Buying a Large Wood Burning Stove
A large wood-burning stove is an excellent addition to a rustic log cabin. However, you need to keep it away from flammable things like carpets, to avoid fire hazards.
Also, only use seasoned or dry wood to ensure a long burn time. Also, ensure that you purchase a stove that is certified for your home.
cheap wood burning stoves and, depending on their size and style, can warm an entire home. The price of the stove can range from $400 to more than $4,000. Additional expenses include the expense of a flue pipe to transport smoke through the roof or walls and chimney pipes and ducting to vent the smoke.
The ideal location for a large wood burning stove is typically the central space where family members gather to eat and relax. It is very convenient to put the wood stove in the middle of the house, as it will eliminate the need for moving logs around your home. This makes it easier to heat any space. A wood stove can be utilized in a bedroom, however it is important to be aware that the fire may cause a draft that disrupts sleep.
When you are looking to purchase a large wood burning stove, you should be aware of the total square footage and the layout of the room. The larger models are often the best choice to heat a whole house as they generate more heat. This is particularly relevant for homes that have open floor designs. These are increasing in popularity as families try to reduce costs for energy while enhancing the comfort.
It is possible to heat a complete home with one wood stove. However, it will take longer and require more attention than smaller models. The trick is to size the stove and have enough heat sources for the space. If the stove is too small it will burn less and may have to use slow, smoldering fires to avoid overheating.
The quality of the wood used can also affect the capacity of a stove to heat large areas. Different kinds of wood are created equal, with some having an increased BTU content per pound than others. A good rule of thumb is to select more dense woods, such as oak and hickory. These are more expensive but burn longer. It is also important to regularly clean the stove and flue vent to prevent creosote buildup and a dangerous fire.
No electricity is required
Wood stoves do not require electricity to burn wood and generate heat. They do not release carbon into the air as do fossil fuels do. They are a great alternative energy source for your home and are particularly useful during times of power outages.
Many people are surprised learn that a wood burning stove doesn't require any type of electrical source to function. This is due to the fact that it uses an organic process to create heat from wood instead of electricity or gas that is produced artificially. This is a great benefit for the environment as well as your wallet.
Before installing a wood stove you should check with the local authorities. Certain cities have restrictions or prohibitions on the installation, especially in new construction homes. You may also find that there are times that it isn't appropriate to use wood stoves due to high levels of air pollution. Make sure to check with the EPA, individual states, and private groups for daily information on air quality.
You can choose from a wide range of styles for wood stoves. The most well-known is the non-catalytic model that is able to burn the smoke that normally escapes through the chimney. This kind of stove requires less maintenance and can keep your house warmer longer than the catalytic wood stove which needs more regular maintenance.
When you are choosing a wood stove you must consider the capacity of the logs as well as the size of the firebox. The bigger the firebox larger, the more wood it can hold. It can also produce more heat. Make sure you choose an appliance with 6" chimney that is able to handle the size of the firewood you intend to use.
Some wood stoves come with blowers that help to distribute the heat throughout the room. Although a blower doesn't technically require electricity to run, you will require an electrical source should you decide to add one to your wood stove. Installing your stove by a professional is essential to ensure it complies with local safety and building codes.
Eco-Friendly
Wood burning stoves are a fantastic option for heating that is eco-friendly as they help reduce the amount of harmful gases that are released into the atmosphere. However, it is important to ensure that you are using an efficient stove and adhering to the proper guidelines when using it. It is best to only use wood that is dry, seasoned or kiln dried. The chimney should be cleaned on a regular basis, and the flue opened whenever needed to ensure that combustion continues and to reduce smoke. A carbon monoxide detector or alarm should be installed in the room where the stove is being used, since carbon monoxide is poisonous if it is released into the air.
Modern stoves are designed to be as eco-friendly and as efficient as possible. Many of them meet or exceed the strict Ecodesign standards introduced in 2023. If you have an older stove that doesn't meet these standards and you are not sure, it could be the time to upgrade to a new model. The Henley Hazlewood, for example meets all current standards for environmental protection while maintaining a traditional design and style. This stove also has a huge window that lets you experience the dancing flames within.
The stoves that are certified to meet the Ecodesign standard have secondary and tertiary intakes that stop the fire from becoming exhausted of oxygen. They have high efficiencies and reach very hot temperatures, which reduces the amount of smoke produced. They can be three times more efficient than open flames and thus can be operated at less cost.
When buying logs for your wood stove, be sure that they come from a sustainable source and have been harvested legally. This can be verified by looking for the Woodsure 'Ready to Burn' Seal of Approval. This means that the wood has been properly seasoned or fired dry and is sources ethically.
You can also help to preserve the environment by planting more trees than you take in. By doing this, you'll be helping reverse deforestation and the damage that it causes. In reality, there are now more trees being planted in the U.S than there were a century ago, thanks to the Forest Service's demand that foresters plant more than they harvest.
Easy to maintain
If you care for your wood burning stove, it's fairly easy to maintain. The ash pan, chimney and firebox need to be cleaned regularly. To make this process easier, a special tool known as a broom brush can be used to get rid of the ashes from the ash pan and fireplace tools like scoops and tongs are also available. This is a vital step to keep your new stove. If you don't regularly clean it the ashes will build up and make it difficult to light an open flame.
Stove thermometers can also be very useful in maintaining your stove. They are simple to use and permit you to monitor the temperature of your stove, and make sure that it is not getting too hot or too cold. This will help you save money by only using the wood necessary to heat your home.
To get the most heat from your wood stove, you should use only dry and seasoned wood. This wood has less moisture and burns more efficiently than fresh or unseasoned logs. Dry wood also produces less smoke, which helps to keep the air in your home healthier.
Based on the type of wood you use for your stove, it is an excellent idea to rotate your logs often so that they are not all on the same side. Rotating the logs ensures that they're all burned and your stove is operating at its maximum capacity.
It is also important to ensure that your wood burning stove is as far from flammable substances as you can. This will stop any accidents and fires from arising in your home. You can buy protective walls for your stove or, in the event that this is not an option then you should put it at least 36" away from the ceiling and wall.