A large wood burning stove can be a wonderful addition to a rustic cabin. However, you need to keep it away from combustible objects like carpets to avoid fire hazards.
Use only seasoned or dried wood to get a longer burn time. Also, make sure you purchase a certified wood stove for your home.
Heats Large Spaces
Wood stoves are designed to heat spaces, and depending on the dimensions and style they can effectively warm a room or an entire home. The cost of the stove itself can be anywhere from $400 to over $4,000. Other expenses include the cost of a flue pipe to carry smoke out through the roof or walls, as well as chimney pipes and ducting for venting.
The ideal location for a large wood burning stove is typically the main space where family members gather to eat and relax. It is extremely convenient to place the wood burner in the central area of the home, since it will eliminate the need for moving logs around your home. This makes it much easier to heat any space. Wood stoves can be used in bedrooms, but you should keep in mind the possibility of a draft.
When you are looking to purchase a large wood stove it is crucial to take into consideration the overall area of the room and the way in which the floor plan is laid out. The larger models are often the best option for heating an entire house as they generate more heat. This is particularly important for homes that have open floor designs. These are increasing in popularity as families attempt to cut down on costs for energy while enhancing comfort.
Although it is possible to heat a larger space with just a single wood stove, the process will require more care and time than for smaller models. The key to a successful wood stove is the correct size and the number of heat sources appropriate for the space. If the stove is too small, it will not burn as well and could require slow, smoldering flames in order to avoid overheating.
The quality of the wood that is utilized can also affect the stove's ability to warm a large area. Different kinds of wood are created equal, with some having more BTU content per pound than other. It is best to use woods that are more dense like oak and hickory. They are more expensive, but they burn longer. Regularly cleaning the stove and vent will prevent the risk of creosote accumulating and fire.
No Electricity Needed
Wood stoves don't require electricity to burn wood or create heat. They also don't release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as fossil fuels do. They are a good source of alternative energy for your home, and they can be especially useful in times of power outages.
Many people are surprised to discover that a wood burning stove does not require any kind of electrical supply to operate. It utilizes the natural process of generating heat from wood, not gas or electricity produced by a process that is artificially created. This is great news for the environment as well as your wallet.
If you are planning to purchase wood stove, be sure to inquire with the local authorities prior to installing. Certain municipalities have restrictions or prohibitions on the installation particularly in new construction homes. There are certain times when using a wood stove is not recommended due to the high air pollution levels. Check with the EPA and individual states and private organizations for daily information on air quality.
There are many different styles of wood stoves. The most popular type is a non-catalytic one, which simply burns the smoke that would otherwise escape through the chimney. This type of wood stove is less maintenance-intensive and will keep your home warm for longer.
When selecting a wood stove, you should consider the capacity of the logs and the size of the firebox. The larger the firebox is bigger, the more wood it can hold. It also generates more heat. Make sure you choose the stove with six" chimney that can handle the size of the firewood you plan to use.
Some wood stoves include blowers that distribute heat throughout the room. Although a blower doesn't need 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 important to ensure it complies with local safety and building codes.
Eco-Friendly
Wood burning stoves are an excellent option for heating that is eco-friendly because they reduce the amount of harmful gases that are released into the air. It is important to ensure that the stove is clean, and follow the proper guidelines. It is best to only use wood that is dry, seasoned or dry kiln dried. The chimney should be cleaned on a regular basis and the flue reopened whenever needed to ensure that combustion continues and to reduce smoke. A carbon monoxide detector or alarm should also be installed in the room where the stove is used, as carbon monoxide is poisonous if it is released into the air.
Modern stoves are as eco-friendly as is possible. Many of them meet or exceed the stringent Ecodesign standards set in 2023. It might be time to replace your old stove if it does not meet the requirements. The Henley Hazlewood for example, is a stove that has met all the current environmental standards while retaining the traditional design and style. The stove also features an enormous window that lets you enjoy the dancing flames inside.
The stoves that comply with the Ecodesign standard come with secondary and tertiary intakes of air that prevent the fires from being stripped of oxygen. They are highly efficient and reach high temperatures, which reduces the amount smoke produced. They can be up to three times more efficient than open flames and therefore can be operated at less cost.
When you purchase logs for your wood stove, you should be sure that they come from a sustainable source and that they have been legally harvested. 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 kiln dried and source ethically.
You can also help preserve the environment by planting more trees than you take in. By doing this, you'll be helping reverse deforestation as well as the damage it causes. There are more trees in the U.S. today than 100 years ago, thanks to Forest Service requirements that tree harvesters must plant more trees than they take out.
Easy to Maintain
If you take care of your wood-burning stove, it's relatively easy to maintain. The ash pan, chimney and firebox need to be cleaned regularly. A broom brush could be used to clean ashes from the ash pan. Fireplace tools such as tongs or scoops may be purchased to make the job simpler. This is a vital step to keep your new stove. If you don't clean it frequently, the ashes can accumulate and make it difficult to start an open flame.
Stove thermometers can be beneficial in helping keep your stove in good condition. Simple to use, they allow you to monitor your stove's temperature and ensure that it does not get too hot or cold. This will enable you to save money by using only the wood needed to heat your home.
To get the maximum heat from your wood-burning stove, it is recommended to use seasoned and dry wood. This type of wood burns cleaner and more efficiently than unseasoned or fresh logs because it has a less moisture. Dry wood produces less smoke, which will help to keep the air inside your home cleaner.
Depending on the kind of wood you will be using for your stove, it is a good idea to rotate your logs frequently so that they are not all on the same side. Rotating small wood burning stove will ensure they're all burned and that your stove is operating at its maximum capacity.
It is also important to ensure that your wood burning stove is as far away from flammable materials as is possible. This will prevent fires and accidents within your home. You can purchase protective walls to put around your stove or, if this is not an option, you can try to place it at least 36 inches away from the ceiling and wall.
