftwrap contain toxic chemicals that release toxic fumes when burnt. To avoid creating a hazardous environment, only burn clean papers in your wood burner.
Consider using a tub if you only have a small amount of paper to burn. Set a stack of papers over the tub and light one corner. The water will capture the embers, preventing them from setting fire to nearby trees or grass. If you are concerned about the smell of burning paper, you can put a bowl of baking soda or vinegar nearby to neutralize the odors.
Start with a base made of small twigs, or newspaper that has been shredded. This will ensure that the paper burns in a proper manner. Add 3-4 medium-sized logs of wood and let them burn. Next, layer the paper on top of the burning tinder. The paper will quickly burn, so it is important to stay close and monitor the fire as it is burning.
It is recommended to burn your papers outside on the day there is no wind. A strong wind gust can send embers into your home or into the grass. Furthermore, the smoke of burning papers could cause breathing problems when inhaled.
You can also use the BBQ grill to burn paper, however this method is recommended when you only have just a few sheets of paper to burn. If you have a removable metal grilling surface, you can take it off and use it to burn the paper directly on the charcoal.
Before you begin to burn paper, make sure that your wood burner is fully functional and that the fire pit is clear of twigs, branches, and other flammable materials. It is also a good idea to keep an extinguisher in your reach in case of an emergency. Also, make sure to check with your county government as well as your homeowners association to confirm that it is legal to burn paper outside in your area.
Safety Precautions
Wood-burning stoves can provide many hours of relaxation and pleasure, but that joy is only achievable if you take the necessary steps to use them in a safe manner. It may appear obvious to others however the reality is that a lot of people don't follow the basic safety guidelines.
Make wood burning stove in conservatory that your stove is properly insulated and any flue pipes that run outside are adequately protected. Also, make sure that children and pets are kept away from the stove.
Ensure that any paper and trash is not thrown into the firebox. The burning of these items can cause the fireplace and chimney to overheat. They can also create creosote that is a significant fire hazard and must be cleaned on a regular basis.
Make sure the smoke alarms are in good working condition and test them every month. Installing carbon monoxide alarms can also save lives. They are also inexpensive.
Always keep a fire extinguisher at reach in the event of an emergency. Always burn only dry, seasoned logs, and don't build a stack of logs that are too large. A stack of logs that is burning together can result in a lack of combustion, which can increase CO emissions. It is important to monitor and manage the flame. If it gets out of hand, it should be extinguished immediately.
When you're done using your stove, be certain that the fire has been put out and that all combustible substances have been removed from the flue pipe and firebox. There are specific clearance requirements that will depend on your stove model and on how you plan to install it within your home.
You should consider a DEFRA approved model if you intend to install your wood burning stove in a smoke-controlled space. These stoves are designed for use in smoke-controlled areas and are available in a variety of sizes and colours. Some models can even be customized to match your personal design and come with direct air intake for improved performance in smoke control zones.
Installation
Wood stoves are a very popular choice for heating small areas. They can be found in yurts, sheds, and even cabins. In addition, they create a warm and cozy fire without using oil or electricity. It is essential to follow the installation instructions supplied by the manufacturer in order to set up your wood stove correctly. These guidelines will ensure that your wood stove is safe to use and can use it without problems.
Before installing your stove you must remove all combustible substances from the area. Also, ensure that you have at least 16" of space between the stove and the nearest wall that is combustible. If you cannot meet these requirements then a stove board or hearth pad could be put in place. This non-combustible mat is designed with spacers of 1" to help the stove stand further away from walls, which could reduce clearance requirements by up to 66%.
You should also remove the furniture and curtains to stop smoke from blowing into the room. Install a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm in your shed. In addition, you must ensure there is sufficient ventilation in the shed. It is essential to regularly inspect your stove for safety.
It is a good idea to buy a wood stove with EPA certification. This certification means that the stove is more than 75% efficient, which means it will absorb and convert more heat from wood than it releases. It is recommended to select your wood stove according to the recommended heating capacity of the space in which it will be installed. This will stop you from overloading your wood stove, which could result in creosote and smokeouts.
After you have cleared out the space and removed any combustible materials then you must build the foundation for your stove. This will involve taking out all combustibles and preparing the hearth. Check that any existing vents are free and open. If not, you will require new vents.
After you have installed your stove, test its performance by lighting three or four small fires. This will allow you to make sure that the fire bricks are cured and the paint on your stove and will ensure that it's safe to burn an extensive fire.